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Some online help in using oestrogen gels
There are many different ways to take transgender HRT and many different combinations and dosages. This means that there are many options available, and few comparative medical studies available to make informed choices.
Some studies on menopausal genentic women suggest a lower risk with non-oral therapy (patches, implants or gels). Although gel sometimes has advantages over patches and implants, in practice, many people have difficulty using it . I found anl article on-line written to explain the use of gel (by menopausal women) which has a lot of helpful information if you head down this path.
http://surmeno.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/troubleshooting-gel-hrts.html
In summary the article suggests:
[ul]
[li]We need to follow the application directions in the package insert for our own brand of gel scrupulously;[/li]
[li]We should avoid anything that will wash the gel off within the first few hours after application;[/li]
[li]We may need to be consistent about things that will heavily wet or wash the gel away as much as six hours later;[/li]
[li]Gels may not be suitable for very hot climates/heat exposure;[/li]
[li]Gels and sunscreen or skin moisturizers don’t mix;[/li]
[li]We need to read the instructions for and take precautions to avoid transferring the hormones in our gels to family members and pets;[/li]
[li]We need to think about the implications of washing off so much estrogen into the environment; and[/li]
[li]Our doctors may not have nearly this detailed a background into the complexities of using this kind of hrt.[/li][/ul]
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3 Replies
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Interesting. TV’s Doc Martin (Martin Clunes) investigated a male patient who grew impressive breasts because of vigorous contact with his female partner who was using gel to promote her own breast growth. If only it was that easy!
More seriously my doctor originally put me on gel (Sandrena daily) to avoid liver damage which he said was more likely for older patients (I was 65 at the time). The does and don’ts you provided Adrian would have helped then. I thought the gel dose was variable in effect and the application messy and got him to switch me to a patch which turned out worse in both respects. Later I went for an implant which has worked fine. -
Hi Carol,
I’m in a similar situation to the one you were in. I’v been using Sandrena Gel for a number of years now, and yes it is messy, but I have been using it for the same reasons, age and to avoid liver damage.
I would like to add that if anyone is thinking about commencing HRT please do not self medicate. It is very dangerous, as I found out, (nearly ended up with kidney damage). Oestrogen is very easy to obtain on line, do not be tempted, it’s not worth it. Find a Doctor you are comfortable/compatible with and make sure you have your hormone levels checked regularly.
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Hi I have been having Implants for several years. For reasons i dont need to discuss here I had to go back to Sandrena gel for a couple of months. The gel was just a nuisance but it was better than no medication. I just swapped locations daily and kept a close eye on my skin.
dee
