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Original poster

To stop Oestrogel

35 replies

hellno123 · 28/01/2025 07:22

I've been prescribed oestrogel along with Utrogestan and I am thinking of stopping it. One of the reasons is weight gain, I can't afford to be putting on anymore weight and a lot of people seem to gain weight on this. Also it's making me more irritable and jittery. I've been on it for 2 weeks and take one pump of the gel. Anyone had positive experiences on this. Haven't posted in the menopause forum as it doesn't seem to get much traffic. I'm 43

OP posts:
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Original poster
hellno123 · 23/02/2025 09:37

FusionChefGeoff · 22/02/2025 23:09

I hope you're doing this with doctor guidance?? If you are peri menopausal, the Utrogestan is supposed to be for half your cycle; 2 tablets per day. It is important to prevent against womb cancer. And if you're increasing your Oestrogel then that also should be under GP supervision.

My GP said I can start on 1 pump and if I don't feel any difference to go to 2 pumps. I take 1 tablet a day for 25 days of my cycle

OP posts:
FusionChefGeoff · 22/02/2025 23:09

I hope you're doing this with doctor guidance?? If you are peri menopausal, the Utrogestan is supposed to be for half your cycle; 2 tablets per day. It is important to prevent against womb cancer. And if you're increasing your Oestrogel then that also should be under GP supervision.

Delatron · 13/02/2025 08:28

That’s great. HRT is so individual and can take lots of tweaking. Also can take a while to kick in!

MILLYmo0se · 13/02/2025 07:52

Good to hear OP

Original poster
hellno123 · 13/02/2025 07:51

I've upped the pumps to 2. 1 pump wasn't cutting it and the rage was worse than ever especially when I started the Utrogestan. Feel much better

OP posts:
ValentineValentineV · 05/02/2025 15:25

I have been on it for 6.5 years, it took about three months to work for me, it’s great stuff.

Delatron · 05/02/2025 14:54

Oh and no weight gain here.

Delatron · 05/02/2025 14:53

The breast cancer risk was with the old type of HRT. New type is fine.

It takes a while to settle - I’d definitely give it longer than 2 weeks. The progesterone really helped with my sleep and oestrogen with my hot flushes. I’m on patches though as I am forgetful! Can just about remember to change them twice a week.

HRT can take a lot of tweaking but there are so many benefits it’s worth persisting.

Original poster
hellno123 · 05/02/2025 14:46

🤣🤣 that will be me op if I stopped using it. The coil does seem a good option. I will speak to my doctor on the next appointment.

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SpringleDingle · 05/02/2025 14:40

I use the estrogen gel - 2 pumps and have a coil for the progesterone. I found it to provide a gradual improvement and it just made me feel more like myself. I didn't notice any weight gain and have been on the gel for over a year. I have started a diet this year and am losing well without having to restrict my calories too much (I am overweight but not obese). I really only noticed the impact of the gel when I stopped it for a month and turned back into the raging bog beast!

Original poster
hellno123 · 05/02/2025 14:35

I do think I need to up the oestrogel definitely. I'd rather take 12 tablets as appose to 25. It's just having to remember to take them.

OP posts:
FusionChefGeoff · 05/02/2025 14:17

If only 12 days then it's 2 tabs per day for me.

The vagina tablets are different to the oral ones - I've just had them prescribed that's how I know.

Also, 1 pump is a very low dose so you may need to increase to feel the full benefits.

Original poster
hellno123 · 05/02/2025 14:13

Also anyone who takes Utrogestan does it matter if it's taken orally or vaginally as I know you can take this one both ways.

OP posts:
Original poster
hellno123 · 05/02/2025 14:12

Just a little update so far so good. I have started taking the Utrogestan part now. However it says I have to take 25 tablets, obviously 1 a day. But reading on here many seem to only have to take 12 tablets per cycle.

OP posts:
MILLYmo0se · 28/01/2025 13:14

Januarybirthdaysarehardtomakefun · 28/01/2025 08:20

I gave it up after 3 months, it changed my demeanour, I became outspoken and agressive, I gained weight, I drank more alcohol - therefore double whammy on breast cancer risk. Not sure what to do next tbh, I thinking booze entirely may help and to try to find more joy in the workplace.

What was the double whammy on BC risk, were you on combined HRT?

Ilovelowry · 28/01/2025 09:46

The oestrogen is amazing for me but I always put on weight as soon as I started the progesterone which caused the kind of bloating you get with PMT. Switched to the mirena and no more bloating or sore breasts.

Original poster
hellno123 · 28/01/2025 09:23

I've heard the patches are meant to be good. If at the end of the 3 months I don't feel 100% I will definitely go and see if I can change it. I was taken back that my doctor suggested HRT to me. I thought you needed a letter from god to have it prescribed

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BigGapMum · 28/01/2025 09:21

There are different estrogen options. Why don't you speak to your GP and see if you can try a different type of estrogen? A patch maybe? A different one may suit you better. No need to suffer unnecessarily.

Original poster
hellno123 · 28/01/2025 09:05

Thank you everyone. I will see how I get on. Hopefully it will turn out to be a positive experience for me. If it doesn't, I know there are options. I don't feel as jittery after my gel this morning so hopefully this is a sign of things calming down. I am due to take the Utrogestan any day now as my doctor said to take it on my 1st day of my period as it will be easier to remember. I am looking forward to getting back to the old me.

OP posts:
Legoninjago1 · 28/01/2025 08:25

Hey OP sorry haven't read all replies so apologies if I'm repeating.
2 weeks isn't enough time to have had any effect either way. I'd say 3-6 months is when I started to really feel better. I'd also say the side effects you're describing are reasons to persevere with it, not to stop it.
I lost weight on it. I'd always been able to lose weight pretty easily but that changed after 45 ish. Once on HRT it went back to being easy. I went on it for anxiety which is a million times better now. Keep going.

Januarybirthdaysarehardtomakefun · 28/01/2025 08:20

I gave it up after 3 months, it changed my demeanour, I became outspoken and agressive, I gained weight, I drank more alcohol - therefore double whammy on breast cancer risk. Not sure what to do next tbh, I thinking booze entirely may help and to try to find more joy in the workplace.

FindusMakesPancakes · 28/01/2025 08:16

Weight gain in middle age is normal. I actually lost weight when I started HRT (same combo as you) because it gave me energy to exercise again, eased aches and pains so I felt 15 years younger.
I suffered with PMDD and being on HRT has genuinely been life changing for me. I plan never to come off it, because it has made such a difference to me.

Obviously not everyone will have such a great experience, but I would stick at it for a while and if after 3 months ish, you are not convinced, you can always change your mind.

Original poster
hellno123 · 28/01/2025 07:58

I've read it can be fluid retention. I just hope the jittery side of things die down. But it is early days, I will carry on with the 3 month supply

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BabCNesbitt · 28/01/2025 07:46

I started when I was 46 and I did put weight on, but I was also continuing bad eating habits so I think with peri I’d have gained anyway. I’m making an effort to lose in earnest now (I’m 49) and the oestrogel doesn’t seem to be stopping me from losing weight. I have a family history of osteoporosis, so I’m planning to keep taking it for as long as possible.

DaringTurtle · 28/01/2025 07:42

I had horrendous bloating for the first few weeks on Oestrogel but it calmed down and now I feel great and have lost around a stone compared to pre HRT. I found cutting out caffeine and fizzy drinks and drinking peppermint tea helped with the initial bloat. Sleep and mood massively improved. I had a friend who had similar early side effects and I’m glad she encouraged me to stick with it. Good luck!