A question regarding where to apply Oestrogel

[Marina_bg]

Hi all,

It is my first posting here, so please, forgive me if it does not strictly conform to forums' standards - it was unintentional.

I am living and transitioning in Bulgaria, Europe. My endo just upped my dose from only Estrofem each morning to Estrofem in the morning and Oestrogel in the evening. My endo told me to apply two complete measures of Oestrogel to my inner thigh, but he did not mention should I apply one measure to one thigh and the other measure to the other thigh or both measures should go to the same thigh. So I called her back and she told me there was no problem to apply each measure to each thigh.

The reason for me asking this question on Susan's board is because I doubt that my endo might not be very experienced with transdermal Estradiol applications. I've read on many places that for example applying an Estradiol patch should never happen two consecutive times on the same spot and one has to change left and right half of the body each time she puts a new patch. I am afraid that this might be the case with Oestrogel either, but after digging a lot on the Internet I did not find any information regarding this.

So I would like to ask those girls who used Oestrogel or Estrogel - if you applied two measures did you ever used both thighs or you used a different thigh each time?

Thanks for you input and helping me to resolve this issue!

Kind regards,
Marina

[AnonyMs]

I've used oestrogel and patches. I had lots of irritation problems with patches and none with oestrogel. I usually apply oestrogel in the same place each time. I don't think it makes any difference but I didn't ask a doctor about this.

Did you read the instructions in the box? It might say how to apply it.

[Laura_7]

Well it could be an individual thing.

What about trying and seeing which way is more effective?
You could apply it in one place alternatively,
and to both places at the same time, and see which method makes you feel better.

The gel is about absorption.
With the patches there might be some residue from the sticking material which needs to wash off.

One trick is to use the part of your underarm below your hand to spread the material, or a spatula. This way its not necessary to wash hands, which can result in a loss of dosage.
The underarm should be covered after some time to avoid contact with other people.

hugs

[Joi]

Anyone ever apply estrogel directly to their breasts?

Yep.  Right on the nipples.  Didn't seem to help breast or nipple growth. 

One thing I do that helps with both the gel and the patch is to clean the area right before application with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) using a wetted piece of gauze. Gets rid of any soap reside or skin oil. Better transport through the skin.

Jen

[AnonyMs]

With the patches there might be some residue from the sticking material which needs to wash off.

I find if i try to wash it off immediately after removing the patch I get really sore skin. I leave it a day or two first. Its also quite difficult to remove, but stays on for ages if you don't. I'd also avoid putting them in the same place for as long as possible, as it leads to skin irritation.

One trick is to use the part of your underarm below your hand to spread the material, or a spatula. This way its not necessary to wash hands, which can result in a loss of dosage.
The underarm should be covered after some time to avoid contact with other people.

This is how I used to do it, and then just smear it wherever is easy to reach and other people can't touch. By not using your hands its also much faster.

Anyone ever apply estrogel directly to their breasts?

I don't but I suspect it makes no difference where you put it, so long as it can't get one someone else. I think I've read somewhere that patches shouldn't be applied to breasts, and that the reason was they were not tested in that location when certified.

[Laura_7]

Anyone ever apply estrogel directly to their breasts?

Yep.  Right on the nipples.  Didn't seem to help breast or nipple growth. 

The manuals specifically say not to do this...
not directly on breasts...


hugs

[AnonyMs]

From everything I've read there's no point in applying it directly to your breasts as it enters the blood and goes everywhere from there. Putting it closer to where you want it makes no difference.

[Marina_bg]

Thanks for all your helpful replies, girls!

I started applying my two measures on both thighs. I will see how are things going in a week when I'm going to have a regular hormonal blood work.

Btw, my endo told me to avoid putting the gel on my breasts and on genitals.