Utrogestan and Oestrogel Pack

What is the Utrogestan and Oestrogel Pack?

Utrogestan and Oestrogel is a treatment pack used to relieve menopause symptoms. It’s a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that combines two hormones: Oestrogel, a type of oestrogen gel, and Utrogestan, a progesterone capsule.

Menopause usually starts between the ages of 45-55, after you’ve had your last period.^[1] It’s a natural part of the ageing process, and causes reproductive hormone levels to drop. Specifically, a reduction in oestrogen, causing blood levels to decline as hormonal changes develop.

During menopause, it’s common to experience symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, and trouble sleeping. Combined HRT like the Utrogestan and Oestrogel pack contain synthetic forms of oestrogen and progesterone, providing a balance of hormones that can help reduce menopause symptoms.

How does the Utrogestan and Oestrogel Pack work?

As oestrogen levels fluctuate during menopause, symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats can start, and often interfere with your normal routines as they persist.

HRT works by replacing declining hormones with synthetic versions of them. Balancing your hormones this way can help relieve symptoms and alleviate the discomfort menopause symptoms can cause.

When you’re taking HRT, you’re usually prescribed a form of oestrogen along with progesterone. Taking oestrogen on its own can make the lining of the womb thicken, so using progesterone at the same time helps to counteract this risk. The Utrogestan and Oestrogel pack contains both oestrogen and progesterone, providing both hormones as a single treatment.

What doses of Utrogestan and Oestrogel Pack are there?

The combination pack contains Utrogesten 100mg capsules, and an 80g tube of Oestrogel. Oestrogel contains a pump, which helps you dispense the gel.

Utrogestan can be taken in two ways.

For sequential HRT: Take two capsules a day at bedtime for 12 days, beginning on day 15 of your cycle.

For continuous HRT: Take one capsule a day at bedtime.

The usual dose of Oestrogel is two to four pumps (2.5-5g) a day, applied to dry areas of dry skin, such as your arms and shoulders. If this doesn’t feel like enough to ease your symptoms, a clinician might recommend you increase your dose to four pumps a day after around a month.

How to use the Utrogestan and Oestrogel Pack

Utrogestan

Because Utrogestan can cause drowsiness, it’s recommended you take the capsules before bed. They can be swallowed with water, on an empty stomach.

The amount of capsules you take will depend on how you’re using HRT. Sequential HRT involves taking oestrogen daily, and a progestogen (synthetic progesterone) from day 15-26 of your menstrual cycle. Continuous combined HRT is when you take both hormones every day, without a break.^[1]

If you’re unsure about how to use Utrogestan, you can ask a clinician for more advice.

Oestrogel

Oestrogel comes in an 80g bottle with a pump attached to it. To activate the pump, press the plunger and dispense a small amount of gel. This can be discarded, and then the pump is ready to use.

Before applying any gel to your skin, first you need to wash and dry the area.

Press on the pump to release a small amount of gel. Gently rub it into your skin— the recommended areas to apply Oestrogel are the upper arms, shoulders, and legs.

Allow the gel time to dry (around five minutes) before covering the area with clothes. After each gel application, wash your hands.

How long does Utrogestan and Oestrogel take to work?

It can take up to three months for HRT to work most effectively. You’ll usually be advised to take Utrogestan and Oestrogel for this long before deciding if it’s working for you.

You might see some improvements in your symptoms before then, but it often comes down to your personal response to the hormones.

Lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting restful sleep each night can all help to ease menopause symptoms. While you’re waiting for Utrogestan and Oestrogel to build up in your system, you might find that managing stress helps to reduce the frequency of your symptoms. Relaxation techniques, such as yoga or deep breathing, might compliment your HRT and improve your overall health.

What if I make a mistake while using Utrogestan and Oestrogel?

You shouldn’t make any mistakes while using Utrogestan and Oestrogel if you use it exactly how it’s been prescribed.

Using too much Oestrogel can cause breast tenderness, nausea, and vaginal bleeding. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the gel and let a clinician know. It could be that they need to reduce your dose, or talk to you about how much you’re applying.

If you accidentally take too many Utrogestan capsules, go to your nearest hospital and seek urgent help. Bringing the box the medication came in with you can help you get the right help as soon as possible.