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| Medication Name | Sandrena Gel Sachets |
| Medication Form | Transdermal gel (sachet) |
| Used for | Relief of menopausal symptoms; prevention of osteoporosis after menopause |
| Who can use | Postmenopausal women |
| Active Ingredient(s) | Estradiol 0.5mg or 1mg per sachet |
| Usual Dose | 0.5mg to 1.5mg estradiol once daily, as prescribed |
| Common Side Effects | Skin irritation, breast tenderness, headache, nausea and breakthrough bleeding |
| Prescription Required | Yes |
| Patient Information Leaflet | Sandrena Gel Patient Information Leaflet |
Sandrena gel is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to relieve menopause symptoms. During the menopause, oestrogen levels in the body fall, which can trigger a range of symptoms that affect daily life.
Sandrena is prescribed to treat:
Sandrena can also be prescribed to help prevent osteoporosis (fragile bones) after the menopause, particularly in women who are at an increased risk of fractures and where other treatments aren’t suitable.
Sandrena is a transdermal oestrogen gel containing estradiol, a form of oestrogen identical to that naturally produced by the body. When applied to the skin, estradiol is absorbed into the bloodstream, helping restore oestrogen levels.
By topping up falling oestrogen levels, Sandrena helps to reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats, and mood changes. Because the gel is applied directly to the skin rather than swallowed, it bypasses the digestive system and goes straight into the bloodstream.
Sandrena gel is suitable for postmenopausal women experiencing symptoms caused by falling oestrogen levels. It is a prescription-only medicine, and your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks with you before you take HRT to ensure it is the right option for you.
Do not use Sandrena if you:
Women with a history of any of the following conditions should speak to their doctor before using Sandrena, as these may return or worsen during treatment:
Sandrena gel is applied once a day to the skin on your lower body or thighs. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not wash the application area for at least one hour after use.
Do not apply the gel to your breasts, face, or any irritated skin.
Do not allow others to touch the application area until the gel has fully dried.
Sandrena is available in 0.5mg and 1mg sachets. The recommended dose is 0.5-1.5mg of estradiol per day, with 1.5mg as the maximum. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose needed to manage your symptoms.
Sandrena is an oestrogen-only HRT. If you still have your womb, your doctor will usually also prescribe a progestagen tablet to take for 12 to 14 days of each monthly cycle. This protects the lining of the womb. After each course of progestagen, you will normally have a withdrawal bleed.
Like all medicines, Sandrena gel can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Some side effects, such as breakthrough bleeding and breast tenderness, are more common during the first few months of treatment and often settle with continued use.
These may affect up to 1 in 10 people:
These may affect up to 1 in 100 people:
These may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people:
For a full list of side effects, read the Sandrena gel patient information leaflet.
Stop using Sandrena and seek medical attention straight away if you notice a sudden rise in blood pressure, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, sudden migraine-type headaches, or any signs of a blood clot such as painful swelling of the legs, sudden chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
If you notice any side effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist even if they are not listed here. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme.
Active ingredient: Estradiol 0.5mg or 1mg per sachet
Other ingredients: Carbopol 974P, trolamine, propylene glycol, alcohol, purified water
Sandrena and Oestrogel both contain the same active ingredient, estradiol, but they are dosed differently. Oestrogel delivers 0.75mg of estradiol per pump, while Sandrena comes in sachets of 0.5mg or 1mg. Neither is inherently stronger than the other – the right dose depends on your symptoms and what your doctor prescribes. If you have concerns about your dose, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Sandrena gel should be applied to the skin on your lower body or thighs. Avoid applying it to your breasts, face, or any area of irritated skin. Alternate the side you apply to each day – for example, the left side one day and the right side the next.
You can apply it at any time of day. What matters most is applying it at the same time each day to keep your hormone levels consistent. Choose a time that fits your routine and stick to it.
The gel dries within a few minutes of application. However, you should avoid washing the application area for at least one hour to allow the estradiol to absorb fully through the skin. Avoid letting others touch the area until it has completely dried.
Weight changes are listed as a common side effect of Sandrena gel, affecting up to 1 in 10 people. Some women may gain weight, while others may lose weight. If you notice significant changes to your weight during treatment, speak to your GP.
Sandrena is prescribed to relieve menopausal symptoms, which can include mood changes and irritability caused by falling oestrogen levels. While some women find that HRT improves their mood, anxiety is also listed as an uncommon side effect of Sandrena gel. If you are experiencing anxiety, speak to your doctor to discuss whether Sandrena is the right treatment for you.
Estradiol is the active ingredient in Sandrena gel. Sandrena is simply the brand name for a transdermal estradiol gel that is absorbed through the skin to help restore oestrogen levels after the menopause.
Lethargy is listed as a common side effect of Sandrena gel, affecting up to 1 in 10 people. If you find that tiredness is affecting your daily life during treatment, mention it to your doctor, as your dose may need to be reviewed.
Hair loss (alopecia) is listed as an uncommon side effect of Sandrena gel, meaning it may affect up to 1 in 100 people. If you notice unusual hair loss during treatment, speak to your doctor.
Sandrena gel should only be applied to the skin on your lower body or thighs. Do not apply it to your breasts, face, or any irritated skin. Applying it to other areas is not recommended and may affect how the gel is absorbed.
If you forget to apply Sandrena gel, apply it as soon as you remember – unless you are more than 12 hours late. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and continue as normal the following day. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. Missing doses may cause some breakthrough bleeding.
Page content authored by Amjad Khan, last reviewed by Mr Muhammad on 13th April 2026.
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