Changing from oestrogel to patches..

[Artyfarty555]

Hi, I’ve been on HRT for about 6 months now taking a tablet Utrogestan at night and two pumps of Oestrogel in the morning.

im happy with the dosage and want to continue on the HRT although l really don’t like spreading the gel on my thighs in the morning. Mainly because it seems to take a while to dry and even during the day it seems to still appear to make my leggings ‘ cling’ to it.

l am wondering if it would be easy to change over to a patch as l doubt I’ll want to change the dosage. That was the main reason my doctor said to use the gel in case l wanted to up the dose.
l shall be starting swimming soon so will it matter that l swim with a patch?

Can anyone tell me of the pros and cons of having the gel rather than the patches or vice versa.
many thanks

I’ve only ever had patches and find them super-easy - I replace them every 3.5 days (Sun night, Thu morning). Estradot patches are nice and small. No issues or complaints (gel sounds more faff to me).

Thanks justbetweenus. Yes, it is a faff. I’ve been wandering around upstairs waiting for it to dry in my underware…(only other half in the house)..he thinks it’s great but gets a bit “ restless” and has other ideas!!! So, not great when I’m rushing to get dressed and out!
I didn’t realise they had to be replaced quite often but they do sound easier and less messy. Thanks

@Artyfarty555 patches are fine for me. I’ve never had a problem with them sticking. You can swim with them on, no problem. You might want to stick the patch on your bottom so they’re hidden by your swimsuit. They do sort of pick up fluff from clothes on the edge of the patch so they’re not invisible.
Patches are possibly not quite as flexible to dose (some women have an extra half pump or pump if they need it) but that’s not an issue for me. I actually use 37.5 mcg which is 3/4 of a 50 mcg patch (I just cut them) so you don’t have to have only 25 or 50

Thanks Jedstre, that’s really helpful. Think I’ll ask to change over to patches next time.

I did think I fancied gel initially but reading about waiting for it to dry etc I realised patches better for me. I also change them Sunday/Thursday-just stick it on and forget about it.

Do you know if it’s exactly the same medication? I’ve had no issues with the gel and don’t fancy a switch if it’s very different ? Although l suppose we’re all different so our bodies may respond differently.

I’ll not waste the 2 bottles of gel l have as l doubt they can take them back to re use …. But ask to change over in a month or two.

I wanted patches from the outset and the first type didn't stick particularly well but we had to increase the dosage and the different brand stick much better. I put the flat of my hand over it once applied as the warmth seems to improve adhesion.

It's definitely worth a try, presumably you can revert to gel if you don't get along with patches, but give it at least three months so you get a true picture.

I hated the patches I could not get them to stick. I changed to the gel and it’s much easier.

Both gel and patches contain estradiol. As you say, how you respond is an individual thing so can only try and see

If it helps I apply gel in the bathroom in the morning before I use deodorant, cleanse, brush hair, clean teeth. Often enough it’s dry by the time I’ve finished but it is a bit of a pain and I’ve considered switching for the same reason

I just dry mine with a hairdryer!

Yes, I do potter about in the morning when I’ve applied it on my inner thighs! However it’s not the nicest sight…in my hip hugging big pants ,wafting my thighs around to dry! Especially if the 21 DS is about! A hairdryer might be a good idea, however I’m sure l read on here that the heat causes evaporation and the gel isn’t absorbed properly? Thanks for replies x

I'm on patches as I didn't like the idea of waiting for gel to dry (and then with brain fog second-guessing later in the day if I'd actually put any on!!)

The only issue I've had is that they won't stick if there's any cream or residue on your skin. I recently used shower oil which was lovely but then my patch wouldn't stick! So just make sure the area you're going to put it is clean and dry and free of any oils.

That’s a good point x thanks x

After 5 months, I changed to patches and now regretting it. Started bleeding a few weeks after starting them, meno lady not sure which I was absorbing better but it's caused havoc when it was fine before. Just changed back to gel in the hope it might settle down again

I didn't get on with gel at all. Patches have worked really well for me in terms of symptom control and also being easy to use. I like only having to remember to change them twice a week.

I’ve got patches now to give them a go. But a few days away and making the most of a hot tub..so going to wait till I’m back before l use the patches. I’m hoping it will be easier and less faff than with the gel.