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Menopause

Vagifem - anyone used? Any side effects?

164 replies

Oldisthenewblack · 10/06/2016 16:19

I've just been prescribed Vagifem tablets. I asked my GP for something to help with what felt like dryness 'inside' - difficult to describe but something that I never used to feel. Having just read the enclosed leaflet, it sounds like HRT! I didn't realise. I thought it would be just some kind of fancy lube Confused I'm now a bit concerned as this sounds like serious stuff, and I'm not sure about putting it in my body. I'm not menopausal yet (as far as I know) though I do hav a whole host of symptoms, but that's more to do with other issues sigh Has anyone used Vagifem and did it have any negative side effects?

Thanks in advance Smile

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Elizabethreallyismissing · 10/06/2016 16:41

I've been using it for several years with no adverse effects!
It's been life changing for me, was feeling very uncomfortable and suffering very frequent urine infections. I haven't had one since I started the vagifem so I'd recommend giving it a go!

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Oldisthenewblack · 10/06/2016 19:21

Thanks, Elizabeth - I will probably try it. I was just a bit taken aback with all the hormone stuff! So, you haven't had any weight gain or anything? That was one of my main concerns, actually. God knows I don't want to put any more on Hmm

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Footle · 10/06/2016 19:30

It is HRT, but topical rather than systemic. I've never used any other form of HRT, but this has been life-changing in a good way. I started using it after prolapse surgery several years ago ( I'm a long way past menopause ) and have Vagifem and another V to thank for our continuing lovely sex life. It hasn't made me put on weight. I was concerned a couple of years ago about a slight period pain feeling, but blood tests and a scan showed nothing, and I don't have that feeling any more.
Hope this helps.

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PollyPerky · 10/06/2016 20:13

As others have said, it's topical oestrogen. Women can use it from 40+ -90+!
Old ladies use it too for the same reasons.
Hardly any of the hormone is absorbed, you won't gain weight ( HRT doesn't cause weight gain anyway- that's down to middle age spread happening at the same time if you don't cut back on calories) I've used HRT and the equivalent of Vagifem for 8 years.

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NK346f2849X127d8bca260 · 11/06/2016 10:22

I have been using topical HRT including Vagifem for the last four years,no side effects only the benefits of it.
My meno specialist is happy for me to use it every day, she said the oestrogen is so low that even at that amount it is only equivalent to one oral HRT tablet a year.
Do not ignore your symptoms, it will progress if not treated.
Use one every day for two weeks and then continue with the maintenance dose.

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tribecatransplant · 11/06/2016 22:03

Vagifem is widely used for women who are lactating as well, as they have the same hormonal imbalance that leads to dryness. It is a safe medication and you need to give it about 6 weeks to see if it works for you. That said, I tried it twice for three months each and it made no difference. I am now on Ovestin which is a messy cream but is better. I still haven't found anything that really works for me in this department but don't feel bad about using Vagifem. If it helps you, it is worth it!

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PollyPerky · 12/06/2016 11:32

Just to put the 'other side' of Ovestin tribe, I've used it for around 8 years and find it's fine- not messy at all. The actual amount used is about 1" long ( cream) so if it's used at night then most of it's absorbed the next day and if not, the 'fall out' is minimal.

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Oldisthenewblack · 12/06/2016 15:25

Thanks everyone for your replies. I will probably try it soon. My health is all over the place at the moment so was a bit reluctant to throw anything else into the mix that may have side effects Confused It's good to hear from other women that have used it - reassuring.

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oldfatandtired1 · 12/06/2016 16:42

I was prescribed Vagifem a few months ago - I am in a new relationship post divorce/menopause and everything was a 'bit dry' down below. It's been a godsend! Not only is intercourse more pleasurable but I no longer go to the loo twice a night, which has had the added bonus of sleeping much better. If the relationship doesn't last I have no intentions of stopping Vagifem.

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Oldisthenewblack · 12/06/2016 19:59

Ooh, oldfatandtired1 - it'd be great if it stopped me going to the loo as much in the night! That really annoys me. Wonder how it stops that? Fingers crossed it works that way for me, too!

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oldfatandtired1 · 12/06/2016 20:29

It seems that declining levels of oestrogen affect the bladder hence the need for more frequent loo breaks post menopause. It was a very welcome, unexpected side effect of taking Vagifem. It's so nice to go to bed at 11 and wake at 7 again!

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Footle · 12/06/2016 21:47

If only !

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Oldisthenewblack · 12/06/2016 22:32

I didn't know that! Will be whacking it up there tomorrow Grin

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Ishbel1 · 01/08/2017 09:20

Hi to all users of Vagifem tablets. I have been using these for years with no probs and great results however I noticed recently that the packaging is not what it was in terms of the fact I am struggling to dispense the tablet. I never had this problem before but now I have to depress the plunger so hard and still the tablet refuses to dispense. I took several batches back to pharmacist who contacted the company but they say nothing has changed. The pharmacist says the tablet should dispense easier. Result is stopped using so frequently and symptoms have returned. Anyone else struggle with dispensing recently.

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1966gettingold · 01/08/2017 19:44

Just a different type of local oestrogen.....I use the " estring" which stays in for 90 days high in the vagina and just forget about it , it's the equivalent to almost 5 vagifem a week.

I also use " estriol " local oestrogen on the vestibule/ perinium area ( scar tissue episiotomies) and systemic HRT .....it's about quality of life .

The vaginal / bladder area really needs oestrogen, and it's decline can cause all sorts including bladder issues.

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Viviwarri70 · 16/03/2018 19:49

I have used vagifem and then stopped as I was concerned about the use of hormone therapy but since I have experienced burning and painful sex. I visited the doctor and explained about this and she said not to worry about and that I can start using it again. Great. I am now confused as didn’t ask her if I needed to start again ie one a day for 2 weeks and the twice a week or just carry on with 2 a week as I have used it before.
Anyone had similar experience? I am tempted to start again as the new pack instructions from the prescription states the above. (free for over 60s!) which has confused me.

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Viviwarri70 · 16/03/2018 19:52

That’s interesting, I didn’t know that about the bladder. I get up after 3hours to the loo and then Can’t get back to sleep. This is certainly an encouragement to go back to using vagifem.

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PollyPerky · 16/03/2018 20:25

Vivi if you have had a long gap and are starting again, use it daily for 2 weeks. It's also now only available as 10mcgs not 25mcgs so is weaker. Some women are using it daily. Otherwise, it's twice a week after the 2 weeks.

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Viviwarri70 · 16/03/2018 21:07

Thanks, that makes sense. Fresh start even though doc has only given me 12, that’s what made me think. I will be back for more ( on prescription, advantage of being gereatric!)

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LINDAHOAD · 15/07/2018 19:38

i started on vaifem pessaries 10mcgs and it is early days but i am
experiencing terrible itching all over has anyone else experienced this

  • i do not want to stop it as i have had prolapse surgery - might ask

gp to change medication.
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QueenoftheNights · 15/07/2018 20:55

Itching all over is one sign of peri menopause. Maybe it's nothing to do with Vagifem because only a minute amount is absorbed. How far into menopause or peri are you?

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Warlewshi · 10/09/2018 09:28

I have just started on vagifem due to bladder/urethra problems. My question is does the hormones in it interfere with the menopause process and start periods again. I had my last bleed 8 months ago now and was trying to avoid HRT etc if possible.

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QueenoftheNights · 10/09/2018 10:03

The amount of estrogen in using Vagifem for one year is the same as one oral tablet ( which you''d use daily on HRT). It is not even absorbed beyond the vaginal tissues.

No products can turn back the clock. Menopause is when all your eggs have gone. HRT is to relieve the symptoms, not stop meno happening.

You may want to re-think your ideas around HRT too ''avoiding at all costs'. It#s brilliant stuff and if you are worried about the old research of 20 years back and risks, that's all been disproved.

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SKIMMY91 · 24/09/2018 08:58

Help. I know some people say vagifem does not put on weight. I have been using this for 2mnths now put on 8 lbs and very bloated .

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QueenoftheNights · 24/09/2018 13:07

You cannot gain weight like that from vagifem. It's a minute dose of estrogen- less than 1 pill over a year that you'd take every day with HRT.

If you look bloated see your GP in case it's something serious. But the likelihood is the weight gain is due to midlife and change in metabolism. No one can eat the same amount in midlife that we could in our 20s, 30s and 40s. You might need to reduce your cals intake by as much as 1/3rd or 1/2.

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