Gel or patch - which should I ask for?

[Northernlass99]

After a minor battle with the nurses, they agreed I can have HRT - so am seeing GP next week to have my Mirena replaced (its over 5 years old) and get a prescription for oestrogen.

The nurse said discuss with the GP whether you want gel or patch. She recommended patches as they are easier, and gel has to be left to dry.

I am worried I would forget to change the patch and gel sounds easier to me, especially to adjust the dose. Or is it a case of what suits my body? Can anyone share their experience? What do I need to know before I discuss this with GP?

I've never tried gel (it was never brought up as an option by my GP) but I did try patches for around 8/9 months. I kept forgetting to change them which caused all sorts of problems with my hormones. I have now been taking a tablet once a day which is working out much better for me. It took around year for my symptoms to gradually decrease and now I feel much more human! Your GP will likely take bloods and then recommend your treatment so if you try something and it's not working, don't be afraid to go back and discuss alternatives.

I didn't want a patch as I can't bear the idea of something visible saying HRT on my bum!

With gel you can easily change the dose to get the right amount to control your symptoms. You can't do that with a patch- it needs a new prescription.

It takes seconds for my gel to try- it's done by the time I've cleaned my teeth.

Your GP will likely take bloods

Blood tests are never done prior to HRT now- NICE guidance- no need.

Gel is dead easy. Days as fast and as cleanly as the nicest hand gel.

Patches - if you like but there have been a lot of issues with supply of all brands so a swap / challenge getting it in 6months is to be expected. They can also fall off or cause irritation.

Been using my patches for over a year. I have an alarm on my phone for the twice a week change so I never forget. I just stick it on, alternating hips, then forget about it until my next alarm. They have been life changing.

Thanks all, very helpful. Yes I'd have to set an alarm to remind me to change the patch I think. I am using vagifem twice a week and I am always forgetting it! I probably manage once a week on average, although it does do the job. Gel just seems easier all around, but I wasn't sure if I was missing some big drawback (the nurse made it sound like it took half a day to dry!).

They did insist on taking my bloods to 'rule out' anything else. I knew it was a waste of time, and did say so, but I went along with it in the end as I had already challenged them on a few things (antidepressant - no thanks!). However when they came back the nurse said they didn't tell her anything. My practice seem to love taking your blood for the slightest sniffle.

Not looking forward to the coil change as I had the first one put in under general when I had a gynae op! But at least I am getting somewhere.

I have had both patches and gel.

The patches left a gluey residue behind on my skin which was a bit annoying. There was also a shortage of them a few months ago, don't know if it has been resolved.

The gel is really easy to use and as a PP said it's dry by the time I've finished brushing my teeth.

Thanks. V helpful.

Gel here too - Drys quickly and you can increase snd decrease with symptoms easily

I started oestrogen a fortnight or so ago, my GP prescribed gel because of the current supply issues with patches.

You’re supposed to leave it to dry for 5 mins. I’m wfh so am getting ready slowly and it’s not been a problem but if I were commuting still, it might be more annoying.

I’m really pleased with it so far, definite improvement in some symptoms really quickly.

I've never used gel but have had no problems with the patches, change them on a Tuesday and Friday, alternate bum cheeks

I have patches and I love them. My HRT guru friend who is a GP recommends gel. If I'd spoken to her first I probably would have gone with gel but I'm happy with my patches.

It’s usual to put the gel on at night so it becomes part of the bedtime routine

I was advised to use the gel after showering/ bathing so it’s morning for me.

Here's a good comparison of gels and patches d2931px9t312xa.cloudfront.net/menopausedoctor/files/information/460/Estrogen%20in%20patches,%20gels%20or%20sprays.pdf

I'm just thinking about HRT and have got a mirena coil that is over 5 years old, (put in for heavy periods and worked well)
I was told I could leave the coil in, as it was agony having it fitted, and have oestrogen gel and progesterone tablets. Also was recommended testosterone too!

Patches are clear so tricky to see. Mine have never fallen off.

Gel - if you still have periods you need the prog tablets too. I find the patches easier.

Can I ask about cost? What are people paying for each prescription? My last one was £18 for one box of patches - 1 month.

That’s odd, it must have been classed as two items not one? I’d ask the pharmacist why. Might be worth getting a PPC if you need more than one item a month.
One month of my gel cost one prescription charge, so £9.15.

That’s interesting chewbacca. I think it was a mistake and they didn’t put enough in the bag. I should have queries it

@Newgirls I’m on patches - Everol sequi and yes it’s £18 as it counts as 2 items (progesterone snd oestrogen)

The gel would only be £9.15 as classed as one item as only contains oestrogen. But if you have a womb you need both oestrogen snd progesterone. So if you have the gel, you’d still need to have progesterone as tablet form so you’d still pay £18

I renewed my prescription today and already fallen foul of supply issues. Supposed to have 2 months but they only 1 month in stock and no idea when coming back in, so I may have to go on to gel and tablets

Thanks Mabel. So I got 3 boxes of patches this week and was charged 18 this time. Yes the sequi and conti but within one pack so wow that they charge for both.

I had supply issues earlier this year and got in fine with the gel and tablets. I find patches easier to use but both worked ok. Hope you are ok 👍

That’s why it’s better to try and get as bigger prescription as possible as it’ll cost £18 whether you have one month or three months

I really like the patches as can forget about them, but I don’t want the stress of low supply so if my pharmacy can’t get anymore then I’ll probably have to change to gel and tablets

They will only give me three weeks supply of gel at once. I need to sort an annual prescription thingy to save money I think.

I've tried both gel and patches and like both but gel for the win because no black marks left on skin and dries while I make the bed or do make up.

I use HRT for other reasons but I personally find the patch soooooo much easier. The gel really is a pain, especially if you're in a rush. You have to let it dry, wash your hands after and do it daily. By the time the patch starts to loosen your 4 days are up do it's easy to remember (it's like a plaster, it doesn't stay sticky forever). But then remembering to do something daily is the reason I stopped using the pill, I'm useless.

I use Evorel 100 patches, I'm 9 years in after a total hysterectomy so I only use one patch a week now, sometimes longer, I only change mine when I start to get breakthrough symptoms. I'm 54 so I don't imagine i will be using them much longer.