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Original poster

Oestrogel arm/thigh application rotation

27 replies

Wonderbug81 · 22/03/2026 11:13

I've been peri for 4 years, fairly steady management for a while with HRT (oestrogel, utrogestan). Recently (past 3 months) had v high anxiety and low motivation etc. Blood tests just back and it says testosterone is extremely low.

Also says Estradiol is 97 pmol even with 3 pumps Oestrogel.

Waiting for menopause doctor appt to discuss options but having done some research I've just found out that you're supposed to rotate the location between thigh and arm. I've been using my inner thigh for at least a year.

How much might this have affected things? Anyone had an improvement when they started rotating location or is it likely that I'll need to increase dose too?

Don't want to increase dose unnecessarily because that can often come with its own side effects!

OP posts:
JinglingSpringbells · 28/08/2026 17:05

HollywentLightly · 28/08/2026 09:33

Given I have to wait 15 minutes for the gel to dry, I just don't have the time to apply it in the morning. I googled patient info leaflets and found different recommendations, between outer arms, and anywhere below the belly button, so I just slather it where I can. One thing I read about rotating areas was so that the alcohol in the gel doesn't dry out the skin. I don't have that issue luckily.

I need to get a new prescription next month and I might try the patches again. Estradot worked really well for me but they are rarer than hens' teeth and I found the replacement ones very crinkly. But the fannying around waiting for the gel to dry in winter isn't fun either.

How does it take 15 mins to dry?

Mine takes 2 minutes, one pump between 2 upper arms.

JinglingSpringbells · 28/08/2026 17:06

70percent · 28/08/2026 09:08

@JinglingSpringbells thanks. How did you get to see a consultant? I’m still wondering about trying to get a menopause clinic referral as neither GP I see - who are both supposed to be HRT / meno specialists in the practice - seem completely up to date.

I’ll look up the video. I did read the guidance on Dr Louise Newson’s website re applying gel (which was also where I saw it said if more than 2 pumps split morning and evening) but didn’t see a video

I see a consultant privately.
They are a gynaecologist.

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