Each pump of Oestrogel delivers 0.75mg of estradiol in 1.25g of gel. The inactive ingredients include carbomer, ethanol (alcohol), and purified water. The alcohol content means Oestrogel is flammable until dry, avoid naked flames or smoking until the gel has fully dried on your skin.

Oestrogel can be prescribed at one to four pumps per day, all applied once daily:

• 1 pump (0.75mg estradiol) — low dose; equivalent to a 25mcg oestradiol patch worn twice weekly
• 2 pumps (1.5mg estradiol) — usual starting dose; equivalent to a 50mcg patch worn twice weekly
• 3 pumps (2.25mg estradiol) — moderate dose; equivalent to a 75mcg patch worn twice weekly
• 4 pumps (3.0mg estradiol) — maximum standard dose; equivalent to a 100mcg patch worn twice weekly

Your clinician will work with you to find the lowest effective dose for your symptoms. Adjustments should always be made with clinical guidance.

Many women notice early improvements within days to weeks of starting Oestrogel. Full benefits are typically seen within three months of consistent use. If symptoms are partially improved but not well controlled at three months, your clinician may adjust your dose. If there has been no improvement at all, they may check your oestrogen levels with a blood test, as absorption can vary between individuals.

There is no direct clinical evidence linking Oestrogel to weight gain. Some women notice temporary fluid retention when starting HRT, which usually settles. Weight changes during the menopause transition are common and are driven by the underlying hormonal changes of menopause, some women find that HRT helps stabilise these changes rather than causing them.

Whether bleeding is expected depends on the progestogen regimen used alongside Oestrogel. On a sequential regimen, a regular withdrawal bleed is expected. On a continuous combined regimen, bleeding should stop over time, though irregular spotting is common in the first few months. If you are postmenopausal and experience unexpected bleeding at any point, contact your clinician, it should always be assessed.

Yes, but it is best to wait at least one hour before doing activities that cause heavy sweating, as this may affect how much oestrogen is absorbed through the skin.

Oestrogel, Lenzetto, and Sandrena all deliver transdermal estradiol but in different formats. Oestrogel is a pump-dispensed gel applied to the arms or thighs, it covers a larger surface area than a spray, which some women prefer. Sandrena comes in pre-dosed sachets, removing the need to count pumps. Lenzetto is a metered-dose spray with a precise single-press dose and no adhesive contact with skin. Compared to patches (such as Evorel or Estradot), gel avoids adhesive contact entirely, which suits women who experience patch-related skin reactions. The choice between these formats is largely one of preference and routine, your clinician can help you decide.

Wait at least one hour after applying Oestrogel before using any other skincare products including moisturiser or sunscreen, as these can affect absorption if applied too soon.