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[Rose]

I went to see my GP hoping for an Estring and it doesn't exist here in Oz  I told him about halving the vagifem (25) and using it daily and he said to keep doing this for as long as it takes to feel better. I also asked about patches, as the ones he'd given me have fallen off after a few days and he gave me gel to rub onto my skin. Has anyone used gel and if so, how did it go? I am honestly confused and disappointed.
Rose x

[Suzi Q]

HI Rose Im here in Brisbane
Theres  the ring here see a specialist
My pals has only just had it taken out after 3 years and they replaced it
Is it the Mirena coil she was given it for Menopause?
I use Vagifem 2x25 Thurs just done it@Sunday but sometimes I will put one in Tue as well
Not often tnhough maybe once every 2 months or so at most
How can u halve the VAGi have u been using 25m 2 a day? Theres not 10m here thank god.
I found sadly most Ozzie GPS like a lot of GPS world wide know very little about meno
Some can be quite cruel and uncariing We are lucky here we can Doctor shop unlike UK
Om English been here since early 80s and went over at 36/37 NO HRT wouldn give it me
I used the MINI PILL Microlut and Ovestin for over 10 years Since 2010 Ive only used Vagi
SADLY THERES no meno clinics here so either change your GP OT go ask the  Chemist
They are brilliant ask them go early morning and ask if theres a gel if theres other patches
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx U didnt say WHY whats up???

[Taz2]

Hi Rose - I think that you have been offered a really good combination. Here in the UK it is often difficult to get the gel prescribed but many women on here get on really well with it. It is often possible to tailor the amount to suit your individual needs from what I have read on here. Maybe do a search using the search button in the blue bar top right of the screen to bring up other posts?

Taz x

[Dancinggirl]

Hi Rose
I assume you've been given Oestrogel(UK) which I used throughout my peri and post meno stages.  This gel is great because you can adjust the amount according to your needs.  I think it absorbs better as well - though some find the patches better.  Hope you find the gel good, I certainly found it the best option.  Start with 1-2 pumps per day and after 2-3 weeks increase a little if you are not getting a reduction in symptoms.  I never needed more than just under 2 pumps per day but everyone is different.
I think SuziQ is mixing things up re: Estring.  I think she is referring to the Mirena which is quite different.  The Estring is just a ring you put in yourself and it lasts for 3 months and then you change it.  I started using one a couple of weeks ago and so far I've found it quite good.  My urethra is still burning on and off but the rest of my girlie bits are much better.
Maybe the Estring isn't available in Oz?!!!!  Hopefully and oestrogen gel with Vagifem will make things better. DG x

[Suzi Q]

Hi Rose
I assume you've been given Oestrogel(UK) which I used throughout my peri and post meno stages.  This gel is great because you can adjust the amount according to your needs.  I think it absorbs better as well - though some find the patches better.  Hope you find the gel good, I certainly found it the best option.  Start with 1-2 pumps per day and after 2-3 weeks increase a little if you are not getting a reduction in symptoms.  I never needed more than just under 2 pumps per day but everyone is different.
I think SuziQ is mixing things up re: Estring.  I think she is referring to the Mirena which is quite different.  The Estring is just a ring you put in yourself and it lasts for 3 months and then you change it.  I started using one a couple of weeks ago and so far I've found it quite good.  My urethra is still burning on and off but the rest of my girlie bits are much better.
Maybe the Estring isn't available in Oz?!!!!  Hopefully and oestrogen gel with Vagifem will make things better. DG x


I did mean the mirena  I dont know if they do string here
Things are diff all over ook at us here we still have Vagifem 25 and no sign of it ending

[Rose]

Yes Suzi Q they do have the mirena coil but not the estring. As you well know, things are different here. I cut the Vagifem in half with a pill cutter which seems to work. As for the gel, it comes in sachets and by god, two hours after applying it, I felt dizzy and very strange. Last night was the first time I had hot sweats in ages so I don't know where i am with dosage. Where is best to apply gel? I am almost tempted to go back to tablets but would appreciate anyone else's experience with gel. Did you have any problems at the start with gel, DG?
There are medications that you just can't get here in Oz. I always used First Defence nasal spray in the UK, when I felt a cold coming on but the pharmacist told me that as it wasn't selling well in OZ, the manufacturers took it off. My GP is great for all other things except the menopause.

[Dancinggirl]

Hi Rose
I used a gel called Oestrogel which is widely used in France and comes in a canister - you press the pump at the top that emits a single dose at a time and is applied to the inner legs or arms - I always applied it to my inner thighs.
I've never come across gel in sachets!!!  HRT products are clearly very different to Oz!
I found it great because you could apply the amount you needed.
Sorry I can't help more - I think you should have been given more info about what you were given.  DG x

[Rowan]

I am sure Sandrena in sachets are available in the UK. I think I have the right spelling.

[Rose]

That's the brand name I've been given, silverlady. It's Sandrena 1.0mg of Oestradiol. Has anyone used this brand as I'd welcome any comments.
Rose x

[Dana]

I have no experience with the gel, but regarding your problem with the patches - we have Estradot here and they stick like glue - even through all our sweaty Brisbane summers.

[Hurdity]

Hi Rose

I haven't used gel but other women on here have - I seem to remember that Sandrena is more concentrated than oestrogel - therefore may be easier to get the right dose - ie less to spread for same dose.

However if you are using one sachet only of Sandrena (1 g) - from my notes made some time ago this gives 1 mg estradiol, whereas the starting dose for oestrogel is usually two pumps (2.5 g) which gives 1.5 mg estradiol. Think I've got this right!

So how much you get depends on how often you use it and how much - in all cases!

Hurdity x

[Sarah2]

Hi Rose

I've used gel for 5.5 years- I use Oestrogel. You might like to ask for this- I can't see why it's not available in Oz because both Sandrena and Oestrogel are available here and worldwide ( to my knowledge!)
From what I've heard, Sandrena is runnier and harder to apply. You also can't really vary the dose as you have to leave an open sachet around if you don't want to use the lot.

There is no 'starting dose' for Oestrogel-other than what the manufacturers say is the 'normal' dose - 2 pumps which gives 1.5 mgs oestrogen, but I was told by my consultant to start with a pea-sized amount and work upwards to get symptom relief. I found 1 pump gave me relief daytime, but not night time ( from feeling hot and insomnia.) You can use up to 4 pumps a day- 3mgs.

I felt sick with 2 pumps applied at once so split the dose - I apply 1 pump around 8am after my shower and another pump around 10-11pm after my bath. This works well. I apply to my upper arms.

Hope this helps.

[Hurdity]

Sarah2 - yes I was quoting from the manufacturers Summary of Product Characteristics which is as I stated. I realise that any dose can be varied but I was using this dose - the usual starting dose - to show Rose the comparison with the Sandrena dose - in terms of amount of estradiol obtained from given doses. I can see how being able to pump the required dose would be much more convenient - but just that you need to apply more (oestrogel) to get the same amount of estradiol!

Hurdity x

[Sarah2]

Sure...I just didn't want her to think she had to use the full 'usual' amount if it was causing side effects.

The other thing is they are different oestrogens (?): Sandrena is oestradiol hemihydrate and Oestrogel is 17..[funny squiggle not on keyboard] oestrodiol.

Don't know if this makes a difference.

[Rose]

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply! The Sandrena gel is very runny and goes everywhere if you're not careful! I may have to go back to the drawing board on this one and perhaps experiment with putting gel on morn/eve. I got so fed up, I went back to the tablets I have. I have to get this degree and that's what is hindering me at moment. If I mess around with meds, I end up with no sleep or too much which doesn't help me to concentrate on study.
I will ask GP about Estrotot patches or the pump (which does sound easier to use).
Rose x