Gel panic

[blahblahblah76]

Hi. I only started HRT recently, and am a bit anxious about doing it right. I apply the gel to inner thighs in a morning but today accidentally got a bit on my breast. Washed it off but panicking... How bad is a one off brush with the gel for breasts, and surely I'm not the only one who's done this? Feel like a lonely idiot

I get mine all over the place when I'm putting it in my arms, I didn't think it mattered!

It does matter, you need to read in the instructions!!
I thought using it at night was advisable too.

I don't think timing matters as long as same each day but it says don't apply directly to breasts hence me panicking what if I accidentally got a bit on them. No advice on that in the leaflet, I washed it off but still very freaked out.

There is a lot of guidance on the paper leaflet in the box of gel , worth reading.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.353.pdf

@diddlydooda @blahblahblah76 You should have a similar leaflet in your box of gel. In the link above it does mention (in bold) breasts or genitals.

How to apply the gel - see this part of the leaflet.

I think don’t getting a very small amount on your breast that you immediately wash off is going to be a problem. It would be sustained use over a long time. You are told not to apply it to your breasts because prolonged absorption via breast tissue could increase your risk of breast cancer. But a small amount accidentally landing on your breast that is washed off is not a problem.

That's not really that helpful. Like I've said I know not to apply to breasts, I read the leaflet when I got it and again a million times after I accidentally got a bit on my breasts and im panicking about the accident. I don't slather it on them, I've read the instructions.

Thank you

I just seem to be getting very paranoid about it. Also transference to the kids - how much do you worry about that? I apply with back of a spoon to minimise amount on hands, then wash spoon and hands. Is that sufficient to then be touching the kids?

Started it to help with anxiety but seems to be making me worse

As Tootingbec said, and there is nothing you can do about it now. You already know not to apply above the waist, just try your best to limit accidents.

Would it be worth talking to your GP about patches if the gel is making you anxious?

The instructions are clear. Apply with your hands. Wash your hands after applying. That's it.

The instructions say avoid skin to skin contact for 1 hour with another person (of any age) . So if it's on your arms, don't cuddle your child where your arms touch their bare skin( if your arms are bare) for one hour after applying.

Are your children very young where you're likely to be having skin to skin contact/ cuddles ?

You're overthinking this.

It doesn't say apply below the waist. The link I left shows (diagrams) where you can apply. Inner thighs or upper arms (but avoid inside of upper arms near the breasts.)

Apologies.

The point being, she can't change what has happened - but try to apply correctly (according to her leaflet) going forward.

Plus, given how anxious she says she is about it, consider other options.

@blahblahblah76 Just apply to outside of upper arms with hands, I rub in enough so that it’s tacky not just a thick layer sitting on skin then wash hands thoroughly. Give it 5 mins to dry and put on a top that’s got sleeves that cover the area it’s on and carry on as normal. It’s transferable for a couple of hours I believe

I think I'd find things to panic about with other options too.

I do thighs so no contact there with kids after application as trousers are on. I worried if washing was sufficient for hands but I guess it must be.

Do other people accidentally get it where it shouldn't be or is it just me?? I got in a right panic and then washed off with hands then panicked hands weren't clean either.

And it won't transfer through clothes I guess?

How old are your children? Are you having an early menopause? I'd assume most women around 45-50 had teenagers not young toddlers but apologies if this isn't the case with you.

Personally, I don't get it anywhere accidently and I've used it for over 15 years. I squirt it into my palm and then spread it on my thighs or upper arms, then wash my hands, It takes about 5 mins to dry.

It won't transfer anywhere once it's dry and after 1 hour.

You're incredibly anxious over this. It's not a 'dangerous drug' - it's a very low dose of estrogen.

I'd suggest you focus on managing your anxiety and if you're this worried about using gel, consider an estrogen only patch.

Please try not to worry - as @JinglingSpringbells says, it is very low dose hormone gel that slowly seeps into your skin after application, not a toxic chemical.

Two squirts, pat on your thighs as instructed, wash your hands, leave to dry, get dressed, forgot about it. If you somehow get it elsewhere on your body, wash it off and think no more.

All the warnings about not touching other people, getting it near breast etc are deliberately “all or nothing” - because it is much clearer to say “avoid this and don’t do that” than anything more vague or ambiguous. But I understand it can induce anxiety.