Where to Apply HRT Gel? Hundreds of REAL USERS Report (…and the results are surprising!)

I talk a lot about HRT gel over on my TikTok, and one question that comes up again and again is:
“Where should I apply HRT gel?”

It turns out, the answers vary wildly. Some women are told to use their arms, others their thighs, and some are advised to switch between both. It seems like no two people are told the same thing, which can be pretty confusing when you’re just trying to do the right thing for your body.

Here are just a few of the comments I’ve received from real users in the menopause community:

“I put HRT gel on my thighs, as you don’t want it too close to your breasts – it could increase your breast cancer risk.”

“It dries quicker on my arm.”

“I was told to alternate between arm and thigh.”

“I use 4 pumps a day, so I was told to apply it to each arm and each thigh.”

Personally, when I was using HRT gel, I preferred applying it to my thighs. It felt like there was more surface area, and even though I’ve read the leaflets and checked with a doctor who reassured me there’s no increased breast cancer risk applying it to the arms, I just felt more comfortable keeping it away from my chest area. That’s more of a personal feeling than a scientific fact.

Another practical reason I liked the thigh: I could carry on with my day! I’d pop on a T-shirt and walk around while it dried. When it’s on my arms, I find it harder to get dressed, since sleeves tend to rub against the gel.

The NHS writes this about HRT gel

So… Where To Apply HRT Gel? Real User Data

I decided to let the TikTok community weigh in, and they did! With over 20,000 views on one video alone, here’s what REAL users reported:

• Arm only – 30 comments (34.1%)
• Thigh only – 27 comments (30.7%)
• Both arm and thigh – 29 comments (33.0%)

It’s almost a perfect three-way split!

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Where to Apply HRT Gel in Practical Terms

According to the official instructions, HRT gel can be applied to the upper outer arms or the mid-inner thighs. It’s important that the area is clean, dry, and free of any cuts or irritation.

In reality, the best place for you may depend on how many pumps you use each day. If you’re on 4 pumps, using both your arms and thighs may make the most sense to avoid skin saturation and improve absorption.

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to:

• Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your gel
• Speak to your GP or a menopause specialist

What If HRT Gel Isn’t Working for You?

If you’re not noticing a difference after a month or two, here are a few tips:

• Try switching application areas – some people absorb better from thighs than arms, or vice versa
• Consider dividing the dose between multiple areas
• Chat to your healthcare provider about trying a different types of HRT (e.g. patches or spray)

I personally switched to the Lenzetto spray, and that’s been working well for me lately. But everyone’s body is different, what works for one person may not work for another.

I did a similar real users report survey the benefits of testosterone HRT for women – which you can read here!

If you have questions or want to chat more about where to apply HRT gel, my inbox is always open.
Follow us over on TikTok @itsourremedy to join the conversation, we’re building a warm, honest community of women supporting each other through menopause and beyond.

If you want to chat more you can email me [email protected]