Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: joziel on June 08, 2023, 12:19:28 PM
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This might be a really stupid question but I've just switched from patches to gel.
When my bottle of gel starts to run low, how do I know when I'm no longer getting a full measure from it? I mean I think I know roughly what a full blob looks like but I'm not totally sure. Do I just use it until it starts making weird sucking noises.... when do I switch to a new bottle? I don't want to waste any either... but don't want to underdose.
Thx!
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Depends on how many pumps you use per day….how many pumps do you use ?
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Well the problem is I'm in the process of gradually increasing. I began at 1 pump and now I'm on 1.5 pumps and next week supposed to increase to 2 pumps. Then 6 weeks later, 3 pumps....
So I can't really go by that until I'm on a stable dose...
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Hi there are 64 doses in a pump pack so the advice is to stop once you have used 64.
I carry on until it’s empty. Towards the end the pump starts to take longer to come back up which is a sign that it’s running out. Just make sure that the pump has come all the way up before you press it again .
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Thanks
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I used a newish bottle alongside an older one so I could compare the amount of gel - though obs only works when you're on 2 pumps or more. I'm not convinced about the 64 measured doses though, I think they can get a bit smaller before that.
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Yes, I remember having this same problem.
i just pump until it seems 'empty' and open a new canister. Then I leave empty one standing upright and usually get another pump or thereabouts out of it the next day before chucking it - It's valuable stuff! ;D
back when the NHS had stopped it for me, and I was then having to buy it myself, I even tried hacking the bottom of the bottle off with a serrated knife so I could get any leftovers out - to no avail! ;D
Wish the bottle was clear so we could see inside it though. That would help a little.
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But when you get that extra pump out of it, how do you know it's a full pump and not some reduced amount!? That's the thing.
Hmmmm
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But when you get that extra pump out of it, how do you know it's a full pump and not some reduced amount!? That's the thing.
Hmmmm
Lol ;D I don't!
If it looks 'about right' I'm fine with that! ;D ;D
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I used a newish bottle alongside an older one so I could compare the amount of gel - though obs only works when you're on 2 pumps or more. I'm not convinced about the 64 measured doses though, I think they can get a bit smaller before that.
I found the exact same thing with my gel Sheila99
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I stop using it once it slows to come back up again. You could always get some microscales and compare.
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I calculate number of days worth in a cannister- they contain 64 pumps worth, I'm on 3 pumps a day so it's 64÷3 for me. When I start a new cannister I write the date on the bottom with a marker pen and then add what the date will be in 21 days time. This way I know what date should be the last time I use that cannister.
Bit more tricky for you as you're adjusting dose but you could do it, just with a bit more thought once you get towards the date of increase to 3 pumps.
If you think this method might work for you, it might be worth changing to new cannister when you increase to 2 pumps so you have a starting point (64÷2 means end date 32 days later). Put your current, part used, cannister away in back of cupboard to be used in an emergency if you ever run out.
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I bought a set of micro scales from Amazon for around £5.
When I am reaching the end of the bottle I weigh out the pumps to ensure each one is the full 1.25g as I do suspect that towards the end of the bottle the pumps become smaller. It also means I don't waste any product and I can just keep pumping until I reach the correct dose!
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OMG there are some folks here even more obsessive than me ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
So alibeau with the weighing the gel idea, were you finding that towards the end you were getting less out in a pump? Was it much less?
And Suzie I like the idea of writing the date on the bottom of the bottle. I have to increase to 2 pumps this weekend tho, so I'd waste a lot of this bottle. Maybe I just have to do some old fashioned arithmetic... and work out how long this bottle is supposed to last...
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Hi Joziel,
Luckily I am over my obsession now! ;D
I wanted to try 3 and a half pumps a short while ago and was obsessing over whether my half pump was accurate….
I have now reverted to my original dose of 3 pumps and so just use the scales when I am at the end of the bottle to avoid throwing any product away.
The dose size did at times differ but only by .1 or .2 if I remember rightly….
Ali x
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Great thanks!! ;D
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Use it all up = less waste ;) unless there's an absolute certainty that the dose is the same each time.