Switching to patches from gel - dosage

Wonderbug81 · 2026-04-10T17:59:00+00:00

I've been on 3 pumps oestrogel for a long time but seem to have stopped absorbing it (Oestridiol - 97 pmol). Both at the very low end of NHS range. SBHG is 69 nmol). Menopause doctor saidI should switch to patches (75, which is the same as 3 pumps oestrogel). But would I be better on a 2 pump equivalent to start with? I'm worried that there'll be a big jump in estrogen and I'm more likely to have side effects?

over50andfab · 11/04/2026 03:48

HRT is about controlling menopause symptoms. It would have been best to discuss the dose with your Dr, but if you prefer you could start off with 2 pumps of Oestrogel and give 3 months to see if it’s controlling your symptoms. If it isn’t you could increase to 3 pumps.

JinglingSpringbells · 11/04/2026 08:21

@Wonderbug81 Did you have a blood test because symptoms had returned? What symptoms are they?

Bear in mind that blood tests (especially when using gel) are very unreliable. There are many scientific papers online on this showing how they are rarely accurate. The only reason for changing type or dose is the return of symptoms.

Before your GP suggested swapping, have you given any thought to how you're applying, when and where?

eg Have you tried inner thighs instead of, or as well as upper arms? Have you tried splitting the dose am and pm? (Suggested by the BMS for higher doses.) Have you tried exfoliating your skin and making sure it's free from residues of shower gel, soap or body lotion? These can all affect absorption.

It might be better to start on a 50mcg patch if you do decide to change OR you could try increasing gel to 4 pumps (on the basis that the blood test wasn't accurate. With gel, it's hard to get an accurate reading. It depends on how long it was since you applied it and lots of other factors.

Original poster

Wonderbug81 · 11/04/2026 08:46

JinglingSpringbells · 11/04/2026 08:21

@Wonderbug81 Did you have a blood test because symptoms had returned? What symptoms are they?

Bear in mind that blood tests (especially when using gel) are very unreliable. There are many scientific papers online on this showing how they are rarely accurate. The only reason for changing type or dose is the return of symptoms.

Before your GP suggested swapping, have you given any thought to how you're applying, when and where?

eg Have you tried inner thighs instead of, or as well as upper arms? Have you tried splitting the dose am and pm? (Suggested by the BMS for higher doses.) Have you tried exfoliating your skin and making sure it's free from residues of shower gel, soap or body lotion? These can all affect absorption.

It might be better to start on a 50mcg patch if you do decide to change OR you could try increasing gel to 4 pumps (on the basis that the blood test wasn't accurate. With gel, it's hard to get an accurate reading. It depends on how long it was since you applied it and lots of other factors.

Thanks yes lots of symptoms (high anxiety, heart palpitations, low mood etc) where before I was doing well on 3 pumps for well over a year so my symptoms back up the blood test.

I've done the splitting doses and rotating but it's the same. Keen to try the patch and will ask for a 50mcg first and see how I go.

OP posts:

JinglingSpringbells · 11/04/2026 10:37

Wonderbug81 · 11/04/2026 08:46

Thanks yes lots of symptoms (high anxiety, heart palpitations, low mood etc) where before I was doing well on 3 pumps for well over a year so my symptoms back up the blood test.

I've done the splitting doses and rotating but it's the same. Keen to try the patch and will ask for a 50mcg first and see how I go.

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I wonder why your GP didn't suggest upping to 4 pumps?
Bear in mind blood tests are very inaccurate.
My consultant (one of the best in UK) never does them for HRT because of inaccuracy.