Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about using Estrogel or Utrogestan as part of your menopause treatment.
Spread the gel on a large area of skin on each shoulder, outer arm and/or each mid-inner thigh. The gel should be spread on the skin gently as a thin layer. The area of application should be as large as possible. Do not rub vigorously.
Try to keep the area of application as constant as possible from day to day. There is no need to rotate the site of application. Do not apply on or near the breasts, or near the genital area.
The Estrogel pump contains 80g of gel, which means after priming there will be at least 60 doses remaining. If you administer 2 pump actuations daily, 1 Estrogel pump bottle would last you approximately 1 month. This will vary if you have been prescribed a different daily dose. Note the gel weight is under 100g, making it suitable for carry-on luggage under most airline restrictions. If you are travelling, make sure to get a letter from your doctor that lists the medicines you are prescribed.
If it is more than 12 hours until your next dose, apply the gel as soon as you remember and apply the next dose at the normal time. If it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next dose at the normal time. Forgetting a dose may increase the likelihood of breakthrough bleeding and spotting.
It is recommended that you wait at least 1 hour before showering or bathing after applying Estrogel.
You should store Estrogel in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C, in a location that is protected from light. Do not store Estrogel in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car.
If you are switching from another type of MHT where you have a period, finish your current medicine pack before you start using Estrogel. e.g. Start using Estrogel when you are due to use your next estrogen patch. If you are on estrogen oral tablets, change to Estrogel when you are due to take your next oral dose. If you are unsure or have any questions regarding when to start your gel, please ask your doctor or your pharmacist.
Changes in breasts, new onset of migraine-type headaches, or if there is breakthrough bleeding or spotting after some time on Estrogel therapy. This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms to look out for. Talk to your pharmacist or your doctor if you experience other symptoms or become pregnant.
It is ideal to use the pump bottle upright or on a flat surface to make sure you are getting the correct and full dose. Wash hands and fully depress the pump all the way whilst the bottle is upright or standing on a flat surface and allow it to come all the way back up before dispensing the next pump (if using more than 1 pump).
Every woman is different and the length of time you will have symptoms cannot be predicted. Therefore, there is no specific time limit for how long to continue MHT. The decision to continue or discontinue Estrogel should be individualised, considering the benefits and risks for each person, and should be discussed regularly with your doctor.
Utrogestan contains body-identical progesterone that is finely ground (or micronised) to enable your body to absorb it more easily.
Do not take Utrogestan with food as this may affect the way Utrogestan works.
Utrogestan can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects.
One Capsule Daily
- 100 mg/day (one 100 mg capsule)
- At bedtime
- From days 1 to 25 of your 28-day cycle
Some light bleeding may occur, but bleeding is less likely with this treatment schedule.15
One Capsule Daily
- 200 mg/day (two 100 mg capsules)
- Take both capsules at bedtime
- From days 15 to 26 of your 28-day cycle
You will usually have a few days of bleeding (like a period) after you finish taking the capsules.15
Always follow the instructions given to you by your doctor on how to take Utrogestan. If you have any questions regarding your dose and how to take Utrogestan, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
- 100 mg/day (one 100 mg capsule)
- At bedtime
- From days 1 to 25 of your 28-day cycle
Some light bleeding may occur, but bleeding is less likely with this treatment schedule.15
One Capsule Daily
- 200 mg/day (two 100 mg capsules)
- Take both capsules at bedtime
- From days 15 to 26 of your 28-day cycle
You will usually have a few days of bleeding (like a period) after you finish taking the capsules.15
Always follow the instructions given to you by your doctor on how to take Utrogestan. If you have any questions regarding your dose and how to take Utrogestan, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.15
Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.15
Do not double your dose to make up for the dose you missed.15
If you are not sure what to do, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.15
Do not double your dose to make up for the dose you missed.15
If you are not sure what to do, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Light spotting may occur as your body adjusts to hormone therapy. Inform your doctor if you experience spotting or bleeding.
Ask your doctor for advice regarding alcohol use. Drinking alcohol may increase drowsiness while on Utrogestan and may affect how your body metabolises the medicine.
These FAQs are intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or a medicine.
Still have questions? Learn more about menopause hormone therapy treatment options.
- Healthify. Menopause. Available at https://healthify.nz/hauora-wellbeing/m/menopause. Accessed March 2025.
- Managing menopausal symptoms. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), 2020.
- Jean Hailes. Symptoms of Menopause. December 2024. Available at https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms. Accessed March 2025.
- Australasian Menopause Society. Menopause what are the symptoms? April 2017. Available at https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/menopause-what-are-the-symptoms. Accessed March 2025.
- Apgar BS et al Am Fam Physician 2000;62:1839-1846.
- Utrogestan NZ data sheet March 2025.
- Estrogel NZ Data Sheet July 2024.
- Estrogel Consumer Medicine Information; May 2024.
- Archer DF et al. Menopause 2012;19(6):622–629.
- The 2017 hormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause 2017;24(7):728-753.
- Palacios S et al Maturitas 1995;20:209-13.
- Devogelaer JP et al Maturitas 1998;28:243-49.
- Finkelstein JS et al J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008;93(3):861-68.
- Panay N. Post Reprod Health 2014;20:60-72.
- Utrogestan Consumer Medicine Information, April 2025.
- Women's Health Action. Menopause. Available at https://www.womens-health.org.nz/health-topics/menopause/. Accessed August 2023.
- Menopause Wellbeing, Stages of Menopause. Available at https://menopause.sexualwellbeing.org.nz/knowledge-hub/stages-of-menopause/. Accessed April 2026.
- Menopause Wellbeing, Understand Menopause. Available at https://www.women.govt.nz/making-menopause-work/understand-menopause. Accessed April 2026.
- Menopause Wellbeing, Menopause. Available at https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/health-topics/conditions-treatments/womens-health/menopause. Accessed April 2026.