Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Eviekingston on June 10, 2025, 10:40:11 PM
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Continuing on from the whole debate over whether the oestrogel contained in the conical/flask shaped bottle differs from that in the cylindrical bottle, would anyone mind clarifying which of the oestrogel bottle seems to be 'stronger'? I know people are attributing possible differences to lots of different things, and that the evidence is purely anecdotal, but I think I may need to adjust my dose as I have just been given a different shaped bottle by the pharmacy.
I have been on oestrogel for nearly 2 years, I have only ever had the cylindrical bottles. I use 3 and a half pumps. My symptoms were pretty much entirely related to my mental health, which deteriorated during peri to the point that I was sectioned. Things are so massively improved now that in on HRT, but unsurprisingly I'm very very wary of anything messing that up. I used the conical pump this morning to do my morning dose (2 and a half pumps), and almost instantly had a crushing headache which lasted all day. This evening I have done my usual dose (1 pump) and the headache has worsened again.
Any suggestions what I should do tomorrow re my 'usual' dose now that I'm stuck with this stupid different bottle????
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I found that the new shape bottles were dispensing very different amounts each pump. I bought some cheap jewellers scales from amazon so that I could check the amount I was applying each day.
Suzie
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Eviekingston - are the conical bottles Oestrogel or Oestrodose? The were supposed to be switching back to the original conical shape this year, but I've not had any yet.
The general consensus in the long running debate (and what I also found) is that the conical shape was stronger, even when weighed out to be the same, as that was definitely also a factor. I think the actual formulation of the gel changed though at that time, as Besin's bought a new factory in order to massively ramp up production, as demand rocketed.
It's a difficult one, as headaches can be a symptom of too much or too little oestrogen. I have found the conical ones very reliable in terms of dosage, even with the Oestrodose in ( which I did find weaker - it's a different form of oestrodial), so you may be getting a little more product with this shape.
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Thanks for replying :)
The 'new' conical bottles are oestrodose (sneakily hidden beneath the oestrogel label ???)
When I first started on HRT I had terrible hormone headaches at first as my body got used to it, so I think they are caused by too much rather than too little. I've just done my morning dose but have done 2 pumps rather than the 2.5 I normally did of oestrogel. I think using a bit less might be the best way round initially. I have had a hysterectomy so don't need to worry about random bleeds at least.
So frustrating that there are so many variables and so much is trial and error. Thank God for the many women out there helping each other :-*
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Agree! This forum is a lifeline and a mine of helpful info and support for all the issues we can't easily get advice on from elsewhere.