Periods usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before they stop altogether. Sometimes they can stop suddenly.
The menopause is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman’s oestrogen levels decline. In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51.
Around 1 in 100 women experience the menopause before 40 years of age. This is known as premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency.
Why have I been prescibed Oestrogel (estradiol)?
Oestrogel is a form of transdermal oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It may be used by women who have a uterus, or by women who do not have a uterus (i.e. have had a hysterectomy). For women who still have their uterus, your doctor will prescribe a progestogen alongside the oestrogen treatment. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Please read the package leaflet that comes with your medicine before taking it and always follow the instructions of your doctor on how to use it
Oestrogel contains the active ingredient estradiol, which is identical in structure to that produced by your body and often referred to as body-identical oestrogen.
The estradiol in Oestrogel is derived from plants.
Oestrogel is an easy to use colourless gel that is applied to the skin (known as transdermal application), and the active ingredient is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.
Check-ups
It is recommended that you have an appointment with your doctor to review your treatment after 3 months of using HRT, to check how well it is working and how your body is responding. After which, an annual appointment may be sufficient, unless you experience any problems with your treatment in which case you should consult your doctor straight away. At these check-ups, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of continuing with Oestrogel.
Keeping a healthy lifestyle can help to minimise the effects of the menopause
*Not a real patient
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines,Oestrogel can cause side effects, although not everyone will get them. Some of the common side effects are: Painful periods – menstrual periods which are heavier or last longer than usual, abnormal or irregular bleeding, white or yellow vaginal discharge. Please refer to the patient information leaflet inside the box for a full list of side effects, warnings, and precautions, including when not to take this medicine.
