Can one dose of Estrogen gel cause symptoms?

[Gertrude2025]

I have had a mirena coil for 15 years, and the second one is coming to an end. I'm due a replacement next week. My doctor has recently prescribed estrogen gel for meno symptoms (mainly hot flashes), and I took the first dose last night. Today, I have bad period like cramps (after 15 years i'd forgotten how uncomfortable they are!) Could one dose of estrogen do this? I know my coil wont have much progesterone left, as I was using for birth control which is 8 years, rather than HRT which is 5, but this seems a bit extreme? I don't know whether to continue or wait until the new coil is in. HAs anyone else had this? Thank you :)

It's possible but seems unlikely you'd get actual cramps rather than just a feeling of 'awakening' in your uterus.

Are you post meno? If you're not and your coil has effectively run out, could this be your own cycle? If you're under 50 it's quite possible you're still ovulating.

You could try dropping to 1 pump of gel. It's better to start low anyway and increase if necessary. The dose is 1 pump up to 4, and 2 pumps is what many women find works, but it's not mandatory to use that amount.