Can I buy oestrogen gel over the counter in the UK?

Can you buy Oestrogel over the counter?

Oestrogel is prescription-only in the UK. It contains oestradiol, a form of oestrogen that’s absorbed through your skin. Sandrena, another oestradiol gel, also needs a prescription.

How do you get a prescription for oestrogen gel?

Start by speaking to your GP or a menopause clinician. Your prescriber will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medicines you take. If oestrogen gel is suitable for you, they can issue a prescription for a pharmacy to dispense.

Already using the gel? See our guide to how to apply Oestrogel.

Side effects of oestrogen gel

Like all medications, oestrogen gel can lead to unwanted side effects, although not everyone will experience them. It’s important to be informed about the possible reactions to better manage and mitigate them. Listed below are some of the common side effects associated with the use of oestrogen gel:

• Skin irritation at the application site, which may include redness, itching, or rashes
• Nausea, which can vary in intensity from mild to severe
• Headaches, often described as persistent or recurring
• Breast tenderness, which can be uncomfortable

If you still have a womb, you’ll usually need a progestogen alongside oestrogen gel to protect the womb lining. Breast cancer risk depends on the type of HRT you use, how long you use it, and your own risk factors. Your prescriber can talk through what this means for you.

How is vaginal oestrogen different from Oestrogel?

Vaginal oestrogen works locally to ease symptoms such as dryness and irritation. A pharmacist can supply Gina vaginal tablets or Ovesse vaginal cream without a prescription after checking the treatment is suitable for you. Both are licensed for postmenopausal women aged 50 or over who haven’t had a period for at least a year.

Read more about vaginal changes during menopause.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.