Are HRT tablets still a thing?

[Pinkywoo]

I'm in peri and will be going to the GP for HRT soon. I keep hearing about gel but definitely don't want that as I have a two year old who's always on me obviously don't want it to get on him. I remember my ex's mum having tablets but haven't seen them mentioned on here, is it only patches or gel now?

You can tablets but they are an older style of hrt and oral oestrogen has higher/different risks to gel.

Gel only takes minutes to dry btw

I have a combination gel and tablets. It's a tiny sachet that I rub in (on thigh) as I go to bed so shouldn't get on your toddler.

Progesterone is in tablet form

He often sleeps with his bare feet on my thighs (little pest!).

I take tablets as I can’t cope with the feeling of gel or patches on my skin. They work well for me.

Ok thanks, so they are still about then? It seems like the easier option but obviously I need to read up on the risks and benefits of the different types.

Tablets are absolutely a thing eg Femoston. They are great for some people but might not be suitable for you depending on your medical history (they're not recommended if you are overweight, have high BP, family history of clots etc).

Patches are another option if you can't take tablets.

Ah hadn't appreciated he may co sleep. Just put your gel on and wait 5 minutes before getting into bed

You're better using oestrogen in the morning and progesterone in the evening as the former is a stimulating hormone the latter a calming one that helps with sleep

I didn't realise it would dry so quickly, that's helpful thanks.

I have a patch for oestrogen which I change twice a week and tablets for progesterone which I take at bedtime - would that work for you?

My GP told me he prefers not to prescribe tablets as there a slight risk to the liver.

I have the spray instead of the gel I find it’s more convenient and less sticky.

Can I ask what brands you take? I currently take Novofem, but think this may be the option for me longer term, so long as it's not Utrogestan which I can't tolerate.

I didn't fancy gel or patches, but the GP was very reluctant to give me tablets, so I went with the patches and they're fine, they stay on and I can't feel them at all when they're on (I put them towards the tops of my legs).

I take Elleste solo tablets for my oestrogen and have a coil for my progesterone. If you want both in tablet format you can get Elleste duo.

I take them as I don’t absorb the transdermal routes well (gel or tablets) and I get on really well with them. Their safety profile isn’t quite as good as there is a slightly higher risk of some things, but overall my GP said it was less risk than the pill.

I am 48 & in peri. Have taken Femoston for 3 years with no issues

Agree with others, there are still tablets but the absorbed through skin routes are preferable.

I personally didn't like the gel, far too much of a faff and you can't apply sun cream or go swimming for X hours after using it. Patches suit me perfectly, there is a spray option too.

Yes that should work, I am allergic to some plasters and dressings so hoping I'm ok with the patches.

Yes I'm allergic to some plasters too and struggled with Evorel for that reason. They worked a treat on the menopause symptoms, it was just the glue on the patches. Much better on Estradot. Other women have been the other way round. It's really just trying one method and seeing how you get on.

There is an increased risk of blood clots with the tablets that you do not get with the gel or patches, and so they are trying to move everyone away from the tablets. Gel / patches are much safer as the oestrogen does not pass through the liver as well which carries a lot less risks long term.

Could patches be an option? I wear mine on bum under knickers.

This is not true. There is increased risk for some people. For others, tablets are fine and can be a good option. The NHS is still prescribing tablets and new ones (such as Bijuve) are still being launched.

I have understood that transdermal HRT is far safer and better for you.

I also do not take progesterone orally. On the continent, you dont.

OP, the gel takes 2 minutes to dry after your shower.