How you take oestrogen depends on which type you're using. Always follow the instructions from a pharmacist or doctor, or the leaflet in the medicine packet.
Dosage and strength
Oestrogen (estradiol) tablets come in strengths of 1mg or 2mg. You take them once a day.
The patches release different amounts of estradiol into your body every 24 hours, depending on the brand.
Your dose of oestrogen depends on your symptoms, your age and any other health conditions you have. You'll usually start on a low dose, and it may be increased later, depending on how well it works and whether you get any side effects.
It may take a few weeks before you notice your symptoms improving, and you may get some side effects at first. It's best to keep taking it for at least 3 months, if possible, to see if it helps.
If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may suggest changing your dose, or changing the type of HRT you're taking.
How to take tablets
Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Try to take them at the same time each day.
When you first start taking oestrogen tablets, if you're still having regular periods, start taking the tablets between day 1 and day 5 of your period. Then continue to take them every day.
If your periods have stopped or are infrequent, or if you've had a hysterectomy, you can start taking the tablets at any time.
Always follow the instructions on the leaflet that comes with your medicine.
How to use patches
When you first start using oestrogen patches, if you're still having regular periods, start using the patches between day 1 and day 5 of your period.
If your periods have stopped or are infrequent, or if you've had a hysterectomy, you can start using the patches at any time.
Always follow the instructions on the leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Stick the patch onto an area of skin below your waist, such as on your thigh or buttock. Do not put the patch:
- near your breasts
- on top of cuts, spots or irritated skin
- under elasticated or tight areas of clothing
- on creases or folds in your skin
- on your skin if you have recently used cream, talc or moisturiser
- on skin exposed to direct sunlight
Wait at least 1 hour after putting the patch on before you do any activity or exercise that will make you sweat as this can affect how the patch sticks to your skin.
You'll need to change your patch either once or twice a week, depending on the brand. Check the leaflet that comes with your patches.
Make sure you remove the old patch when you put on a new one. Put the new patch on a different area of skin.
If your patch falls off, put a new patch on a different area of skin, and then change it again at the usual time.
Your patch should stay on while bathing or showering but if it does fall off, dry your skin and cool down before putting on a new one.
How to use gel
Oestrogen gel comes in sachets (for example Sandrena) or in a pump dispenser (for example Oestrogel).
Put the gel on once a day. Try to use it at the same time each day.
Your doctor will tell you how many pumps or sachets to use. Follow the instructions that come with the gel.
- Wash your hands.
- Squeeze the right amount of gel onto your hand.
- Gently rub the gel over a large area of clean, dry skin, on your lower body or arms – check the instructions for where you can use it.
- Wait up to 5 minutes for the gel to dry before getting dressed.
- Do not wash the area for at least 1 hour.
- Wash your hands after putting on the gel.
Do not use the same area of skin 2 days in a row. Do not use the gel on skin near your breasts or genitals.
How to use spray
Oestrogen spray is called by the brand name Lenzetto.
The usual dose is 1 to 3 sprays, once a day, at the same time each day. Your doctor will tell you how many sprays to use.
- Take off the cover and put the cone flat against your skin, on your inner forearm.
- Press the button fully down once.
- If you need to use more than 1 spray, move the cone to a different place on your arm for each spray.
- Allow up to 2 minutes for the spray to dry before getting dressed.
- Do not wash the area for at least 1 hour.
How long to take it for
It's common to take HRT for 2 to 5 years to treat menopause symptoms, but sometimes you may need to take it for longer.
If you have premature menopause (premature ovarian insufficiency, or POI), where your periods stop before the age of 40, or early menopause where your periods stop before the age of 45, you'll usually be advised to take HRT at least until you're 51 years old, which is the average age of menopause.
How long you take HRT for depends on the benefits and risks to you. Ask your doctor for advice.
If you forget to take it
If you forget your daily dose of oestrogen tablets, gel or spray, just skip the missed dose and take or use your next dose at the usual time.
If you forget to put on a patch, change your patch as soon as you remember and then change it again on the usual day.
Never take or use 2 doses at the same time. Never take or use an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you take or use too much
Taking or using an extra dose of oestrogen is unlikely to harm you.
If you're worried, talk to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Stopping oestrogen
Talk to your doctor if you're thinking of stopping your oestrogen. They may suggest that you reduce your dose gradually, to help prevent your menopause symptoms coming back.
If you're having problems with side effects, your doctor might suggest changing your dose, or switching to another type of HRT.