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

Really? I think I've been doing it wrong. I've finally stopped bleeding after 2.5 weeks, I cut the oestrogen gel down to one pump a day and doubled the Progesterone for a few days. And took iron tablets!

It's explained on some medical sites so here's a link www.menopausematters.co.uk/postmeno.php

You maybe need to re-set the whole cycle.

There definitely isn't 3 weeks on and 1 week off.

It's 12 or 14 days out of every month on progesterone. You choose the same DATE each month to start the progesterone. (eg the 1st.)

Some of the old instructions for combined continuous (both hormones daily) say 3 days off per month but that's been changed now and post meno it's progesterone daily.

I just read on the following on teh NHS site, which I wasn't aware of regarding the gel

How to use gel
Oestrogen gel comes in sachets (for example Sandrena) or in a pump dispenser (for example Oestrogel).
Put the gel on once a day. Try to use it at the same time each day.
Your doctor will tell you how many pumps or sachets to use. Follow the instructions that come with the gel.

1. Wash your hands.
2. Squeeze the right amount of gel onto your hand.
3. Gently rub the gel over a large area of clean, dry skin, on your lower body or arms – check the instructions for where you can use it.
4. Wait up to 5 minutes for the gel to dry before getting dressed.
5. Do not wash the area for at least 1 hour.
6. Wash your hands after putting on the gel.

Do not use the same area of skin 2 days in a row. Do not use the gel on skin near your breasts or genitals.

I hope this helps.

The progesterone is taken differently depending if you are peri or menopausal. I’m peri so I have to take two tablets on day 15 of my cycle (day 1 being the 1st day of my period) until the 26th day of my cycle, so 12 days altogether. I take it at night because it does help with your sleep. My understanding is, If you are menopausal, you take a tablet every day with the dose being different. I’m on 4 pumps of the gel - so I put two on in the morning and two at night. Both on my thighs and spreading it over rather than rubbing it in too much. I was also told to wash my hands after.