Oestrogel

What is Oestrogel?

Oestrogel is a topical HRT that contains only a version of the hormone oestrogen as 750 micrograms of estradiol. Oestrogel is supplied as a gel that is applied to the skin which is a highly effective method of reducing menopausal symptoms leaving you feeling more comfortable so you can carry on enjoying life.

Oestrogel is manufactured by Besins Healthcare and comes in an easy-to-use, mess-free pump pack, making everyday use simple.

What is Oestrogel used for?

Oestrogel is prescribed to women who experience menopausal symptoms that significantly affect their experience of daily life or to those who are at risk of developing brittle bones (osteoporosis).

Menopausal symptoms Oestrogel can relieve:

• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Difficulty sleeping
• Vaginal dryness and irritation
• Reduced sex drive
• Headaches
• Low mood

How does Oestrogel work?

Menopause is caused by the natural decline in oestrogen levels in a woman’s blood when she stops producing eggs or ovulating. It is this drop in oestrogen that causes the unpleasant symptoms that are associated with menopause.

Oestrogel contains a bioidentical version of oestrogen called estradiol. It is applied to the skin where the hormone is absorbed into the bloodstream where it raises the levels of oestrogen and effectively reduces symptoms.

How quickly does Oestrogel work?

Like other forms of HRT, it takes several weeks before your levels of oestrogen are high enough for you to notice improvements in your menopausal symptoms. Most women will have sufficient levels of oestrogen in their blood by 3 months to feel the full effects of their treatment.

If after 3 months you do not feel your symptoms have significantly improved or if you are continuing to experience side effects you should speak to a doctor to discuss the dose you have been prescribed.

Alternatives to Oestrogel

At The Independent Pharmacy, we sell a large range of HRT including tablets, patches, vaginal tablets and creams as well as Oestrogel, another brand of oestrogen gel that is applied to the skin.

If you would like to discuss changing to a different form of HRT you should arrange to speak to your doctor who will be able to advise you of your options.

Sources

• Oestrogel Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/353/pil
• https://patient.info/medicine/oestrogen-hrt-estradiol
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/

How to use Oestrogel

• Oestrogel is only suitable for women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms and who have been prescribed by their GP following an initial health assessment.
• Oestrogel should not be applied to the breasts and face or any areas of irritated or broken skin. Recommended application areas are the outer arms and shoulders of both arms or the mid-inner thighs of both legs. You should rotate the application sites daily.
• Use Oestrogel exactly as you have been prescribed by your doctor. One pump delivers 1 dose of Oestrogel. Read the Patient Information Leaflet before use.
• If you still have an intact womb you should speak to your doctor before using Oestrogel as they will likely prescribe another HRT containing a form of the hormone progesterone.

For best results use as directed:

1. Before use wash and dry your hands and application areas thoroughly.
2. Remove the canister cap and the stopper from the spout.
3. Push the plunger down firmly with one hand under the spout to collect the gel. This will dispense 1 measure of gel.
4. Apply the gel to either the outer arms and shoulders of both arms or the mid-inner thighs of both legs.
5. Cover the spout with the stopper and replace the cap.
6. Leave the gel to dry for 5 minutes before covering

Oestrogel ingredients

The active ingredient in Oestrogel is 750 micrograms of Estradiol in each 1.25 gram pump.

The other ingredients are: Carbomer, triethanolamine, ethanol and purified water.

Do not use Oestrogel if you are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients.

Oestrogel side effects

Oestrogel, like other HRT, can cause some people to experience some unwanted side effects. Most of these side effects will improve within the first 3 months of use. If they do not get better within this time you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

If you develop any severe side effects or an allergic reaction while using Oestrogel you should seek medical advice from your nearest emergency department as soon as possible.

The most commonly experienced side effects when using Oestrogel are:

• Painful, heavy periods
• Irregular bleeding
• White or yellow vaginal discharge or yeast infections
• Mood swings
• Migraines
• Vertigo or feelings of weakness
• Wind
• Acne

Before using Oestrogel you must read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.

Oestrogel warnings

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet carefully before using Oestrogel.

Using any form of HRT treatment, including Oestrogel, heightens your risk of developing specific health conditions. If you have any questions or concerns you should discuss these with your GP or specialist.

Your suitability to continue purchasing Oestrogel on repeat prescription from The Independent Pharmacy relies upon you maintaining an annual check-up with your GP, which should include a breast screen, blood pressure, blood tests and a cervical smear test.

• If you still have an intact womb your doctor should prescribe you a form of HRT that contains a version of the hormone progesterone to use alongside Oestrogel to reduce your risk of developing certain cancers.
• Oestrogel may not be a fitting treatment option for everyone. You should not use this product if you have ever had or are at risk of oestrogen-sensitive cancer, a blood clot, have a blood clotting disorder or have liver disease.
• Discuss with your GP before using Oestrogel if you have fibroids, endometriosis, have high blood pressure, diabetes, gallstones, SLE, epilepsy, asthma, kidney problems, suffer from migraines as HRT can make these conditions worse.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using Oestrogel if you are currently taking or have recently stopped taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medicine including herbal remedies such as St John’s-Wort.

Oestrogel and cancer

Oestrogel, like other oestrogen-only HRT, increases your risk of developing cancers of the womb. Oestrogel, can consequently, only be used by women who do not have an intact womb or who are prescribed a progesterone HRT alongside it to reduce these risks.

All HRT increases your chances of developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer and therefore you must continue to attend an annual health review and regularly check your breasts for any changes including lumps and dimples. If you notice any irregularities you should get these checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Oestrogel & pregnancy

Oestrogel is only suitable for women experiencing menopause and should not be taken as a contraceptive or when pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while taking Oestrogel you should speak to a doctor for advice.