Oestrogen tablets, patches, gel and spray

NHS medicines information on oestrogen tablets, patches, gel and spray – what they're used for, side effects, dosage and who can take them.

This information is about oestrogen medicine. There's separate information about vaginal oestrogen.

During menopause, your body starts to make less of a hormone called oestrogen, which can cause symptoms.

Oestrogen is used to help ease menopause symptoms such as:

If you still have a womb, you will need to use oestrogen along with a hormone called progestogen. This is to help protect your womb lining.

If you've had your womb removed (a hysterectomy), you will not need to use progestogen.

Oestrogen comes as tablets, patches, a gel and a spray.

When you use or take oestrogen:

how you use it, how much and for how long depends on whether you still have regular periods, your symptoms and if you still have a womb
talk to a doctor if your symptoms are not getting better – it can take time to find the right type and dose to suit you

Always follow your doctor's instructions and the instructions on the leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Like all medicines, oestrogen can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

These are not all the side effects of oestrogen tablets, patches, gel and spray.

Most adults can use oestrogen.

But it is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

you've had an allergic reaction or other serious side effect from oestrogen
you've ever had breast cancer, are having tests for breast cancer or are at high risk due to family history
you have vaginal bleeding with no known cause
you've ever had deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism

Before using oestrogen tell your GP if you have any medical conditions.

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Oestrogen is not recommended if you're breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Oestrogen is not recommended during pregnancy.

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with oestrogen.

These include:

Before taking or using oestrogen, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.