Is oestrogen gel or spray commonly prescribed by the NHS or is the patch more common, and do patients get much choice?

[Penelopeandherpitstop]

I'm moving back to the UK permanently in a few months after several years abroad. I've been using estrogel (along with progesterone) for almost a year and am happy with using the gel. I'm wondering if the gel is as commonly prescribed as the patch by the NHS, and if I'm likely to have any issues if I request a prescription for the gel and not the patch? I'm also open to trying the spray.

I'm asking because the patch seems more commonly prescribed (I have no actual data for this it's just my perception from reading forums!) but I'm hoping if I specifically request the gel it will be prescribed. I know GPs can be hit and miss on perimenopause/menopause knowledge anyway, but I'm also wondering if there are any cost differences between the gel and patch making the patch preferable for the NHS to prescribe?

Thanks for any insight.

No options given. Just told theybwouldmprescrine HRT..impockednitnup and found it was patches
Evorel Conti
They leave hideous black fluffy/sticky square ony buttocks but I feel human again.

I'm now 66.

Someone on here recommended to use the sticky part of the old patch that you’ve just taken off to get the black sticky marks off. It works a treat! Just rub and they’re gone.

I was given a choice but they said patches were first choice on their prescribing list. I was unsure as I react to all sticky patches but hate the feel of body lotion and have dogs that always lick my arms and legs so knew gel would be a problem. Patches it was, had no reaction thankfully and though they lift up, after using tattoo film over the top they never budge now nor any black sticky marks left. Plus I can cut them and increase the dose if I want. Been on them 3 years now.

I said I react to adhesive and she said “oh I was giving you the gel anyway, we go with that unless someone wants patches”

they said patches were first choice on their prescribing list.

This is what I was wondering and what prompted my post. But good to hear that almost everyone was given a choice or their preference was listened to. Also interesting that the gel was offered as the first choice for another poster, so it looks like there's probably just some variation between different GPs. My GP in my current country just suggested the gel first off and since that was my preference we didn't discuss the patch.

I think that maybe was the case 3 years ago. I think people are given the choice now.

I got a choice. The gp looked happiest when she said spray so I picked spray.

How are you getting on with the pills?

I'm awaiting a GP appointment to discuss this. I was on the patches but started getting breakthrough symptoms and a blood test showed that my oestrogen was low, so I switched to the gel, but again am getting symptoms- fatigue, hot flushes, joint pain, anxiety spikes etc.

My GP did say there's an increased risk of blood clots, but couldn't say how high the risk was compared to taking the contraceptive pill, which I used to take happily back in the day.

I was offered gel/progesterone tablets or patches, felt the GP slightly pushed the patches but I explained my concerns about skin sensitivity to the adhesive (had this with nicotine patches previously) and simply being too sweaty for patches () and she happily prescribed gel and tablets instead. I can report that I am no longer sweaty () but perfectly happy on the gel so no intention of changing now!

Oh and no issues so far (almost a year in) with supply other than being given generic progesterone rather than Utrogestan the last couple of times which I actually prefer as it doesn't make me feel tired where the Utrogestan did 🤷🏻‍♀️

Oh sorry, I meant oestrogen pills! I'm already on oral progesterone.

I was offered the choice of gel, patch or spray and went with the spray because it dries in two minutes, so it is easy for me to apply before work when in a rush. Two of my work colleagues recommended the spray to me. Very happy so far.

I just started on HRT a few weeks ago. The practice nurse offered patches, gel or spray, and I opted for spray. It dries really quickly, no mess or stickiness.

She did say it's the most expensive, maybe that's why it's not prescribed as much? It ws just the standard £9.99 prescription charge (or something close) for me.

@UpAndDownAllTheTime
You may already know this (in which case apologies!) but you can get an HRT prepayment certificate for £19.80 for the whole year. Works out cheaper if you have more than 2 prescriptions for HRT over the year.

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone-replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc

I have the normal prepayment certificate which includes all prescriptions including HRT as I have monthly things I need, but I definitely would have got this HRT one if not.

I DID NOT KNOW THAT!!! Many thanks for the info 💐

I was just offered patches. I’m sure if I wanted something else I would get it though.

I recommend applying the gel using the lid rather than your hand. Far less messy.