Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Mustard1 on May 31, 2018, 05:33:15 PM

Title: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Mustard1 on May 31, 2018, 05:33:15 PM
Hello ladies - on reading the forum it seems there is a difference between these 2.  I wS prescribed and obtained Estrogel from my menopUse consultant but when I went for a 2nd prescription here I was given oestrodose.  I am nearing the end of the estrogel.  Should I go back with tbe 2 boxes and ask for Estrogel? 
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Daisydot on May 31, 2018, 05:43:45 PM
IF they'll swop then I'd say yes but I don't think pharmacies are allowed to do that I know in Spain they can't but I would imagine it's in case it's been tampered with so you can understand can't you but by all means try.x
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Mustard1 on May 31, 2018, 06:33:26 PM
Thanks Daisydot - I assume there is a difference then . Do you think they would allow me to pay for a private prescription and bin the other one in front of them.  This site so helps with knowledge  :)
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Dotty on May 31, 2018, 06:37:37 PM
Go back to your doctor and explain that you have been given the wrong medication and ask for another prescription.
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Mustard1 on May 31, 2018, 06:40:20 PM
Thanks Dotty - I will.
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Annie0710 on May 31, 2018, 08:38:53 PM
It's worth trying oestrodose.  Not everyone can tell the difference x
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Daisydot on May 31, 2018, 08:50:43 PM
That's true Annie you might be fine with it Mustard1,if you get oesrtogel privately it's around £30 a can it's not cheap so as dotty suggests either go back and explain to your gp,good luck with that one, or just try the oestrodose.If you do a search you'll be able to read up on all the differing opinions on it.good luck.x
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Tinkerbell on May 31, 2018, 11:00:05 PM
Did your second prescription say estrogel?
I ask because I was prescribed Estrogel by gynae but when GP reviewed my HRT at a later date he put Estradiol on my prescription notes, since then I have been given oestrodose unless I insist on the estrogel when I hand scrip into chemist.
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Mustard1 on June 01, 2018, 06:24:20 AM
Thank you ladies. My prescription says estrogel- I will try to change and see what happens.  I am very new to all this and the info on this site really helps. What is The difference between the 2? X
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Annie0710 on June 01, 2018, 07:18:31 AM
I believe it's the carrier ingredients that's different, so consistency differs.  My only problem with oestrodose is it makes my back itchy (applied to thighs) but many ladies get on well with it x
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Tinkerbell on June 01, 2018, 08:14:47 AM
I got on quite well with oestrodose but symptom control is better with the Estrogel.
I also get irritated skin from the oestrodose, scratched my shoulder raw one night!
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Mustard1 on June 01, 2018, 05:08:27 PM
I am very confused. The new pack definitely says Oestrodose estradiol 17b but it is French and under the title it states it is geland on the back it also states oestrogel pump pack.   The formula and components read exactly the same.  The expiry date is Oct 2018 whereas my estrogel is newer i.e. Expiry Feb 2021.  Could it simply be the old type packaging? So I opened the pack as I don't think i can return it and the bottle calls itself Oestrogel as does the instruction in it.  Does this make sense to anyone? Mxx
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Dotty on June 01, 2018, 05:13:21 PM
Is it a white bottle with a turquoise cap?

Yes the ingredients are the same but it's the carrier that's different , as Annie said.

Some people say they don't notice any difference but others say there is.
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Annie0710 on June 01, 2018, 07:50:43 PM
The orstrodose I was given came in a shaped plastic bottle whereas my oestrogel is always in a straight canister x
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Mustard1 on June 02, 2018, 05:48:36 AM
Thanks Dotty and Annie - yes curved white bottle with blue top.  That clears that for me.  Many thanks. Have a good weekend. Mxx
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Ljp on June 02, 2018, 10:40:21 PM
I've had both, and notice a label covers the oestridose which say oestrogel.
I've been on oestrogel and Mirena for two and a half years, in my opinion there's no difference, it's like nurifen and ibuprofen, exactly the same just different branding and packaging.
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Mustard1 on June 03, 2018, 03:12:01 PM
Thanks Lpj - I think the best option is for me to try it and hope it doesny cause more issues.  My menopause symptoms are really irrational anxiety regarding slerping and getting up between 5 to 7 times a night to pee.  I sm 53 and post menopausal.  The HRT has helped with low mood and body heat but not quiet the bladder issue and anxiety but maybe I need to give it time. M xx
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Joaniepat on June 03, 2018, 03:29:39 PM
Mustard1, some local oestrogen, either Vagifem or Ovestin, should help the bladder issues. It sounds like the start of urogenital atrophy, which can cause bladder problems such as urgency and frequency. Many women need both systemic and local oestrogen to control it. Having to get up so often at night would leave anyone feeling frazzled!

JP x
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Mustard1 on June 03, 2018, 04:04:15 PM
Thanks for that information JP - I will follow that up.  That would be such a relief to get that resolved. Mx
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Hurdity on June 04, 2018, 07:16:07 PM
The leaflet with the product will state all the ingredients in a product. In principle these consist of: the active ingredient (in this case Estradiol 0.06 %) + the carrier ingredients - so for those who have tried both, if you have kept the leaflets  you will be able to see if the carrier ingredients are different.  As far as I understand ( but I haven't tried them and difficult to find any other PIL on the web than Estrogel - which lists the ingredients), we had a discussion in the past on another thread and it is possilbe if the containers are made of different materials then the consistency at different temperatures could be different, and this could affect absorption. Also the ingredients don't list the proportions so there is a possibility that the proportions of the the different carrier ingredients may differ (even if estradiol remains the same) - and this wouldn't show on the leaflet. For example (just thinking aloud!) a preparation in a hot country might include more of an ingredient that slowed the drying time so that the gel didn't dry as quickly (if it dries too quickly then less is absorbed - apparently).

Only the manufacturer will be able to answer this question.

Hurdity x
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Mustard1 on June 05, 2018, 11:05:31 AM
Hello Ladies,  I have a reply from Besin regarding and have tried, unsuccessfully, to upload the e mail.  Can anyone help.  I go to attchmetens put it doesn't give me the option to browse my own directory.  M xx
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Dotty on June 05, 2018, 11:20:03 AM
Can you copy and paste it?
Title: Re: Estrogel v oestrodose
Post by: Mustard1 on June 05, 2018, 03:46:03 PM
I have saved it as a photo - I use a MAC but I can't get the photo over to this site.  I think I am being daft as it can't be this difficult.  It won't let me copy and paste as it is now a picture and it wants to take the whole picture.  Any help welcome?  Mx