Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking or using oestrogen tablets, patches, gel and spray - Brand names: Oestrogel, Evorel, Sandrena, Lenzetto, Estradot, Progynova

Oestrogen tablets, patches gel and spray and pregnancy

Oestrogen tablets, patches gel and spray are not known to be harmful in pregnancy, but if you get pregnant while taking HRT then stop taking it and speak to your doctor.

Levels of oestrogen and progesterone are naturally high during pregnancy, so you will not need HRT.

Oestrogen tablets, patches gel and spray and breastfeeding

There is not much information on taking oestrogen for HRT while breastfeeding. Most of the information comes from the use of other types of oestrogen as a contraceptive.

If you're breastfeeding and need to use HRT, oestrogen tablets, patches, gel or spray are not usually prescribed, unless a specialist recommends it.

Oestrogen tablets, patches gel and spray and fertility

Taking oestrogen as HRT is unlikely to affect your fertility.

Oestrogen tablets, patches, gel and spray do not act as a contraceptive.

Even if you think that you've gone through the menopause, unless you've had a hysterectomy there's a small chance that you could become pregnant.

You're advised to use contraception for at least 1 year from your last period if you're over 50 years old and for 2 years if you're under 50 years old. Discuss this with your doctor or family planning practitioner.