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[violetbat]

I have been using 2 pumps of gel since Jan this year( with 200mg utro 8-10 days a month vaginally depending on what I can tolerate) and having found that it absorbs better when applied to the inside of my arms ( I am careful not to let my arms touch my breasts). I was wondering whether I would also get more benefit from splitting the dose? Or does it make no difference?

[Flan747]

That’s interesting I have seen several people apply to inner arms and was thinking of trying that myself as I am a poor absorber! Do you apply upper or lower inner arm and do you rub it in and spread it(I am on Sandrena)  although I am on 4 sachets even when on the gel I used to split the dose although I haven’t seen anything to suggest you can’t put it on in one go!

[violetbat]

That’s interesting I have seen several people apply to inner arms and was thinking of trying that myself as I am a poor absorber! Do you apply upper or lower inner arm and do you rub it in and spread it(I am on Sandrena)  although I am on 4 sachets even when on the gel I used to split the dose although I haven’t seen anything to suggest you can’t put it on in one go!

it has made a real difference switching to inner arms. I have skinny arms so have to apply rorm the wrist and then high up until I move the last bit over the top of my shoulder - (never on the arm pit, just before as i don't want it to come in contact with my torso)

[Flan747]

Lovely thank you for that! Will give that a try! I too have skinny arms but know you can rub Sandrena in a bit more then the other gel

[Uptick]

If you read the SmPC 5.2 section on Pharmacokinetics Properties, all studies were performed considering one daily application and the patient  leaflet says 'Apply the gel once a day, either in the morning or evening'.
Of course women usually don't follow the instructions because we're all different and all that, but I think it's better to follow the instructions and give it time to work before changing anything or you will end up not knowing what's going on or causing random fluctuations.

[Flan747]

It’s so confusing isn’t it! I apply 1mg on each inner thigh twice a day but would love to apply once a day if I’m honest! Will stick with what I do for a little while longer then try inner arms for a while and see if any better!

[Uptick]

It’s so confusing isn’t it! I apply 1mg on each inner thigh twice a day but would love to apply once a day if I’m honest! Will stick with what I do for a little while longer then try inner arms for a while and see if any better!

Sorry, but I don't think it's confusing. Follow the leaflet's instructions and give it a good time to work. If it doesn't, maybe it's not the best product for you, re absorption or convenience, so you can try a patch or the new spray instead. Simples.

[Flan747]

By confusing I meant you read so many people doing it so many different ways! Especially when your specialist has told you to use it twice daily!!

[Brit66]

My consultant told me not to cut the dose, just to use as directed or it won't be as effective. 
She said that women are always trying to find their own 'recipe' with hrt, but that it's the worst thing they can do

[Uptick]

By confusing I meant you read so many people doing it so many different ways! Especially when your specialist has told you to use it twice daily!!

Sorry Flan747, yes I agree. Can you ask this specialist what's the reason behind splitting the dose? I'd be interested to know.

[Uptick]

My consultant told me not to cut the dose, just to use as directed or it won't be as effective. 
She said that women are always trying to find their own 'recipe' with hrt, but that it's the worst thing they can do

I agree with her, I despair reading so many women reporting how they tweak doses and dosages without realising that every change will have short and long term consequences that are quite unpredictable if they keep doing this.

[Brit66]

My consultant told me not to cut the dose, just to use as directed or it won't be as effective. 
She said that women are always trying to find their own 'recipe' with hrt, but that it's the worst thing they can do

I agree with her, I despair reading so many women reporting how they tweak doses and dosages without realising that every change will have short and long term consequences that are quite unpredictable if they keep doing this.

I agree too, it just makes the most sense. Just follow the directions ladies!

[Flan747]

That all really does make sense but when you lay someone so much money and are desperate I suppose you just go with it🙈 so I have to use 4 sachets of Sandrena should I use 2 on each inner thigh then? I was going to start using inner arm but do not want to change 2 things at once!
Thank you both and yes I will email her now and let you know what she says

[Flan747]

Sorry also should I apply AM or PM does it make much difference ?

[Uptick]

Thanks Flan747, sorry if you have already posted this elsewhere, why are you on 4 sachets? It's a lot of gel. Maybe you're not a good gel absorber and could benefit from patches?

If you really need 4 sachets here's the instructions.

How to apply the gel

Sandrena should be rubbed gently on dry and clean skin. It should not be swallowed.

Where to apply the gel

    Do not apply the gel to your breasts, face or on irritated skin.
    Apply the gel to your lower body or thighs.
    Apply the gel to a different side of your body each day.

Follow these instructions:

1. Apply the gel once a day to the skin on your lower body or thighs.
2. Spread the gel over an area 1–2 times the size of your hand.
3. Allow the gel to dry for a few minutes.
4. Wash your hands after applying the gel. Avoid contact of the gel with your eyes. The gel may irritate your eyes.
5. Do not wash the area where you have applied the gel for at least one hour.

Not sure what they mean by 'lower body', though. Buttocks? 

AM or PM, whenever is more convenient for you.