If you do not wish to use estradiol patches, an option is estradiol gel applied daily to the skin. The gel is usually alcohol based and is absorbed through the skin. The medication imparted into the skin usually takes about 12 hours for absorption into the blood stream, which produces a similar continuous action like the patch. Gels have the advantage as the wearer is not burdened with wearing a patch and the potential irritation from the adhesive that holds the patch in place.

Gels roughly correspond to the daily doses found in the 50 mcg and 100 mcg patches. Estradiol gel is found in individual 1 gram sachets

Each sachet contains 0.5 mg or 1.0 mg of the active ingredient called oestradiol.

Sandrena foil sachets are marked Organon with the product name and pack size. Expiry date and batch number are also marked on each sachet.

Sandrena is used to replace the body's natural sex hormone oestradiol which is reduced after the menopause.

When applied to the skin the gel quickly evaporates and oestradiol is absorbed through the skin into the circulation.