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[Petra]

Hi ladies, I'm in New Zealand where, finally, estrogel (pump) has been funded by the govt, so I am about to switch from patches to gel. I'd love to hear any tips and tricks from those of you familiar with using the gel. I'll be on a low dose of one pump a day. Thanks all.

[MrsMitch]

Hello, I switched from patches to gel a couple of years ago and got much better control of symptoms but I had to increase the dose to 6 pumps to achieve that. I'm now down to 4 pumps and all still pretty good.
It's good that you're only on 1 pump although I do wonder if that will be enough?
Just apply it and then wash your hands well. Wait for a minimum of 10 mins before you get dressed, it needs to dry. Don't bathe within 2 hrs of applying. That's it!
I hope you get on well with it.

[chopsuey]

Hi

Make sure you just spread the gel on and let it dry - don't rub it in, otherwise the oestrodial will evaporate rather than being drawn down under the skin with the alcohol. I agree one pump does seem very low  - what patch were you previously using and why did you switch?

People vary as to how well they absorb transdermal products. I find it better if I do it straight after a bath/shower when my skin is clean and warm  (but my circulation isn't very good.)  Some people find they absorb better through the upper outer arm than the inner thigh or vice versa.

I have included a link from the manufacturer, which includes a useful video on using the pumps.

https://www.oestrogel.co.uk/how-to-use-oestrogel/#section-redirect

[Petra]

Thanks for the advice. I switched because I wanted to try out the gel and it just got funded here in NZ. I was on a medium dose of patches, 50 mcg.

My meno doc said to start with one pump because some women get more of the good stuff from good gel absorbtion than from patches, try that for six weeks, and if symptoms returned, go up to two pumps.

I was wondering things like...what time of day do you prefer applying it and why. What part of body you prefer. Any 'don'ts' aside from what the packaging says that you have discovered through trial and error, that kind of thing. After all, manufacturers don't necessarily GET what actually using a product is like.

[chopsuey]

I prefer to apply it in the morning after a bath/shower. It works better for my routine, given that you need to allow time to let it dry and I can be sure there are no natural oils on my skin, which might affect absorption. I think I feel better for having a peak in oestrodial levels during the day. When I first started using it, it used to make me feel a bit 'wired' about an hour after applying it, which would have affected my sleep. This doesn't seem to happen now though.

As I am on 4 pumps, I apply it on both arms and legs, so can't really comment on which I find best. 

[MrsMitch]

I tend to apply it in the evening after a shower because for my routine it's better. I did used to apply it in the morning when I first started and haven't noticed any difference to me what time of day I use it.
Like Chopsuey I'm on 4 pumps so one to each arm and leg.
The instructions inside are adequate so just follow them really. Just remember, and I'm sure the leaflet tells you to, wash your hands really well afterwards. I'm fastidious about that because I also have VA when I'm moisturing/medicating that area, I definitely don't want any residue of the gel there. Finally avoid skin to skin contact with anyone else for 2 hours after application.
That's it. Just get on with slapping it on!!

[Cassie]

I have been on one pump for over 20 yrs. I rub it on alternate legs in the morning and it dries instantly I have always rubbed it in, one pump literaly takes 30 seconds to be absorbed, it works well for me, all the best. I rub it on the lower half of my leg sometimes the top, but its such a small amount it covers a small area.