Everything you need to know about Oestrogel

Oestrogel is a safe and effective form of HRT for many women. Because it is absorbed through the skin, directly into the bloodstream and bypasses the liver, reducing some of the risks associated with oral oestrogen.

However, as with all HRT, the benefits and risks should be discussed with a doctor to ensure it is the right option for you and these are highly personalised to your own medical history.

If you have a womb, then your Oestrogel should be prescribed alongside a progesterone. This protects the lining of the womb.

Oestrogel is body identical. It contains estradiol, which has the same chemical structure as the oestrogen naturally produced by the body. This makes it a well-tolerated option for many women.

There is no evidence that Oestrogel causes weight gain. However, menopause itself can cause changes in metabolism, fat distribution, and muscle mass, which may affect weight.

Some women notice temporary bloating or fluid retention when starting HRT, but this usually settles within a few months. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise can help manage any changes. If you have concerns, speak with your doctor about adjusting your treatment.

You should see symptom reductions within the first 3 months. If you experience no improvements at all, your doctor is likely to check you are absorbing oestrogen with a blood test. If you experience some improvements, but not complete symptom relief your doctor may adjust your dose.

1 pump measure of oestrogel contains 25mcg oestradiol. This is the same amount of oestrogen as delivered through as 25mcg patch.

Your prescription should specify how many pumps you need to use each day. Typically women will start on 1-2 pumps per day, and adjust up with their doctor at their review appointments.

• 1 pump = 25mcg estradiol
• 2 pump = 50mcg estradiol
• 3 pump = 75mcg estradiol
• 4 pump = 100mcg estradiol

• Oestrogel should be applied to clean, dry, unbroken skin (avoid breasts, genitals, face, or irritated areas).
• Remove the cap from the canister.
• Remove the stopper from the spout of the Oestrogel
• Press the plunger down a few times - initially nothing will come out but then gel will start to come out
• Don’t use the first dose of gel from your Pump Pack as this will likely not be a full dose. Discard this does
• Press the pump again and this can be used as the first full dose.
• A bottle of Oestrogel contains 64 metered doses.

More information on the packaging can be found here: https://www.oestrogel.co.uk

We would typically advise not to get the area in which the gel has been applied for at least 2 hour after the gel has been applied. This is to ensure that you have given the gel enough time to absorb, and you see the most benefit you can for this treatment.

Yes, all our expert clinicians can prescribe Oestrogel. If you book into a consultation your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history, and talk through your options. Whilst many women do start Oestrogel through our service, the final prescription decision will be with the prescribing clinician. We can not guarantee any prescriptions.

Yes, Oestrogel is available as part of the £90 medication credit on our plans. It’s a common prescription. However, The final prescription decision will be with the prescribing clinician who you have your appointment with. We can not guarantee any specific prescriptions.