If you are a woman going through the menopause or have been recently diagnosed with low oestrogen levels, you may be wondering whether there is an oestrogen gel that you can buy over-the-counter (OTC). Oestrogen gel is not currently available as an OTC product because it has potential to pose health risks if used incorrectly.
However, there are other ways of getting your oestrogen hormone directly into your body. Many women choose to use prescription-strength oestrogen in the form of a gel or injection rather than an OTC product, but some women do find a way to get their hands on OTC oestrogen products. It should be noted that using any kind of unlicensed and unregulated drugs can put your health at risk.
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What is Oestrogen?
Oestrogen is a hormone that is produced in both men and women. Oestrogen is an essential hormone in women’s health because it plays a significant role in regulating the menstrual cycle, as well as regulating the production of female sex hormones. Oestrogen can be supplemented in two ways, either by prescribing oestrogen pills or oestrogen gel, both of which are absorbed through the skin. In addition to regulating the menstrual cycle,
oestrogen is also important in the development of female secondary sex characteristics such as the distribution of body fat, breast growth and the thickening of the endometrial lining of the uterus.
Oestrogen levels tend to fluctuate depending on a woman’s stage in life. For example, during the childbearing years, oestrogen levels increase. Around the time of menopause, oestrogen levels decrease.
As a result, oestrogen can be supplemented in two ways in menopausal women. Some women choose to take oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT), mainly through the form of oestrogen pills. Other women choose to apply oestrogen gels, which are absorbed through the skin.
Oestrogen Gel
Oestrogen gel is a skin gel that is applied to the body and absorbed through the skin to provide oestrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for postmenopausal women.
Oestrogen gels contain estradiol, which is a type of oestrogen. Oestrogen gels are not applied to the vagina. They are applied to the skin of the abdomen, buttocks, arms, legs, or upper torso.
Oestrogen gels provide oestrogen in a controlled dose, meaning that the amount of oestrogen taken from the gel is regulated. The dose of oestrogen in oestrogen gels is lower than the dose in oestrogen pills.
This is because oestrogen gels are applied to the skin of the body and the amount of oestrogen that the body absorbs is lower than the amount of oestrogen the body absorbs when oestrogen pills are taken orally.
Benefits of Oestrogen Gel
- Oestrogen gels can be beneficial for many postmenopausal women as they provide a lower dose of oestrogen compared to oestrogen pills. This is good news for women who may be concerned about the side effects of oestrogen HRT.
- Oestrogen gels can be helpful for postmenopausal women who are at an increased risk of developing certain conditions, such as osteoporosis or heart disease.
- Oestrogen gels can be beneficial for some women who have undergone a hysterectomy.
- In addition, oestrogen gels can be beneficial for women whose ovaries have been removed.
Risks of Using Oestrogen Gel
- Women who have a high risk of developing certain conditions such as breast cancer or endometrial cancer may not be able to use oestrogen gels.
- Women who are at an increased risk of developing blood clots may not be able to use oestrogen gels.
- Oestrogen gels may interact with certain other medications that can cause side effects.
- Oestrogen gels may cause side effects such as itchiness, rashes, and swelling.
Progestin-Only Hormone Pills (POPs)
Progestin-only hormone pills (POPs) are oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT) pills that contain a synthetic progestin, but no oestrogen. POPs were once commonly prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats, and low libido. It is important to note that POPs contain a progestin, which is the synthetic version of the hormone progesterone.
Unlike estradiol-based HRT, POPs do not have any beneficial effects on the bones or heart. POPs are used by women who have had a hysterectomy, as well as women who have an increased risk of developing breast cancer or uterine cancer.
POPs can be prescribed by a doctor and may be available in cycles or continuous use. Continuous use simply means that POPs are taken on a daily basis, which can increase the risk of side effects.
Transdermal Patch Estrogen
Transdermal patch estrogen is another form of HRT that has been used to treat the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes, night sweats, and low libido. Transdermal patch estrogen is applied to the skin and slowly releases oestrogen into the body.
Transdermal patch estrogen has been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of menopause, but it has a higher risk of side effects compared to other forms of estrogen HRT such as POPs or estradiol-based regimens. This is because the amount of oestrogen in transdermal patch estrogen is higher than other forms of estrogen HRT.
Conclusion
Oestrogen is an essential hormone for women’s health. Oestrogen regulates the menstrual cycle, as well as the production of female sex hormones such as progesterone.
During the childbearing years, oestrogen levels increase, but during the menopause, oestrogen levels decrease. Oestrogen can be supplemented in two ways in postmenopausal women. Some women choose to take oestrogen pills while other women choose to apply oestrogen gels, which are absorbed through the skin.
Oestrogen gels provide oestrogen in a controlled dose, meaning that the amount of oestrogen taken from the gel is regulated. The dose of oestrogen in oestrogen gels is lower than the dose in oestrogen pills.
This is because oestrogen gels are applied to the skin of the body and the amount of oestrogen that the body absorbs is lower than the amount of oestrogen the body absorbs when oestrogen pills are taken orally.
HRT can be beneficial for many postmenopausal women who are experiencing the symptoms of menopause.
However, women who are at an increased risk of developing certain conditions such as breast cancer or endometrial cancer may not be able to use oestrogen gels or transdermal patch estrogen.
