Oestrogel Gel (Estradiol 0.06%)

Oestrogel should be applied once a day, in the morning or evening. Wherever possible, try to apply the gel at about the same time each day.

You should start to notice a reduction in menopause symptoms within a few weeks of starting to take Oestrogel. However, it can take up to three months to really see the effects. Book an appointment with your medical professional just before the end of the three months to discuss next steps. If, by this time, your symptoms have not been alleviated, your doctor may recommend alternative hormone replacement therapies.

Oestrogel helps to alleviate the symptoms associated with the oestrogen imbalance that occurs naturally as a woman ages and goes through menopause. These symptoms include hot flushes, insomnia, anxiety and mood swings.

It is common for women to gain weight when they are going through the menopause. However, there is no evidence that taking HRT will make you put on weight.

In menopausal women, the drop in oestrogen can result in an increase in abdominal (or visceral) fat. While there is not currently sufficient evidence to support the claim that HRT can help you lose weight, some women say that taking HRT has made it easier for them to lose weight, and some studies have detected a correlation in reduction in abdominal fat and HRT.

Oestrogen stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid, which makes the skin look younger. Therefore, taking HRT can help you to retain some skin elasticity and help to slow down ageing.

It is not generally advisable for a woman to take HRT for the rest of her life. In general terms, HRT is no longer needed after 2-5 years. However, this can vary depending on the age of menopause, and other medical conditions. Women who went through menopause early, or who had their ovaries or womb removed may need to take HRT for longer.

The question of whether or not to take HRT is very personal and will depend on each woman. For women who go through menopause over the age of 50 without unmanageable symptoms, and who don’t have risk factors of osteoporosis, HRT may not be advantageous. For women who experience menopause at a younger age, HRT can help to prevent osteoporosis later in life. And for many women, menopause can come with debilitating symptoms; in these cases, HRT can offer some relief and normality.

For women who decide not to take oestrogen during menopause, oestrogen levels will continue to drop. While alternative menopause treatments can help to alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause the longer term health risks such as reduced bone density, will continue to be a concern.

Oestrogel and Sandrena both contain the same active ingredient - estradiol. However, they have different concentrations and other than the estradiol, contain different ingredients. Sandrena Gel has a higher concentration of estradiol, meaning that it is harder to vary the dosage range. It is also slightly stickier than Oestrogel, which means that it can take longer to dry.

It is important that you try your HRT for three months before switching. However, women who are having trouble getting Oestrogel could consider equivalent alternative HRT solutions. This includes preparations such as patches, Sandrena gel (0.5 or 1 mg), or Lenzetto spray.