Difference between patches and gel?

[gungholierthanthou]

My doctor has prescribed me some oestrogen gel for perimenopause. Other people I know have patches...what's the difference? Is one more effective than the other?

Hi I’d like to know as well !
I’ve just been prescribed everol sequi patches
Had one on since Friday and so far feeling a lot like my old self !
I’m 44 nearly 45 and didn’t realise all the symptoms were peri menopause joint pain low mod no motivation urine leakage hot flashes and I was thinking life at 40 plus wud be fun 😂

I much much prefer the gel, especially if you get the bio identical one. I then use progesterone separately but only for a week a month but I’m slightly different to other due to medical complications. I tried the patches and they fell off all the time and not nearly enough oestrogen for me but I was very young hitting the menopause. The gel you can add a bit more if you need it or use a bit less etc. Just personal experience. Follow the menopause doctor on Instagram, she’s brilliant and really really knows her stuff. She generally recommends gel but it’s what suits you individually.

the patches have been difficult to get have they not??

I have the gel which I like...haven't tried patches but I have problems with plasters and dressings so I'd look like some sort of diseased old tree I reckon if I had to use them.

My G.P checked to see about shortage before he prescribed them and all was ok I have a script for 3 months
Just hope it stays that way

@gungholierthanthou There is no difference at all in efficacy- both are estradiol.
The difference is with gel you can increase it easily yourself to find the right dose ( anything from 1 to 4 pumps per day).

With gel you you do have to manage your own progesterone for half the month (it's not like just sticking on a patch) so you will have 2 products to use.

I've used it for 12 years, prescribed by a meno consultant who said it was the best thing ever (in terms of HRT!) and am happy with it.

The gel is better as you can alter the amount yourself.

Can I ask a question .
Does anyone know if your periods would return of you went on patches /gel ?
For info I went through a very early menopause ( natural but under 40 )
This was 20 years ago. I worry about my bone density and have also clitoral atrophy and wonder if this would help but not sure if I could cope with periods.

@RuthTopp You'd need to see a specialist really. You can start HRT in your 60s but it needs to be a very low dose to start with as there is a slight risk with starting again after 20 years. have you have a bone scan? You need one to see how your bones are. HRT won't restart periods once your eggs are used up. You can get 2 types of hrt - one sort gives a monthly withdrawal bleed but the other sort doesn't. Go and see your GP and ask to be referred to a meno specialist.

I changed from patches to gel after waking up one morning to find it stuck to my husbands arse.
Gel gave me a funny rash.
Now take tablets.

@toomanyplants
😂😂😂
That made me lol 😂