Changing from patch to Oestrogel pump and progesterone tablets, a few questions

[thearchers]

Hi everyone, I have been on Evorel Conti patches for a while now, but have become sensitive to the adhesive and also having difficulties with them falling off. Have seen the GP who has now switched me to Oestrogel pump and progesterone tablets, I have a few questions if anyone can help.

My GP said to apply the gel in the morning, two pumps one on each outer arm or inner thigh. She said I had to wait for 10 minutes before getting dressed to make sure it has absorbed into the skin. I don’t honestly think this is going to work in the mornings, too much of a rush and I don’t have 10 minutes to sit round semi naked!

So can I apply the gel at night instead before I go to bed? And when I’m taking the tablets, can this also be at night? I just think I’ll have a better chance of remembering if that’s my routine.

Any words of wisdom gratefully received, HRT has helped so much with my anxiety and mood I really need to get this right! Thanks

You can do all of that.

You can also put half a pump on each arm/leg and it won't take 10 mins to dry.

OR you can use 1 pump in the morning and 1 at night.

You have to take Utrogestan last thing at night (says so on the patient leaflet I think) because it's sedative and can make you dizzy for a short time.

I use the gel and it's dry in under 5 mins. Progesterone has to be taken at night, oestrogel any time of day but morning is recommended as it can give you an energy boost

I do both at night. Inside of my thighs (but not too high up, hand width above the knee) and if you wave at it a bit it dries in a couple of minutes . So I usually apply it then brush teeth wash face etc with my nethers exposed and then I put my pj bottoms on.
It’s v easy

This is so helpful, thanks so much for sharing your wisdom 😊

The progesterone tablets should be taken at night as they can make you drowsy and you can do the gel at any time - although obviously needs to be roughly the same time every day.

I gel in the morning:
pants and bra on
gel on
wash face, moisturiser
clean teeth
sort hair
get dressed

The 10 minutes fly by!!

I found the progesterone tablets made me very dizzy and felt almost hungover tired the next morning. I switched to the vaginal pessary tablets a few months ago and all those symptoms have disappeared so highly recommend that if you struggle

As others have said, it doesn't need to take 10 mins. If you make sure it's rubbed in thoroughly, it dries more quickly.

I don't use my hand to rub it in, the lid of the bottle is quite handy for this.

Oh now I’m a bit worried about the drowsiness! The GP didn’t explain any of that to me! I have to drive DS to College 20 minute drive every morning, I can’t afford to feel drowsy or dizzy. Not sure what to do now.

It's only the progesterone that can make you sleepy, so just take those at night.

I used to put the gel on before I brushed my teeth. It was dry by the time they were done.

I do it at night.

the tablets don’t make me drowsy

The Progesterone tablets don’t make me drowsy at all and the gel dries within 5 minutes. I put it on as soon as I’m dry after a shower and by the time I’ve brushed my teeth, slapped cream on my face, and brushed my hair, it’s dry.

Even if the progesterone tablets make you drowsy it doesn't last long. You'll be fine by morning.

Thank you! Super helpful advice and support.

I’ve never felt dizzy. If they make me drowsy then fine - I’m in bed! But can’t say I’ve noticed any difference there either.

My gynae said put it on with your hands and then rub anything on your hands in - don’t waste it by washing it off!

There is no benefit using gel in the morning. It's not like an 'instant response'. The estrogen level in your blood is supposed to be constant over 24 hours, so just use it at roughly the same time. Day or evening

You should not have skin to skin contact with anyone where it's on your skin for 1 hour after applying, or it can transfer. That also applies to pets.

One tip OP - I found 2 pumps at once made me nauseous. I split the dose am/pm.

This is actually recommended by the British Menopause Society for women on higher doses, especially, partly for ease of application (because there isn't always enough skin for 4 pumps!)

Maybe I’ll drop off to sleep a bit better! As long as any drowsiness wears off by morning I guess it will be fine. I’ll definitely give it a go. The tips for the gel are super helpful too.

My sleep is much better since taking Progesterone

Did your GP explain to you about taking Progesterone fie three weeks then stopping for a week? Mine didn't and I didn't read the instructions properly, took daily for some months and now have non stop bleeding 2 1/2 weeks and counting.
I felt loads better generally though after starting the oestrogen pump and Progesterone tablets. Brilliant

She said take the tablets every day for 2 weeks. And that’s what has been printed on the label, so hopefully its correct! Now I just have to remember to take it! Thank you, glad it’s helping you.

Is the advice the same for post-meno women? I haven't had a period for 5+ years and just started on these six weeks ago and taking every day?

It's every day for post menopausal women.

@YourFairCyanReader Your GP seems confused. There is no 3 weeks on and a week off- maybe you meant 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off?
It's either 100mgs daily, or 200mgs x 12 days every month.

I use my gel at night, I can’t imagine it matters.

Any idea why? My friend is peri made me wonder why I was being prescribed it at all?