Can I increase my dose of gel without gp input?

[ToooOldForThis]

Been on HRT (gel only as I have a coil) for 4mths. Lowest dose I think, 2 x pumps or 1 sachet depending on what is in stock. I feel a slight difference some of the times but it's not consistent and I wouldn't say I feel "normal" or "me" again or any of these things people say. Do I need to check with the gp or can I just, eg, use one more pump?

Hopeful bump for the weekday crowd?

I did, and I've been fine. Increased from two pumps to three. It was during covid and I wouldn't have had a hope in hell of seeing my GP so I just did it.

Thank you! It's a good month or so before i can get an appointment.

I did this - increased from 2 to 3 because I knew from an earlier private appointment I’d had that it was okay to do so, I think you should try and check with someone first. Another thing to consider is that you might run out quicker and not be able to get a prescription sooner as they will think you’re still using less.

It's perfectly reasonable to do but you will need to let them know at the surgery as you will need a prescription more frequently which might get bounced back.

I do this for a few weeks now and then, without even thinking about it, if I start feeling a bit "off", always works.

So, 2.5 jumps to 3. No big deal IMO. (NOT a doctor!)

My GP said it was fine to do this when I started HRT and that you often have to adjust the dose to get it right. As long as you don’t take more than. 4 pumps which is the maximum it should be fine. 2 pumps wasn’t enough for me either.

You can, but at some point you will need a conversation with a Dr about it as your prescriptions will be rejected due to "overusing".