Sandrena is a hormone replacement therapy (or HRT for short) available in the form of a transdermal gel. Based on estradiol, a synthetic form of female sex hormone oestrogen, as an active ingredient, Sandrena is classified as an oestrogen-only HRT. Developed and marketed in the UK by Orion Pharma Ltd pharmaceutical company, this branded medication is highly adept at mitigating the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. Available in two different dosages, Sandrena HRT gel is applied once daily to the lower body, usually on thighs. This treatment is highly efficient despite being a rather non-invasive solution. On top of that, it is very easy to use, with each dose supplied in individual sachet, allowing you to keep your treatment as precise as possible.

What’s on this page?

Should I be using HRTs?

The only person that can give you a definitive answer to this question is your doctor, and even this is possible only after your condition has been thoroughly assessed. Naturally, not every woman will need to use hormone replacement therapies after entering menopause. This natural process is marked with relatively mild symptoms for most, but in certain cases, it can be accompanied by severe issues that can begin affecting everyday life and activities. If this occurs, it is highly likely that the doctor will recommend hormone replacement therapies similar to Sandrena, provided that you are suitable for them.

How does Sandrena help with menopausal problems?

At the root of all menopausal problems are the decreasing levels of female sex hormone, oestrogen, so it comes as no surprise that medications aiming to mitigate these symptoms aim to achieve so by supplementing the depleted levels with synthetic bioequivalent to oestrogen. Sandrena is no exception here. This HRT gel acts by introducing estradiol, a synthetic oestrogen, to the organism which then augments the decreasing levels of natural oestrogen, thus helping alleviate the menopausal symptoms.

However, it is also very important to note that oestrogen-only HRTs such as Sandrena or Progynova can be safely used only by women who have already undergone hysterectomy, a surgical procedure that involves removing the womb from the body. This is so because the uncontrolled rise in oestrogen levels, characteristic of oestrogen-only HRTs has been proven to lead to excess thickening of the uterine wall, thus creating favourable conditions for the onset of endometrial cancer. To mitigate this, the doctor will either recommend you a combined treatment or a separate HRT based on synthetic progesterone.

Progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone tasked with keeping oestrogen levels in check, and its synthetic equivalents will mimic this activity, making treatments such as Sandrena safe even for women who still have not had their wombs removed.

How is Sandrena used?

Before commencing Sandrena treatment, you should make sure you are familiar with how this HRT should be used. Of course, your doctor or pharmacist will provide you with detailed instructions on how to make the most out of your treatment. In addition to this, if you need a quick recap, you can always consult the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of Sandrena. There you will find detailed instructions regarding the use of this HRT, as well as tips that should help you maximise the results while at the same time minimising the risk of side effects.

Below we will provide you with some of the most general guidelines that should help you get a better idea of how Sandrena treatment might look like for you. With that being said, you should keep in mind that what follows can under no circumstances be used as a substitute for the doctor’s advice or the official information provided by the pharmaceutical company. For a comprehensive guide on how to safely use Sandrena, please refer to the official patient information leaflet.

  • You can begin using Sandrena immediately, provided you never used HRTs before
  • Alternatively, you should begin using Sandrena after the end of your period
  • The daily dose will be either 0.5mg or 1.5mg, depending on the doctor’s assessment
  • Apply the gel on clean and dry area of skin once per day
  • You should always apply Sandrena to the lower body, ideally to the thighs
  • The total area where the gel is administrated should roughly be two times the size of your hand
  • Alternate between sides of the body each day
  • Let the gel dry for a couple of minutes before putting on clothes and at least for an hours before washing
  • Never use gel on irritated or injured skin
  • Never use Sandrena on breasts, face or the genitals
  • After using the gel, thoroughly wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes
  • If you forget to apply Sandrena, do so when you do remember, provided no more than 12 hours has passed since your scheduled application
  • If more than 12 hours has passed, skip the missed dose and continue with the treatment as usual

What are Sandrena side effects?

As is the case with all prescription medications, Sandrena also comes with an array of possible side effects. And while not everybody using this medication will experience side effects, it is still important to get familiar with them prior to commencing treatment. This way you will be able to act accordingly if the side effects do manifest and differentiate between those which might require you to cease treatment and seek immediate medical advice and those which can be rather uncomfortable, but otherwise not really dangerous.

If you notice any of the following while using Sandrena, be sure to immediately contact your doctor or your local emergency service and ask for instruction on what to do next:

  • Jaundice
  • Migraines before prior history of them
  • Sudden and sharp increase in blood pressure
  • Gallstones
  • Asthma
  • Blood cloth symptoms

Other documented side effects include:

Common (1 in 10 users) Uncommon (1 in 100 users) Rare (1 in 1000 users)
·       Itchy skin

·       Rashes

·       Weight gain

·       Weight loss

·       Painful breasts

·       Hot flushes

·       Depression

·       Abdominal pain

·       Nausea

·       Dizziness

·       Headaches

·       Swollen feet and legs

·       Irregular periods

 

 

 

 

 

 

·       Migraine

·       Anxiety

·       Disturbed sleep

·       Mood swings

·       Tiredness

·       Weakness

·       Changes in libido

·       Focus problems

·       Dry eyes

·       Increased appetite

·       Breast lumps

·       Cholesterol changes

·       Digestive issues

·       Allergic reaction

·       Urinary disorders

·       Cramps

·       Acne

·       Alopecia

·       Excessive hair growth

·       Blood clots

·       Painful periods

·       PMS symptoms

·       Liver issues

·       Flow of bile issues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please keep in mind that this is not a complete list of all known side effects. For a comprehensive overview of Sandrena adverse effects, please refer to the official patient information leaflet.