Estradiol gel is a medication used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transgender women or individuals assigned male at birth who are undergoing feminizing hormone therapy, or for cisgender women needing hormone replacement therapy.
Administration:
- Preparation:
- Before and after administering estradiol gel, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Gather all necessary supplies, including the estradiol gel packet or pump bottle, a clean applicator, and a clean, dry area of skin for application.
- Application Site Selection:
- Estradiol gel is typically applied to clean, dry skin on specific areas of the body, such as the arms, shoulders, or abdomen. Do not apply it directly to the breast area.
- Choose an appropriate application site and avoid areas with broken or irritated skin.
- Application Technique:
- Open the packet or pump bottle of estradiol gel according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Squeeze the prescribed amount of estradiol gel onto the clean applicator or directly onto the skin.
- Spread the gel evenly over the application site, using gentle massaging motions to ensure absorption into the skin.
- Allow the gel to dry completely before covering the area with clothing or coming into contact with others to prevent accidental transfer.
- Timing and Frequency:
- Estradiol gel is typically applied once daily at the same time each day to maintain stable estrogen levels.
- Follow the prescribed dosing schedule.
- Make sure that you avoid any areas where you might have a blood test taken from so that the gel does not give a false result.
- Post-Application Care:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying estradiol gel to prevent unintentional transfer to other surfaces or individuals.
- Monitor the application site for any signs of irritation or adverse reactions, such as redness, itching, or rash. If you experience any concerning symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.
General Considerations:
- Estradiol gel should be applied to intact skin and allowed to dry completely before coming into contact with clothing or other surfaces.
- Avoid swimming, bathing, or showering for several hours after applying estradiol gel to ensure optimal absorption of the medication.
- Adhere to the prescribed dosage and application schedule to achieve the desired treatment outcomes.