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Original poster

I’ve just collected my first ever HRT prescription!

47 replies

LostMyUserName · 30/03/2023 14:18

My period also arrived this morning. So many gifts!

In my goody bag I have some tubes of Oestrogel and some packets of 100mg Utrogestan.

Shall I just go for it and apply some gel now?

I know not to start the Utrogestan until day 15 of using the gel and to take it before bed on an empty stomach but it I don’t think there are any such rules about the gel.

OP posts:
SilkieChick · 30/03/2023 14:30

I got my first prescription this week too! Patches though so I'm sorry I can't give any advice what to do with the gels. The pharmacist should be able to advise though I would think? My GP told me to check at the chemist if it wasn't clear what to take and when.

On high alert for any improvements/changes/side effects but so far (day 4) I'm not noticing much! Good luck with yours, hope someone can provide some helpful guidance!

Original poster
LostMyUserName · 30/03/2023 14:32

Thanks @SilkieChick, I’ve gone ahead and rubbed it in.

How are you finding the patches? I know some friends find them slightly irritating.

OP posts:
SilkieChick · 30/03/2023 18:24

No problems so far. I've hardly noticed it tbh - have to keep checking it's there! Will be changing it this evening, so I'll soon find out how easy/sticky they are to remove...

Puffinchops · 30/03/2023 20:21

Good luck! I've just started my 3rd bottle of gel from my first prescription - I definitely feel calmer...just still feel like I need the brain fog to lift.

Original poster
LostMyUserName · 31/03/2023 10:19

Great to hear @Puffinchops (love your username).

I feel great this morning, long may it continue.

OP posts:
GoodbyeErinsborough · 06/04/2023 00:32

I've just collected my first prescription. I've to have a blood test in the morning so haven't started yet. GP said it would interfere with blood test if I do.

Am I going to notice a difference quite quickly? I'm so overwhelmed by the hot flushes and night sweats, not to mention my temper Blush

Sorry for jumping on your post op Gin

Original poster
LostMyUserName · 06/04/2023 08:57

I had a really good first few days @GoodbyeErinsborough so it can work quickly.

What were you given?

OP posts:
GoodbyeErinsborough · 06/04/2023 16:03

Thanks Lost, it's Evorel 50.

I'm 38, have a mirena coil so don't have periods so not able to track that way but for the past year I've been having horrendous hot flushes, night sweats and headaches.
In the last 4 months I've been really emotional and proper mood swings, and my skin has broken out too. I feel hormonal if that makes sense?

Original poster
LostMyUserName · 06/04/2023 20:54

Ah, I see, a patch. @SilkieChick up there is using patches too. I’ve got gel and pills.

Yes, I know what you mean by feeling ‘hormonal’. Some days I feel as haywire as I did when I was 14.

OP posts:
SarahC50 · 06/04/2023 21:04

I just started three days ago I have two pumps if the gel and a utrogestan tablet at night. Not feeling anything yet as am in a sea of PMT. Good luck xx

GoodbyeErinsborough · 06/04/2023 21:11

Aw totally Lost! I said that to my sister and she was having horrific flashbacks to my teenage years HaloGrin

Were you offered the patch Sarah? My gp said to try them first as they aren't as "footery" as the gel but I'm allergic to most plasters, micropore etc so might end up with the gel/pills

SpringHasSprung23 · 06/04/2023 21:19

I think I really need some.

id like to see if any of you lose the brain fog!

had it helped with aches & pains.

Also if it's helped with vaginal dryness I've gone from over producer )sorry if TMI ) to Dry as a bone. Grrrr

im putting it off because I'll be nagged to go on other medication I don't want (and aren't related).

GoodbyeErinsborough · 06/04/2023 21:20

I'll let you know Spring Smile

Lioney · 06/04/2023 21:22

GoodbyeErinsborough · 06/04/2023 00:32

I've just collected my first prescription. I've to have a blood test in the morning so haven't started yet. GP said it would interfere with blood test if I do.

Am I going to notice a difference quite quickly? I'm so overwhelmed by the hot flushes and night sweats, not to mention my temper Blush

Sorry for jumping on your post op Gin

It took at least 3 months on 3 pumps of Estrogel before I felt the benefits.

HRT isn't a quick fix, unfortunately.

JuneFromBethesda · 06/04/2023 21:28

I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to take oestrogen in whatever format without progesterone. I had a Mirena coil put in a couple of months ago and as the doctor was taking me through the procedure I mentioned that I’d picked up my first pack of oestrogel a few days earlier. She looked quite alarmed until I said I hadn’t started it yet - she said it was important to take the two hormones together, never oestrogen on its own.

I have to say though, HRT worked very quickly for me when I first started it - the first regime I was on was the combined pill and within a few weeks my anxiety and insomnia were gone. (Other symptoms took a bit longer to get under control!)

GoodbyeErinsborough · 07/04/2023 00:11

I have had a mirena in for nearly 3.5 years. Planning on getting another once this one expires. GP was happy for me to have patches alongside.

JuneFromBethesda · 07/04/2023 08:46

GoodbyeErinsborough · 07/04/2023 00:11

I have had a mirena in for nearly 3.5 years. Planning on getting another once this one expires. GP was happy for me to have patches alongside.

Yes, because the Mirena releases progesterone so you wouldn’t be using the patches on their own.

Anyway, ignore me OP as rereading your post I see you’ve been advised to start the gel first, so all good. I hope it’s helping.

JoeCrackers · 08/04/2023 08:59

I’ve also just picked up my first prescription for gel and tablets, I had it in my head that I was supposed to wait for my period to start before using it but it that not the case? Can I just start the gel anytime?

Original poster
LostMyUserName · 08/04/2023 17:01

Yes, go for it @JoeCrackers.

A wise woman wrote on here to think of it as starting a new cycle.

OP posts:
Original poster
LostMyUserName · 08/04/2023 17:02

GoodbyeErinsborough · 06/04/2023 21:11

Aw totally Lost! I said that to my sister and she was having horrific flashbacks to my teenage years HaloGrin

Were you offered the patch Sarah? My gp said to try them first as they aren't as "footery" as the gel but I'm allergic to most plasters, micropore etc so might end up with the gel/pills

What the Jeff is ‘footery’ @GoodbyeErinsborough?

I was asked what I wanted and asked for the gel for other reason than my friend has it!!

OP posts:
UnaOfStormhold · 08/04/2023 17:03

Some people prefer to apply estrogen in the morning as it can have a stimulating effect -progesterone is more relaxing.

Original poster
LostMyUserName · 08/04/2023 17:03

SarahC50 · 06/04/2023 21:04

I just started three days ago I have two pumps if the gel and a utrogestan tablet at night. Not feeling anything yet as am in a sea of PMT. Good luck xx

Sorry to hear that @SarahC50. Has your PMT lifted now?

OP posts:
JoeCrackers · 08/04/2023 18:06

@LostMyUserName thanks, started this morning so we’ll see how I go

btw footery is like fiddly/awkward but much more satisfying to say 😁

Original poster
LostMyUserName · 08/04/2023 18:18

That’s a new one on me @JoeCrackers

Let us know how you get on.

OP posts:
Original poster
LostMyUserName · 08/04/2023 18:19

Puffinchops · 30/03/2023 20:21

Good luck! I've just started my 3rd bottle of gel from my first prescription - I definitely feel calmer...just still feel like I need the brain fog to lift.

How many pumps of gel have you been using @Puffinchops?

And have you noticed much of a difference?

OP posts: