Page 2 | Gel or patch - which should I ask for?

Northernlass99 · 2020-10-04T10:18:02+00:00

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?

Sweetchillijam · 08/10/2020 21:47

I haven’t tried the gel but got on great with the patches. Like a previous poster I set a reminder on my phone and had no problems. You remove the patch residue with baby oil.
I can be very heavy handed with creams so would have preferred the patch just incase.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 08/10/2020 21:55

I'm switching to gel because I'm fed up of struggling to get my patches. I end up with a different brand every time. Some irritate me, some fall off and some seem less effective. I was so happy and stable with my old patches.

Took ages for the gel to dry this morning. It seemed to cover half my legs!

DeliaOwens · 09/10/2020 07:20

I used patches and they were fantastic. However, due to supply issues (don't live in or near a big city) GP changed me to tablets. I much prefer the patches. Simple, effective, no obvious side effects.
I would recommend patches, if you can get them.

Eve · 09/10/2020 07:26

Patches here and really easy to use. As soon as I collect prescription in order the next and leave a few weeks with pharmacy to get stock. Seems to work ok, occasionally they have only been able to give me 1 box but I haven’t as yet run out.

Newgirls · 09/10/2020 08:34

Yes agree a little baby oil on cotton wool will remove any sticky bits

NaughtipussMaximus · 09/10/2020 08:39

Gel. I have the little sachets and a friend has the pump bottle - she’d recommend asking for the sachets as she’s always worried she’s not getting the dose right with the pump.

I was told to avoid washing your hands for a good while after applying the gel, as otherwise you’ll be rinsing it off your hands. That’s why I put it on at bedtime just before I go to sleep.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 09/10/2020 10:56

I have not got the hang of the gel. Second day with it, I'm quite petite and find that three pumps is enough to cover my inner thighs and part of my arms. I must be doing something wrong.

Newgirls · 09/10/2020 12:48

I only did one pump per leg (I’m 49 still have periods)

Clarinet53 · 10/10/2020 20:53

I tried patches for 2 years. Tablets are much easier and I feel so much better on them

JinglingHellsBells · 10/10/2020 21:21

I was told to avoid washing your hands for a good while after [who by???] applying the gel, as otherwise you’ll be rinsing it off your hands. That’s why I put it on at bedtime just before I go to sleep.

Almost 100% sure the leaflet says wash hands use- it's not supposed to be left on your hands. This is because of transference to another person and/ or it won't do any good on hands as it's only absorbed through fat.

UntamedWisteria · 11/10/2020 08:33

Gel users - have any of you increased your dose from 2 pumps a day to 3?

My doctor said I could try this and it may help with anxiety.

Wondered if anyone else has done this and if you felt it made a difference.

KaliforniaDreamz · 12/10/2020 16:08

Untamed i was getting very low again so i upped to 3 pumps daily. at once point i upped to 4 but felt jittery! so back down to 3 and that has helped smmooth me out.

UntamedWisteria · 12/10/2020 20:18

Interesting - thanks Kalifornia

I've upped it to 3 for the past 5 days - do the 3rd one at night - and think it is helping.

KaliforniaDreamz · 12/10/2020 21:01

I hope it helps you x

NaughtipussMaximus · 14/10/2020 12:55

@JinglingHellsBells

I was told to avoid washing your hands for a good while after [who by???] applying the gel, as otherwise you’ll be rinsing it off your hands. That’s why I put it on at bedtime just before I go to sleep.

Almost 100% sure the leaflet says wash hands use- it's not supposed to be left on your hands. This is because of transference to another person and/ or it won't do any good on hands as it's only absorbed through fat.

I've seen two consultants and they both said this. They said half of it goes on your hands so you shouldn't wash them for a bit after applying. It might not absorb much through your hands but if you wash it straight off, it definitely won't absorb!

Flashinggreen · 15/10/2020 16:30

I had the gel first and found it a real faff, swapped to the patches and change on a Monday and Friday suits me better.

Original poster

Northernlass99 · 22/10/2020 12:53

Update - GP was lovely and prescribed gel, which I was happy with as most people seem to think that's good. It is one which comes in satchets? I have no idea what it is called because I went to the Boots pharmacy to collect it the next day and they said it was out of stock due to manufacturing supply issues. That was a week ago and they still haven't got it in. So unhelpful!

OP posts:

Flashinggreen · 28/10/2020 08:21

I only ever had the pump which when it comes to dispensing is very easy. It was the application I hated

ChocolateTruffleCake · 07/11/2020 16:41

I'm on 4 pumps Estrogel (plus Prometrium), and the increase worked great for about 3 or 4 nights but now I am back to waking up constantly with hot feet (yes, that is yet another menopause symptom! Who knew?) and not being able to fall back asleep.

I was thinking maybe a patch, with a steady dose of estrogen, might be better?

I can't imagine I should increase to 5 or 6 pumps Estrogel.

Any thoughts please?

JinglingHellsBells · 07/11/2020 17:30

I think I've posted on this before @ChocolateTruffleCake and suggested it's the balance between the 2 hormones that's perhaps the problem.

Too much progesterone cancels out the benefits of estrogen (in terms of sleeping, flushes etc) and you said your dr has given you 300mgs a day which is unheard of and not within prescribed doses.

You need to address that with the dr and revert to 100mgs a day which is the dose in the patient leaflet.

ChocolateTruffleCake · 07/11/2020 17:34

Thank you @JinglingHellsBells. That makes sense to me re: balance. I did ask my OB/gyne and even sent her a scientific research paper on progesterone daily being 100mg, and she insists that she checked with a menopause specialist and that I should continue on 300 mg daily.

Gotta think if I will switch doctors at this point.

JinglingHellsBells · 08/11/2020 07:46

@ChocolateTruffleCake TBH if I were you I'd go by the prescribed amount- which is online on the patient info. It says very clear that's 200mgs x 12 days ( or less if taken daily.) Your dr doesn't seem to know what's what, especially if she had to ask another dr.

It's no wonder you feel awful on the huge amount you are using.
I use 200mgs x 10 days per cycle and that's a struggle! My temperature goes up at night and I feel a bit down but can put up with it for a few days.

Deux · 08/11/2020 13:37

OP, I know it’s maybe not much help for you now if your script is in boots but there are lots of online pharmacies that may be able to fill your script so bear that in mind another time. The sachets are Sandrena?

I’m now using the gel as I was fed up with supply problems with the patches. I was using the micro patches ((Estradot) and had no bother with them though I found they ran out of steam on the last day.

I find the gel dries quickly on just dried skin after a shower - remember to spread it rather than rub it in vigorously. I pump it straight on my skin then spread it with just one finger rather than use my whole palm iyswim.

ChocolateTruffleCake · 08/11/2020 23:56

[quote JinglingHellsBells]@ChocolateTruffleCake TBH if I were you I'd go by the prescribed amount- which is online on the patient info. It says very clear that's 200mgs x 12 days ( or less if taken daily.) Your dr doesn't seem to know what's what, especially if she had to ask another dr.

It's no wonder you feel awful on the huge amount you are using.
I use 200mgs x 10 days per cycle and that's a struggle! My temperature goes up at night and I feel a bit down but can put up with it for a few days.[/quote]
You're right @JinglingHellsBells- I do wonder if she has to ask another doctor for their opinion! My next appointment with her is next week, so will find out about vaginal instead - I think then the dose has to be halved.

ChocolateTruffleCake · 08/11/2020 23:57

@Deux

OP, I know it’s maybe not much help for you now if your script is in boots but there are lots of online pharmacies that may be able to fill your script so bear that in mind another time. The sachets are Sandrena?

I’m now using the gel as I was fed up with supply problems with the patches. I was using the micro patches ((Estradot) and had no bother with them though I found they ran out of steam on the last day.

I find the gel dries quickly on just dried skin after a shower - remember to spread it rather than rub it in vigorously. I pump it straight on my skin then spread it with just one finger rather than use my whole palm iyswim.

This is a great idea - to squirt directly onto the leg or arm, and spread with a finger. I don't know why I didn't think of that - lol!