HRT Cream and Capsules
Dosage Guide
Consultation & Consent
Do not want to book a Dosage Consult?
The information provided in these online guides is general guidance only. Your prescribed dosage may differ based on your individual medical assessment.
Your dosage must be confirmed during a Nurse Dosage Consult.
Repeat prescriptions will not be issued without attendance to a minimum of one Dosage Consult.
No, I do not want to book
Your daily routine
- Morning: apply your HRT Cream after your shower.
- Bedtime: take 1 HRT Capsule.
HRT Cream: starting dosage (week 1)
When: Morning, after your shower
Volume: 1 pump
How often: Once a day, or as directed by your doctor
How many times per week: Every day (7x per week), or as directed
HRT Cream: standard dosage (from week 2)
When: Morning, after your shower
Volume: 1 to 2 pumps
How often: Once a day, or as directed by your doctor
How many times per week: Every day (7x per week), or as directed
HRT Capsules: your dosage
When: Before bed
Volume: 1 capsule
How often: Once a day, or as directed by your doctor
How many times per week: Every day (7x per week), or as directed
How to apply your cream
- Apply to clean, dry, unbroken skin, after your morning shower.
- Spread the cream over a large area of skin on your outer arm and shoulder, or your inner thigh. Keep to the same area each day.
- If you are using 2 pumps, apply 1 pump to each arm, or 1 pump to each inner thigh.
- Do not apply on or near your breasts or genital area.
- Let the cream dry for 5 minutes before getting dressed.
- Wash your hands with soap and water straight after applying.
Protect the people around you. Avoid close skin contact with your partner, children and pets for 1 hour after applying, and do not wash the area or apply other skin products for 1 hour. If the cream touches someone else, wash their skin with soap and water straight away.
Missed a dose? If you remember within 12 hours, apply it then. If it is closer to your next dose, skip the missed one and carry on as normal. Missing doses can cause some spotting.
Never use a double dose to make up for a missed one.
How to take your capsules
- Swallow 1 capsule whole with a glass of water, just before bed.
- Do not open, crush or chew the capsule.
- Try to take it at about the same time each night.
Feeling drowsy? Progesterone can make you feel sleepy or dizzy, which is why it is taken at bedtime. Take care driving or operating machinery, including the next morning, until you know how it affects you.
Missed a dose? If you remember later that night, take it then. If you only remember the next day, skip the missed capsule and take your next one at bedtime as usual.
Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Your ongoing care
- Your capsules contain progesterone, which helps protect the lining of your womb while you use the cream. Keep using both as prescribed, and talk to us before stopping either one.
- Book a follow-up Nurse Consult as recommended, and book a review with your doctor at least once every 6 months..
- Check your breasts regularly and keep up with mammogram screening. Tell the radiographer you are using HRT.
- If you are having surgery, tell your surgeon you are using HRT. You may need to stop it 4 to 6 weeks beforehand.
- HRT is not a contraceptive. If you are under 50, or it has been less than 12 months since your last period, you may still need contraception. Speak with your doctor.
Expiry
- Use by the expiry date printed on your label.
- The expiry date stays the same once the bottle is opened, and delaying opening does not extend it.
Don'ts
- Do not use more than 2 pumps of cream a day unless directed by your doctor.
- Do not take more than 1 capsule a day unless directed by your doctor.
- Do not increase either dose without speaking with your nurse or doctor first.
- Do not use a double dose of either product to make up for a missed one.
- Do not apply the cream on or near your breasts or genital area, and avoid skin contact with others for 1 hour after applying.
- Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy or dizzy.
- Do not open, crush or chew the capsules.
- Do not share your medication with anyone.
- Do not continue using either product if you experience persistent or concerning side effects. Contact our medical team promptly to discuss.
- Do not use the medication past the expiry date.
Contraindications
Make sure to check that none of these apply to you when starting this medication
- You are allergic to oestrogen, progesterone, DHEA or any ingredient in the cream or capsules
- You have, or have ever had, breast cancer, or it is suspected
- You have, or are suspected of having, cancer of the womb lining, the reproductive organs, or another hormone-sensitive cancer
- You have unexplained vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor
- You have untreated thickening of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia)
- You have, or have ever had, a blood clot, such as in your leg or lungs, or you have a blood clotting disorder
- You have, or have recently had, a heart attack, stroke or angina, or you have had bleeding on the brain
- You have liver disease and your liver tests have not returned to normal
- You have porphyria (a rare inherited blood condition)
- You are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
Your doctor has reviewed your health and medicines. Let us know if anything changes, such as starting a new medicine or supplement, a new diagnosis, or planning surgery.
Side effects
Common side effects
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Spotting or irregular bleeding, especially in the first 3 to 6 months
- Headache
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Nausea, bloating or stomach discomfort
- Fluid retention or weight change
- Mood changes or changes in libido
- Acne, oily skin, or increased facial or body hair
- Skin irritation where the cream is applied
Stop using your HRT and seek medical help straight away if you experience
- Pain in your calf or chest, sudden shortness of breath, or coughing up blood, which may be signs of a blood clot
- Chest pain that spreads to your arm or neck
- Sudden weakness or numbness, a drooping face, or changes to your speech or vision
- A new migraine, or a severe headache with vomiting or dizziness
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes, or dark urine
- Breast changes, such as a lump, dimpling of the skin or nipple changes
- Unexpected vaginal bleeding after the first 6 months, or after you stop treatment
- Low mood that is getting worse
- Allergic reactions to HRT can be severe and life-threatening. Contact us immediately if you notice a rash, hives, itching or swelling. Do not wait to see if symptoms resolve.
Allergic or serious reaction?If you believe you might be experiencing an allergic reaction or any of the serious side effects listed, stop using your HRT and call us immediately
02 9053 9444
Severe reaction?If you have difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, chest pain, or signs of a stroke, call Emergency Services immediately
000
Storage & Consumables
Storing your medication
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration is not required.
- Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, on a window sill or in the car.
- Keep the cream pump capped and the capsule lid tightly closed.
- Keep out of reach of children.