HRT- Estrogel

Different Forms of HRT: EstroGel and Estrasorb

(estradiol gel and estradiol topical emulsification)

Both EstroGel and Estrasorb are new forms of topical estrogen therapy. In both cases, you apply the gel or emulsification to your body -- and the estrogen is delivered through your skin. In effect, then, they are much the same as patch forms of estrogen: They are bio-identical estradiol; they are transdermal; and they give you a steady dose of estrogen throughout the day. Unlike the patches, though, you use these topical products daily.

More specifically, EstroGel has been available in Europe for a number of years but was only recently (July 2004) introduced to the U.S. It is an estradiol gel packaged in a pump bottle that delivers one dose per "pump" -- and each bottle contains 64 doses. You apply the gel once a day on one of your arms. The gel dries in a few minutes -- and is both clear and odorless.

Estrasorb is an emulsified cream that you apply topically. It comes in packets -- 2 of which contain your daily dosage of .05 mg estradiol. As with EstroGel, it's an easy, typically well-tolerated method of taking estrogen. You simply rub the contents of the packet into each of your upper thighs -- and that's it for the day.

Standard dosage: EstroGel pump delivers 1.25 grams of gel -- containing .75 mg estradiol; 2 packets of Estrasorb deliver .05 mg estradiol

Pros: Bioidentical; tends not to cause allergic response on the skin, so a good choice for those who prefer transdermal estrogen but had reactions to patch adhesives;

Cons: Some women -- particularly those who are allergy-prone -- may have reactions to these products.