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[juliemargaret]

Hi all..so got my knickers in a right twist!
Been 4 weeks this week on Estrogel...and just getting ready to order more. I got a repeat prescription  put through.electronically and my mum.collected it for me and brought me back Oestrodose. Ive read lots of posts on here as to whether the same....but im reluctant to try as some women have said its not the same...they feel the difference....and because im still very early days hrt and not sure i even feel any better on estrogel i dont want to change to something that may be different! Ive gotten myself all wound up....not sure if the chemist will take it back...as theyll probablly only have that one..and say its the same...i cant even be bothered arguing or explaining to them.!!! The last prescription i got for my first hrt 4 weeks ago when began i took to asda pharmacy and was given estrogel....so want to stick with this...seems the chemist connected to my docs only stocks the other !  Gonna take back tomorrow see what they say but again just in no mood to argue or explain my case when they say "its the exact same but different packaging "!!!
Anyone of you lovely ladies  have any input to calm me down haha!!
JM.

[CLKD]

  it doesn't take much to upset the apple cart does it!  Chemist is unlikely to take it back, give them a ring in the morning and ask.  What the difference might be, different manufacturer but same product, etc.?

Then let us know. 

[juliemargaret]

Hi ! Ohh what a palaver !!? My poor mum must think im losing the plot !! Is 4.weeks too early to tell if this  is even for me? Im.so not sure as cant really tell as dont feel much different.......

[warwick01]

Hi Jm

I find a difference with Oestrodose and Oestrogel. Oestrodose is weaker and not as good.

The same thing happened with me so had a word with my Pharmacist who made a note on computer. I only get Oestrogel now. You can always buy Oestrogel on line from Oxford online pharmace if needed as I don't think the pharmacy can take back and swop the Oestrodose once left the store.

Wx

[Dotty]

Hi you won't be able to take the Oetradose back.

There is a long thread on here about Oestrogel and Oestradose not being / being the same.

Some ladies notice a difference and others don't . X

[juliemargaret]

Hi all. I managed to get a paper script for ny stuff....so going to go the  Asda pharmacy and see if they have estrogel. My mum.did me the favour of taking the other one back to local chemist....unsure if they took it back but think so. Hoping asda has what i need! Not prepared to take risks so early on in my therapy! Wish me luck x

[Dotty]

Julie Margaret .... what does your prescription say? Does it say Oestrogel or Oestradiol gel? X

[juliemargaret]

Hi all. Script said estrodiol 0.06.  3 chemists didnt have.and only had the oestrodose. Then trustu Asda had the Estrogel....and....the pharmist was a gem. .He didnt flinch...he knew why i was asking and  said a year ago he encountered much of the same...women asking for the estrogel...over oestrodose...and why not...as we were entitled to. He saod many claimed that although same.product etc they.felt the difference. He said he was always told (not sure where or by whom) that Estrogel was the one to give.  He seemed to know his stuff. He said Asda often have them both. So i felt better as my mum was with me so it was proof i werent 100% mad.for getting my knickers in such a twist !!!! We couldnt return the oestriodose but i wasnt bothered...ill keep it safe just jn case ever have any emergencies where no estrogel at all!  So girls.....always stand firm. Xx

[Hurdity]

Sorry to hear you've been feeling rough juliemargaret - but really they are exactly the same. What confuses women is that they have different names and different canisters but the stuff inside is manufactured by Besins in Belgium in the same factory/lab but given different names (by Besins) or repackaged by a parallel importer (the outer package only ie the pump mechanism not the inner pouch into which the gel is filled on manufacture). I looked into this and reported in detail as Dotty said - there is a lot of hearsay and rumour which I tried to dispel by contacting the manufacturers and then posting on here. Menopause specialist Dr Louise Newson (My Menopause Doctor) also did the same and I reported her words on here. Anyone who feels they noice a difference or want the UK name on their gel is of course entitled to ask for this although there is no "Oestrodose" on UK list of medicines because it is actually "Oestrogel" - but named as such for other EU markets.

Here is the thread
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,40586.msg692139.html#msg692139

Unfortunately it was taken off track and down some irrelevant routes at times but the main gist of the thread and the information from Besins and Dr Newson - still stands.

Please - no need for you or anyone to worry at all - whatever the pharmacist says!

I hope you eventually find that the gel works for you but best thing is to relax, not to worry  and not think about it and get on with life and hopefully the gel (Oestrogel/Oestrodose or whatever product you use) will work its magic....

Hurdity x

[Dotty]

Hi julie Margaret

The reason I asked about what your prescription says is that a pharmacist in my local Asda said that if it says oestradiol gel then they can give you Oestrogel or Oestrodose.

If your prescription says Oestrogel then they have to give you Oestrogel.

I always take the Oestrogel box with me to the chemist to show them which one I want.

I've never tried Oestrodose so I can't comment on whether it's the same or different x

[Tinkerbell]

You won't be able to return it, like Dotty, i take the Estrogel box to the chemist, i use an independant one and ask them to order ot for me, they are always happy to do so.

I personally prefer Estrogel as my symptoms seem to return when i use the Estradose even though i am told they are the same, others say they are fine on either, so just see how you get on with it and request Estrogel in future if that is what you prefer.

[juliemargaret]

Thanks all..and hurdity for the info. Yes i managed to get the estrogel....couldbt take back the oestrodose so ive just put it in cupboard.  Understand what you are all saying....i just didnt want to mess about so early into my therapy. But all sorted now and know to go to asda for it.

On another note.....im 4 weeks exactly today on hrt regime....daily esteo.and alternate utrogestan...had  ableed forst wrek forn3 days but today another bleed.....is this normal. X

[Dotty]

Hi breakthrough bleeding can be expected for first 6 months.

Am I right that you are peri menopausal? If so, this could be the reason for the bleeding x

[juliemargaret]

Hi dotty....yes i am...perimenopausal. im.worried now that the regime isnt for me but i was advised.to try it this way....alternate vaginally utro and.2 pumps daily estro. I mean i havent felt really bad....jsut a bit more quietly irritable /moods and tired on the days i havent had utro the night before....but was hoping this is just body adjusting.  So another bleed now..2nd.since.stsrted.4.weeks ago.... should i just carry on...give it more time (or should i be worried re bleed) x

[Dotty]

Hi I don't think there's any need to worry but the bleeding could be erratic and heavy as you are peri menopausal.

You may need to stick with it and see it it works, but I think lots of people were amazed that you were told to take it continuously when you are still in peri. However , we are not medically trained .... x