How to Use Oestrogel Pump?

Oestrogel Pump is a type of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for women who have gone through menopause. As your hormone levels decrease, you can get symptoms such as hot flushes, difficulty sleeping, and mood changes. Oestrogel can help minimise discomfort and ease symptoms.

Understanding Oestrogel Pump

Oestrogel Pump is a type of HRT that contains estradiol, a man-made version of the hormone oestrogen, which declines during menopause. It should only be used if you are postmenopausal, which means you haven’t had a period in over 12 months. Oestrogel gel is contained in a bottle and uses a metered-dose pump to deliver your daily dose

What is Oestrogel Pump Used For?

Oestrogel Pump is used to reduce menopause symptoms if they hinder your daily life. When oestrogen levels naturally decrease, it can make you feel irritable, affect your sleep, and cause a change in libido (sex drive).

Preparing the New Pump Pack

1. Take off the cap.
2. Prime the pump by pressing it down a few times, until a small amount of gel comes out.
3. Discard this dose by wiping it away with a tissue.
4. Your Oestrogel Pump is now ready.

How Much and When to Use

The standard Oestrogel pump dose is 2 measures (pumps) of gel, once per day. This means each Pump Pack will last 4 weeks. It doesn’t matter whether you apply it in the morning or evening, but it should be applied at the same time each day. Your doctor can increase your dose to a maximum of 4 pumps a day if the standard dose doesn’t ease your symptoms.

Oestrogel should only be applied externally.

How Many Pumps of Oestrogel should I use?

You usually use 2 pumps of Oestrogel once a day, but you may be prescribed up to 4. Check your prescription to see how many pumps you’ve been prescribed.

How to Apply Oestrogel Gel

To apply Oestrogel safely, follow these instructions:

1. Wash your hands and the area of your skin that you are applying Oestrogel.
2. Dispense the dose into your hand by pushing down on the plunger.
3. Oestrogel should be spread on a large piece of skin such as your shoulders and outer arm, or the mid-inner thigh of both legs.
4. Replace the cap and leave to dry for 5 minutes before dressing.
5. Wash your hands thoroughly after each use.

Where Not to Apply

Oestrogel should never be applied to broken areas of the skin, so avoid cuts, open wounds, and skin conditions, as it can cause itching, burning, or redness. Never apply Oestrogel to the breasts or genital area, as it could have harmful effects on the tissue and cause unwanted side effects.

What if You’ve Forgotten to Use the Oestrogel Pump?

If you’ve forgotten to use Oestrogel and your next dose is:

• more than 12 hours away, apply the gel straight away, then apply your next dose as normal
• less than 12 hours away, skip the forgotten dose and carry on from the time your next dose is due

Precaution If You Are Undergoing Surgery

If you are due to have surgery, you must tell the surgeon that you use an Oestrogel pump. You might have to stop taking Oestrogel a month or so before your operation, to minimise the risk of a blood clot.

Special Considerations

Oestrogel is not suitable if you are:

• pregnant
• breastfeeding
• not postmenopausal
• male

Conclusion

Oestrogel Pump is a type of HRT that should be used once daily, to relieve the symptoms of menopause. The gel should only be applied externally, on a large section of skin. The standard dose is 2 pumps, but you may be prescribed up to 4.

Authored & Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Published on: 04/09/2023 Reviewed on: 01/11/2023