HRT gel is a popular treatment for symptoms of the menopause. The gel can help relieve symptoms by replacing oestrogen in the body or vaginal tissues, depending on the product (1). You can request an HRT gel prescription through our website.
What is menopause?
Menopause is when your periods stop permanently (1). It usually affects females aged 45 to 55 but it can happen earlier (early or premature menopause) (1). Periods stop due to reproductive hormone levels lowering (1). Hormones are chemicals that travel around the body, affecting different bodily functions (2).
Oestrogen and progestogen are the reproductive hormones that decrease in the body (1). These hormones are important for periods, ovulation and pregnancy (1). They also affect bone health (1).
Menopause can cause symptoms including (1):
- Hot flushes (1)
- Low mood or mood swings (1)
- Low sex drive or pain during sex (1)
- Vaginal dryness or a burning sensation in the vagina (1)
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia) (1)
- Weakening bones (osteoporosis) (3)
What is HRT?
HRT stands for hormone replacement therapy (1). It treats menopause symptoms by supplementing low levels of reproductive hormones (oestrogen and progestogen) (1).
HRT involves taking oestrogen and progestogen together, or oestrogen alone:
- If you’ve had your womb removed (a hysterectomy) you’ll usually use an oestrogen-only HRT (1)
- If you still have your womb, both oestrogen and progestogen HRT are recommended (1)
Oestrogen HRT comes in a variety of forms including (1):
- Tablets (1)
- Sprays (1)
- Patches (1)
- Gels (1)
Progestogen HRT can be taken through (1):
- Tablets (1)
- Plastic T-shaped coil (4) that is placed in your womb (intrauterine system (IUS)) (1)
What are the different types of HRT gel?
There are 3 different types of HRT gel:
What are Oestrogel and Sandrena?
Oestrogel or Sandrena are oestrogen gels (3). They supplement the amount of oestrogen in your body. This can help to control and reduce a range of menopausal symptoms (1).
What is Blissel?
Blissel is a vaginal oestrogen gel (8). It supplements the amount of oestrogen in the vaginal tissues (8). This can help to control and reduce symptoms like vaginal dryness, burning, itching, and pain during sex (1).
How do you use Oestrogel?
Oestrogel is applied to the skin on your shoulder, outer arm, or mid-inner thigh every day (5) and left to dry (1). Your doctor should tell you where to apply Oestrogel gel.
How do you use Sandrena?
Sandrena is applied to skin on the lower body or thighs every day (6) and left to dry (1). It should be applied to a different side of the body each day. (6)
How do you use Blissel?
Blissel gel is put inside the vagina, using an applicator (8). This is done every day for 3 weeks when you first start to use it, and then 2 times a week (8).
What are the advantages of Oestrogen and Sandrena?
Oestrogel and Sandrena are newer and generally better tolerated alternatives to tablets (1). They also don’t increase your risk of blood clots (1).
What are the advantages of Blissel?
Blissel doesn’t increase your risk of breast cancer (1). You can also use it without taking progestogen, even if you still have a womb (1).
What are the disadvantages of Oestrogel and Sandrena?
You have to wait for about five minutes for Oestrogel and Sandrena to dry before you can do anything (1).
What are the disadvantages of Blissel?
Blissel only helps with menopause symptoms related to the vagina (1). It doesn’t help with other symptoms such as mood swings, hot flushes, or sleeping problems (1).
What are the side effects of Oestrogel and Sandrena?
Some common side effects of Oestrogel and Sandrena include (9):
- Headaches (9)
- Feeling dizzy or like you’re going to be sick (nausea) (9)
- More often, loose, or runny poos (diarrhoea) (9)
- Tender or painful breasts (9)
- Unexpected bleeding from the vagina (9)
- Low mood, depression, or mood swings (9)
- Leg cramps (9)
- Rashes or itching (9)
- Hair loss (9)
These side effects may affect up to 1 in every 10 people who use this medicine, and are only a sample. You should always read the patient information leaflet for any medicine you use.
What are the side effects of Blissel?
Some common side effects (may affect up to 1 in every 10 people who use this medicine) of Blissel include (10):
- Headaches (10)
- Unexpected bleeding from the vagina (10)
- Vaginal infection, discomfort, or itchiness (10)
- Infection in the bladder, the tube that pee travels out of (urethra), and the kidneys (collectively known as the urinary tract) (10)
- Pain or discomfort in the tummy (abdomen) (10)
You can speak to a pharmacist or doctor about the side effects of treatment. Always read the patient information leaflet and report any side effects you experience to a healthcare professional.
Who are Oestrogel and Sandrena suitable for?
We can prescribe Oestrogel or Sandrena to people who have been diagnosed with menopause by their GP or a specialist.
Who is Blissel suitable for?
Blissel may be prescribed following a consultation if symptoms include vaginal dryness, a burning sensation, or pain during sex, due to menopause (known as genitourinary symptoms of menopause). If you use Blissel you should follow up with your GP within a few weeks.
Where can I buy HRT gel?
You need a prescription from a pharmacist or doctor to get Oestrogel, Sandrena, or Blissel gel.
If you’re interested in treatment, you can start a consultation with the online doctor:
- Select your medical condition or a suggested treatment
- Click ‘Start my online consultation’
- Fill in the online consultation
Your responses will be reviewed by an independent UK prescriber. If suitable, a prescription can be issued and dispensed by our pharmacy team.