Low blood oestradiol on Estrogel - absorption issue?

[ikeepforgetting]

I have been having leg pain and stiffness, sore finger joints and general meh fatigue for a while. Had series of blood tests and despite being on 3 pumps of Estrogel for 5 years (I am 52 now) my oestriadol level is 123 p/mol which is lower than expected for someone on HRT. Everything else is normal range.

GP has suggested trying my lower arm (inner) as skin is thinner there for at least one of the pumps - thinking it may be that I am not absorbing from my inner thigh. She has also suggested switching to patch or spray.

Anyone else have same and what worked for you?

Have your blood test been for inflammation /arthritis/ auto immune issues? Have you had any X rays of your joints?

Blood tests for estrogen when on HRT are unreliable. My consultant won't do them as they say they are so inaccurate (you can check this out online - there is research /science papers on it because blood has to be taken over 24 hours to get a more accurate reading.)

Everyone absorbs transdermal products differently but for estrogen it's advised to apply it where there is fatty tissue which helps absorption which is why it's upper outer arms or inner thighs. You could try patches or spray or even tablets.

I dont absorb transdermal HRT. 6 pumps of estrogel and 150 Everol patches. Then 150 Estradot, my levels never got above 100.
Now on oral HRT (I was very reluctant to try it) but doing much better.

I had a look on the Estrogel website and they advise arms - started with my arms yesterday, one on each everywhere except inner upper, and one split between two thighs. It dried super quick when it usually takes a good 15 mins, so I am hoping that's a good sign!

@JinglingSpringbells Still waiting for a couple of results on arthritis/autoimmune