Oestrogel Gel (Estradiol 0.06%)

What is Oestrogel Gel?

Oestrogel is a clear, fast-drying gel that contains oestrogen (Estradiol) and is applied to the skin. It’s designed for women or those assigned female at birth who are peri- or postmenopausal.

It has two main benefits:

1. Helps relieve symptoms caused by falling oestrogen levels during menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats, low mood, and vaginal dryness.
2. Helps protect against osteoporosis, a condition where bones become thinner, weaker, and more likely to break.

Oestrogel works by restoring hormone balance and supporting bone strength, especially in those at higher risk.

Active Ingredient

Each pump (1.25 g gel) delivers 0.75 mg Estradiol (0.06 % w/w) to the skin.

How It Works

During menopause, the body makes less Oestrogen. Oestrogen plays an important role in how you feel day to day. It helps steady mood, manage body temperature, keep skin healthy, and maintain strong bones.

This drop in oestrogen can cause hot flushes, low mood, vaginal dryness, and bone thinning.

Oestrogel replaces this hormone loss by absorbing through the skin and into the bloodstream, avoiding the gut and liver. This means it carries a lower risk of some side effects when compared to HRT tablets that are swallowed. [1]

Oestrogel helps by increasing the amount of oestrogen in your body, which usually eases symptoms.

It is recommended as a first-line treatment for hormone replacement therapy [2].

Guidance is based on official recommendations from NICE and the British National Formulary (BNF).

Typical Results

Most women start to notice relief from hot flushes, mood swings, and sleep problems within 2 to 4 weeks of daily use.

Supporting bone health takes longer and depends on consistent, long-term use of Oestrogel. Regular treatment helps maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fractures over time.

Key Benefits

• Easy once-daily application, dries fast, and doesn’t stain clothes
• Delivers oestrogen steadily through skin for even coverage
• Oestrogel goes through the skin into the bloodstream, skipping the liver. This avoids the ‘first-pass’ effect and may lower the risk of side effects like blood clots compared to tablets
• Supports bone health in women at risk of osteoporosis
• Tailored dosing: from 1 pump up to a maximum of 4 pumps per day, as directed by your prescriber

Available Dosages and Strengths

Oestrogel is a clear, easy-to-apply gel with a light alcohol scent. It comes in an 80g canister with around 64 measured pumps. Most women start with two pumps a day, but your doctor may increase this if needed.

If you still have a womb, your doctor will also prescribe progesterone. This helps balance the effects of oestrogen and protects the womb lining from becoming too thick, which can happen if oestrogen is used on its own.

What to expect when starting Oestrogel

• Week 1: Skin dryness or mild irritation around the application site may appear
• Weeks 2–4: Symptoms like flushes and mood symptoms should begin to ease
• After 1 month: Your prescribed dose should be reviewed; skin circulation and comfort improve
• Beyond 1 month: Ongoing use helps support bones and sustain symptom relief