Menopause Matters Forum

Thanks so much for the reply, yes i really must give this a good go, im wondering if i should of taking the utrogen again as did make me sleep ok, maybe the other gel made me tired!
What is the size of skin you cover when rubbing in? id say mine is just over the size of my hand?
Glad its working for you, gives me hope  :)xx

Hi lila

Sorry to hear you are still feeling rough.

I think I have spoken to you before on your other thread a couple of weeks ago?

I have never used gel but I have read about it. The instructions do say that the size of area you spread it on is important:

For Oestrogel it is 400 – 750 square cm (2- 4 measures of gel). This area is critical for mximum absorption according to the Sandrena leaflet – and I presume is the same for oestrogel. This is what the Sandrena leaflet says:
“Application of Sandrena on area of 200-400 cm2 (size of one to two hands) does not affect the amount of estradiol absorbed. However, if Sandrena is applied to larger area absorption decreases significantly. To some extent, however, the estradiol is stored in the subcutaneous tissue from where it is released gradually into circulation.”

Is there a template that comes with it to give you an idea of the size? Otherwise then I presume it is the size of 2-4 hands going on the above.

I also understand it should not be rubbed in but just spread out and will absorb into the body before it dries.

Yes there are only two types of progesterone tablet licensed for general use although as mentioned some gynaes prescribe norethisterone but I seem to remember you have tried this in pills and didn;t get on with it. There used to be the one in Femoston - dydrogesterone - fairly similar to our own progesterone - can't remember if you've tried that but you can't get it on its own now - only in Femoston tablets.

How many pumps of gel are you using per day and are you taking the Provera continuously? As Lesley says you won't be able to tell immediately what is causing you to be tearful and unhappy until your body has got used to the gel and the Provera. I can't remember if you have just changed from tablets - and if so it will definitely take your body a while to adjust.

Finally have you been advised to continue with taking progesterone continuously? If you are somewhat intolerant it will be difficult and it might be a matter of choosing the least worst.

Have you been tested for testosterone too? With your circumstances you should ask to be referred to a meno clinic if you can - you can find the nearest one to you on the main website here:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/clinicfinder.php

Hope this helps and do hope you begin to feel better soon.

Hurdity x

Hi Gig

Thanks
However this is what I found in the SPC on the web:

How to apply Oestrogel:

Each measure from the dispenser is 1.25g of Oestrogel.

The correct dose of gel should be dispensed and applied to clean, dry, intact areas of skin e.g. on the arms and shoulders, or inner thighs. The area of application should be at least 750cm2, twice the area of the template provided. One measure from the dispenser, or half the prescribed dose, should be applied to each arm/shoulder (or thigh). Oestrogel should NOT be applied on or near the breasts or on the vulval region.

The absoprtion of gel for Sandrena and Oestrogel appears quite complex and depends to some extent on whether application of gel is to the same or different areas, and to the area of skin applied.

Anyone who has trouble getting relief from symptoms from gel should seek expert advice as to whether it is being applied correctly.

This is from a paper in Climacteric:
The application of a hydro-alco-holic gel containing estradiol results in a rapid penetration of the estrogens into the stratum corneum; this stops after drying of the gel on the skin. As the absorption is proportional to the surface of application, deviations from the instructions may cause variations in the estrogen level and clinical efficacy. About 10% of the dose is absorbed by the skin during the 2 min until drying. The estradiol is stored in the stratum corneum and permeates through the epidermis into the dermal capillaries according to the concentration gradient between the stratum corneum and blood. This diffusion lasts for 2–14 h. The two available gel preparations differ in their concentration and mode of application

This is the reference although it is very technical:
http://www.cenegenicsfoundation.org/library/library_files/Pharmacology_of_estrogens_and_progestogens___influence_of_different_routes_of_administration.pdf

As lila is young I imagine she is trying to achieve a higher serum oestradiol level than those who are late 50's post meno so this information does become important, in my opinion.

lila - hope this is helpful?

Hurdity x

Been using it for years, use 2 pumps at the mo, sometimes one and a half, always use it on my legs, inside of thighs, outside of calves, on my cellulite lol, actually anywhere and I find that 2 pumps will cover one section of my leg, such as the thigh totally fine, I wouldnt stress too much, it gets absorbed no matter how you use it, just keep away from your breast area.

Its great stuff, I couldnt live without it x

Oh and meant to say am using the Utrogestan 200mg vaginally it also seems to work really well, I only use it for 8 days pm

Been using it for years, use 2 pumps at the mo, sometimes one and a half, always use it on my legs, inside of thighs, outside of calves, on my cellulite lol, actually anywhere and I find that 2 pumps will cover one section of my leg, such as the thigh totally fine, I wouldnt stress too much, it gets absorbed no matter how you use it, just keep away from your breast area.

Its great stuff, I couldnt live without it x

Oh and meant to say am using the Utrogestan 200mg vaginally it also seems to work really well, I only use it for 8 days pm

hi thanks for reply,
Im on the 100mg utrogesten for ten days! how come you take for 8? Is it the tablet ? x x

Thanks for your help x x

So if im on 100mg for ten days orally (this is what my doctor advised) would i just do the same but vaginal method?
Sorry if i sound silly but this is all new to me, i was on nuvelle hrt for ten years (started menapause age 25) but they stopped it so last couple of years been trying to find something sutible and dont really understand it all. Well ill blame it on the menapause x x