AIBU to wish I had known sooner about vaginal oestrogen cream?

Could you try Intrarosa? It's DHEA in coconut oil and converts more readily to androgens (ie testosterone) than oestrogen?

It really is life altering. Well for me it has been anyway.

I use the pessary, were you using it at night?

I had the cream, but I found the pessary just a lot easier, so it is good that there are different options as not everyone gets on with all things the same.

I am not in the UK, and this is the first that I read that it is not available OTC. I am quite surprised about this, as it just makes it so much more limiting. And the dose is so tiny.

I haven't had one UTI since starting.
I don't get up in the night for a wee anymore
I don't almost not make it to the loo in the day, so can hold it easier
Just more comfortable, I am single so I can't comment on the sex part but I am sure it would make a difference
And..... the inner lips that disappeared suddenly and shockingly.... are now back.

Twice a week (after the loading dose, which is daily for a fortnight) is the standard, but you CAN use it more often than that if needed/with your GP’s oversight.

Twice a week was fine at the outset, but over time I’ve had to increase it to every day to keep my bladder symptoms at bay (never had any obvious vaginal issues, but it’s all in the same zone!)

It’s safe to do so because it’s such a tiny tiny dose.

yes and no. It’s simply a cream for the vulval and vaginal area with a tiny amount of oestrogen in to help with dryness and discomfort.

I can’t have hrt but can have that

I have also experienced this with Estriol. Not always, but sometimes it comes out the next day in a blob. Also wondering if I am using it wrongly. I use the applicator and insert an amount smaller than a pea but it still comes out sometimes. I usually apply at night as well.

it really is shocking - those of us who’ve had oestrogen sensitive cancer can use it.

Apparently a years worth of application is equivalent to one hrt patch or something. It’s so minuscule and yet works so well as there are more oestrogen receptors around that area.

I think all the oestrogen creams have the same dose and as I understand it, its the active ingredient of oestrogen that is absorbed rather than all the actual cream.
Did you use it everyday for 3 weeks as a loading dose first (inside and out).?

I use the oestriol and find it fine

And another question here! Is it a form of HRT? Like the gel people rub into legs/arms etc? I can't take HRT so interested to know if this could be okay instead.

Oh permanent, I feel awful that you felt you had to go private!

I think this thread shows what a terrible state of affairs healthcare is for women

I think all postmenopausal women not on oral HRT should be on vaginal HRT. Rub some on your vulva as well

I have estradiol pessaries. I pop one in on a Tuesday and Saturday night( can't use more than 2x per week and need a space between). Was told to do it at bedtime so it stays up there and is more effective

Is it an external cream??

I'm 60, been on HRT for 10 years. I also have lichen sclerosis so my skin on my vulva and inside my vagina tears and bleeds very easily . It's like razor cuts down there and excruciating to pee/ have sex. I went to see our newly appointed menopause specialist at my surgery because the LS was so bad I couldn't cope anymore. She gave me estrogen pessaries with progesterone tablets to take at night ( I still have a womb). The tearing has gone. The pain has gone. Sex is possible. The progesterone makes me sleep. I sleep for 7 / 8 hours a night. I have no idea why all the doctors I have seen over the last 10 years didn't prescribe it.

Vagifem is £40 online for 24 tabs

What brands are people having success with? I was prescribed Estriol about a month ago and I haven't seen an improvement yet. The cream itself is thick and white (used with an applicator) and it doesn't seem to absorb very well at all. When used before bedtime, it comes down in thick white clumps the next day. (Sorry, tmi!) I'm pretty disappointed to be honest as I'd read it was a game changer and this hasn't been my experience so far. I'd be interested to know if there are other brands so I can request a different one from my GP.

My issue is persistent UTI’s ( did have a period of persistent thrush ) and I’ve been given Vagifem pessary which I prefer over Intrarosa which I found slimy. I have got a prescription for an Estradiol “ vaginal delivery system” which I will wear for 3 months. I think it’s helped with the frequent night wakings to pee too

Just to add my thoughts about Private / NHS. My own female GP was very disinclined to prescribe HRT to me even at 48 and I ended up going private for my initial consultation and prescription. My GP did take on the repeat prescription for everything but the testosterone. To get that I had to be referred to a specialist menopause GP who runs a clinic in our region. I had a wait to see her ( about 6 months I think ) but she’s been fabulous and has updated all my prescription. ( she’s prescribed the Estradiol ). She told me that in Surrey my GP could have prescribed the testosterone but has essentially backed out of doing it. So the whole point of this comment is for other women who are running up against a brick wall with their own GPs to start getting curious about other services and push to be referred elsewhere but ask for what you want.

Works wonders. I’d hate to be without it. I also use it on my face.

You’d need to ask a Dr but it was explained to me that it’s a minuscule amount which is why you can put it directly in that area.

Yes I also found out about this by accident really. Urgency and not being able to hold on were becoming a problem as was increasing discomfort/dryness. Filled in GP request form, suggesting oestrogen cream might help and prescription given. Does definitely work. Wish I’d known sooner. I’m 73

It’s available otc from boots so you may find drs won’t prescribe due to local restrictions

Those who’s GPs are not letting you have it need to get a second opinion. It’s absolutely negligent for them not to give it to you if you’re suffering from UTIs, constantly rushing to the loo or dryness.
I had issues getting it 5 years ago from a youngish male GP, he thought I needed an examination and tests to see what was wrong 😡
I decided to go and see an older woman GP, told her about the previous appointment, she rolled her eyes and wrote a prescription for vaginal cream. It’s been like a miracle for me.

In my 60s, GP prescribed Vagifem pessaries but they are awkward to insert and often don't stay in place (despite GP saying they don't fall out/must be doing it incorrectly etc).
Went to see the NHS specialist at the hospital gynae clinic, she was immediately understanding, said "Oh, you need the cream", got it as soon as she wrote to the GP. Fabulous, so easy to use, good results, such a relief!

Started it two weeks ago in the hope that it might improve my incontinence symptoms. Felt so guilty about asking that I went private (not online) which is a bit daft really. Tbh incontinence does have a lot of different causes but I’m hoping this will help at least one of them.

How strong is it? I have fibroids that are very oestrogen sensitive so can’t take HRT as makes them worse (& they are awful) but I think I could do with some of this. Does anyone know?