If you use 4 pumps of Estrogel...

[EsterOdesavitch]

...do you apply it all in one dose, i.e 4 pumps in morning or night, or do you spread them out, e.g 2 in am and 2 in pm?

And if you do 4 pumps at once, would you apply 2 pumps to each area (such as 2 on each upper arm), or do one pump per limb?!

I've been using it since May, recently increased from 2 pumps to 4 for night sweats, but I've got a horrible feeling I've been doing it all wrong! For a start I've been rubbing it in, and it turns out you're not meant to - I tried smearing it on and leaving it to dry instead but it took ages

i use 3 and apply 2 pumps to backs of arms and 1 pum to butt cheeks and inner thighs then brush my teeth as it dries.

Bum cheeks, never thought of that - it needs to be fatty tissue doesn't it. Plenty of that there for me!

For the last few days I've been applying it with enough of a motion to smooth it in a bit so it dries swiftly, but without rubbing/massaging it in IYSWIM.

I changed my morning routine a bit yesterday and forgot as a result, dammit. I asked for patches as I thought they'd be more convenient, but for some reason they always actively talk me out of it - there's a poor supply so you could run out, most women prefer the gel, lots say that the patches fall off or make their skin sweaty or sore, etc. I've asked twice to try patches and they look at me like I'm insane.

I've had both and prefer the gel.
The trick is routine - shower, dry, apply gel, brush teeth, hair etc....
the patches made me feel great but they irritated my skin.

I do three. All in the morning but when I used to do 4 I did 2 in am and 2 in pm.

I spread mine rather than rub it in if that makes sense. I do it straight out of shower and do teeth and make up while I wait. I use my my inner forearm rather than hands. Three squirts, always on same thigh and spread/rub with forearm. It's still a bit tacky once I've done teeth and make up (10m?) But not enough to be a problem when I put clothes on.

I do two pumps on each arm, or two pumps on each thigh, once a day, spreading thinly but not rubbing. I thought I had read somewhere not to split the dose am and pm but I can't find anything saying that.

Is it better to apply Estrogel in the morning (some are reporting it acts as a stimulant - an issue for me as I am having insomnia), or split it between morning and evening? I am using 3 pumps of Estrogel (may be increasing to 4 due to the insomnia).

i instinctively feel morning is best as night time best for the utrogestan (when it is time)

You are right! I switched to afternoon Estrogel application yesterday (and evening Progesterone pill) and slept reasonably well last night - still woke up periodically but was able to fall back to sleep quickly. So clearly for me, the Estrogel acts as a bit of a stimulant!

If you are applying 4 pumps of Estrogel, how much Progesterone are you taking?

I take 2x100mg of utrogestan for 10 days of each month.
3x pumps of eostrogel everyday (tried 4 but made me jittery) i also have testosterone but too scared to apply!

After having evenings of insomnia and nights sweats ALL night, my OB has increased my dosage to 4 pumps so will try that out. I am wondering if the patch might be a better option for continuous dosage instead. She also bumped the Prometrium up to 300mg a day - continuous. I am wondering if that is too much? www.mumsnet.com/emo/te/9.gif.pagespeed.ce.TUei7x3YMQ.gif

Can anyone give me advice re: Prometrium (micronized progesterone in Canada) dosage?

I'm on 4 pumps Estrogel, so my doctor increased dose of Prometrium to 300mg daily. From what I've been researching, the daily dose should be 100mg daily, regardless of estrogen dosage.

Help!

Oops I always rub it in, it's never completely rubbed in though and still sticky. I didn't realise you were supposed to smear and leave. Interesting re what time of day. I always use it after night time shower. I think I'll swap to morning as I do have difficulty sleeping.

Utrogestan (micronised progesterone) is 2x 100mg capsules for 12 days of cycle.
If you have been told to take it continuously ask your health care provider to clarify.
When i upped my oestrgel from 1 pmup to 3 i didn;t change my progesterone regime.

Thanks @KaliforniaDreamz.

I did ask - and she clarified that it's 300 mg daily. Now I am not sure what to do! I have a phone-in appointment with her in a couple of weeks, so will ask about this. I have researched, and read that it's either 100mg daily or 200mg cyclic.

def get another call, mistakes can be made. good luck.

Thank you @KaliforniaDreamz. Fingers crossed.

I use 5 pumps. My doctor said 4 in the morning (1 on each upper arm, 1 each inner thigh) and 1 pump at night. I smear it on as thinly as possible but without rubbing it in. It does take a good 5 minutes to dry.

Does anyone know if it's ok to shower several hours after applying Estrogel? I apply two pumps first thing in the AM (8:00) and then do my workout, pick up kids from school at noon, and then shower. So generally I shower 4 - 5 hours later. Is that long enough?

@AintPageantMaterial - did your doctor increase dosage of progesterone (assuming you are on it if you still have your uterus) along with increase of Estrogel? Mine did, and I am questioning if it's the right thing to do. From the other ladies here, it appears that 100mg daily or 200 mg/cyclic is the standard dose no matter if estrogen is increased.

Just wondering!

@ChocolateTruffleCake only need to allow an hour before washing or swimming etc. It might be on the leaflet- I've read it somewhere.

re amount of Utrogestan, there is nothing on the leaflet in the pack to say vary the dose acccording to the amount of estrogen. 300mgs is a lot! no one uses that as part of hrt in the UK. It can be sedating and create low mood.

I have the Mirena and 4 pumps of Estrogel which I apply after my shower in the morning, two pumps to each thigh. I apply it whilst sat at the dressing table and by the time I've finished drying my hair it's dry enough to get dressed.

Thanks very much @JinglingHellsBells and @Flowersmakemyday! I sent an email to my OB/gyne re: the progesterone dosage.

Hi. I’ve just started the oestrogel and tablets . Felt fabulous first 2 weeks then my breasts have been herendous so swollen which I detest . I’m also on day 9 of my period , which is normally 3 days . Such a shame because all my other symptoms have gone and I was so happy and content but I can’t bare this . I’ve taken only 1 pump a d I took only 100mg on day 15 for 11 days . But I’ve come off the gel now 2 days and my breasts have going back to normal and becoming less sensitive. I don’t want to give up hrt but has anyone any advice as what I could try next ?

@Dylan52 it might be better to start your own thread. But in my own experience, side effects subside, you've only been taking it 2 weeks!