Does that apply to all hormones Joaniepat? Creams you rub in and gels you leave to dry? x
Just to clarify - this is not universal. it all depends on the filler ingredient and what the cream or gel is designed to do or treat.
For example I recently used a cream for a skin patch on my leg ( not HRT!) but it was spread/applied, not rubbed.
The different HRT gels also have different filler ingredients - specifically the ingredients that enable/facilitate the active ingredient to be absorbed into your skin.
So - according to the instructions (well as they used to be - I haven't read them recently), oestrogel amd testogel (both made by Besins with the same filler ingredient) are spread, whereas Testim (at least the old formulation - I haven't checked the newer one) and Sandrena have different filler ingredients ( known as "excipients") and are rubbed. They tend to be stickier as well.
The important thing is to follow the instructions that come with whatever you are using. The dosage applied will be related to the method of application ( ie rubbing or spreading).
Gels - especially the Besins alcohol based ones - seem to be very responsive to changes in temperature, becoming runnier in higher temperatures (possibly after exposure to air too? Don't know about this one - jiust speculating here). There will be storage temperature guidelines so keep within these but in the case of gels I would try not to let them get too hot and keep as cool as you can.
In terms of application site on the body - personally I would not apply anywhere on upper body nor near genitals. I used to apply upper inner thigh but changed to inner side of knee, now on sole of foot as per sheila99.
Yes effects are longer term because of cellular changes but there can be short term effects too I think (after all T increases during the menstrual cycle so there must be more immediate as well as longer term effects).
Hurdity x
