As a trans women I have recently changed medication from Oestradiol to Sandrena Gel and these are my exeriences and the side effects of Sandrena Gel.
First off Sandrena Gel comes in two from, 0.5mg gel and 1mg gel. These are in the form of individually measured sachets.
They come in 28 sachet boxes and can only be purchased after a consultion or via your GP.
Sandrena Gel is a light oestrogen based gel used for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) which is applied to the skin and help relieve the unpleasant symptoms of the menopause. It is also used in transgender patients to increase estrogen levels, particularly in Male to Female transgender patients.
This drug is suitable for 18+ year old patients and is a Estrogen steroid hormone and contains Estradiol hemihydrate and is usually effective within 3 months of the start of treatment.
In women Sandrena is known to relieve symptoms of the menopause such as hot flushes, vaginal irritation and night sweats.
If works by being applied directly to the skin and it is suggested to be applied to the thighs, or upper arms. I have found the best results are achieved when applied to alternative thighs which also helps combat skin ichiness.
To best apply Sandrena Gel
First off clean and dry the area onto which you wish to apply Sandrena Gel. The recommended areas of application are the thighs and lower body, you should rotate these areas, ie: left leg on one application, and right leg on the next.
- Empty the entire contents of the sachet on to the area you wish to apply the gel. Do not empty the gel onto your hands and then run it into the area you are applying the gel to. I personally use my thumb to spead the gel into a line and then smear the gel from side to side.
- Spread the gel over the skin, do not rub the gel in, just spread this over the area you wish to apply the gel to in a uniform layer. This should be roughly twice the size of your hand.
- Leave the gel to dry on the skin before covering in any clothing. This will take a few minutes. The thinner the coating the quicker it will dry.
- Do not wash the area you have applied the gel to for more than an hour after application
- Wash you hands thoroughly after application
The manufacturers, Orion, advise that Sandrena can help relieve symptoms of the following:
- Hot Flushes
- Night Sweats
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Vaginal dryness and irritation
- Reduced sex drive
- Headaches
- Low mood
Side effects of Sandrena Gel are as follows
- Itching of the skin or a rash to the areas applied to
- Swelling of the feet or lower legs
- Increased sweating
- Tender and painful breasts
- Increase or decrease in weight
- Dizziness
- Headaches or migraines
- Abdominal pain or the feeling or need to be sick. In rare cases actually being sick
- Changes in mood
- Changes in sex drive
My experiences and the effects of Sandrena gel
I have been taking Sandrena now for 3 months and the effects I have experienced are an increase in sweating, which has been localised to my feet. Occasional bouts of dizziness, especially when dehydrated. I have also experienced mood swings, particularly feeling more emotional than normal.
However overall the effects have been minimal and compared to the absolute ocean of Oestriodol I was using before which was 8 pumps, twice a day, the tiny sachets of Sandrena are a welcome change.
Also because of the size I am not carrying round tubes of gel as I work away quite a lot.
One box of Sandrena gel enough to last 28 applications.
