Estradiol gel (Oestrogel): how it is used, price in the Philippines

Prices checked October 2026. One pump gives a measured dose (1.25 g of gel), and the UK leaflet says the 80 g pump pack delivers 64 doses. How long a pack lasts depends on your prescribed number of pumps. The cost calculator works out example monthly totals.

Estradiol gel replaces the estrogen your ovaries stop making. The Menopause Society 2022 says hormone therapy is "the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms", meaning hot flashes and night sweats. It also prevents bone loss.

How the UK label says to apply it (the PH leaflet may differ):

1. Press the pump the number of times your doctor prescribed. The UK label for menopause symptoms starts at 2 pumps once a day.
2. Spread it over clean, dry, unbroken skin on the arms, shoulders or inner thighs, and change sites often.
3. Let it dry for 5 minutes before covering the skin with clothes.
4. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.
5. Do not put it on or near your breasts, or on the vulva.
6. Do not wash that skin or put other skin products on it for at least an hour.

The gel can pass to others by skin contact. Avoid skin contact with the area, especially with a male partner or children, for an hour after applying. If a child touches it, wash the child's skin with soap and water.

With a uterus: add a progestogen, for part of each month (sequential) or every day (continuous). See sequential vs continuous. Without a uterus (after hysterectomy): estrogen alone is usually enough.

Your doctor sets the number of pumps and adjusts it at follow-up. The figures above are label examples, not your dose.

Estrogen through the skin skips the first pass through the liver. The Menopause Society 2022 says transdermal routes and lower doses may reduce the risk of blood clots (VTE) and stroke compared with tablets. That makes gel a common first choice, and often the preferred one for women with higher clot risk, migraines or controlled high blood pressure. Your doctor weighs this with your history.

Estradiol patches do the same job but were not found at any PH retailer: Not available in PH retail as of October 2026. If you used patches abroad, gel is the usual local switch. See estradiol options and our expat guide.

The UK label says not to use it if you have or had:

• Breast cancer, now, in the past or suspected
• Womb cancer or another estrogen-dependent cancer
• Vaginal bleeding that has not been checked
• Untreated thickening of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia)
• A blood clot in a vein (such as a leg or lung), or a known clotting disorder
• Current or recent arterial disease, such as a heart attack or angina
• Liver disease now, or in the past if liver tests have not returned to normal
• Porphyria
• An allergy to any ingredient

It is for women after menopause only. If you become pregnant, stop using it and contact your doctor.

Tell your doctor about migraines, epilepsy, diabetes, gallstones, high blood pressure or a strong family history of breast cancer. These do not always rule it out, but they change the plan.

Common ones listed in the UK leaflet (up to 1 in 10 people):

• Headache
• Nausea or tummy pain
• Breast pain
• Irregular bleeding or spotting, or heavier or longer periods
• Vaginal discharge
• Weight change

These often settle. If they do not, your doctor may change the dose.

For breast cancer risk in real numbers, read Nakaka-cancer ba ang HRT?

Yes. The estradiol in the gel is the same molecule your body made before menopause. It is registered, dosed and labelled, so you get a bioidentical hormone without a compounded cream. See bioidentical hormones.

• Conjugated estrogens: a tablet, ₱47.25 per tablet (Watsons).
• Tibolone: one tablet replacing both estrogen and progestogen, after periods have stopped for a year, ₱1,442.75 per pack (pack size not stated) (Watsons).
• Vaginal estrogen: for dryness or bladder symptoms only, such as vaginal estradiol.
• Non-hormonal options: paroxetine, gabapentin and CBT if hormones are not for you.

Prices checked October 2026. See all options on HRT for menopause and compare totals on HRT costs.