Not to give my 6 year old HRT (estrogen)?

[DarlingDuck]

DD has been diagnosed with recurrent bacterial vaginosis. The hospital gynaecologist has said it's due to low estrogen levels and has prrscribed her HRT tablets. I'm concerned as I know they come with risks

Thinking about it dn could have been prescibed the estrogen cream (In my defence she does live 12 hours away).

Personally I would rather trial the local creams first to see if they were effective enough...

I know a couple of people who have the probiotics to control it. They say it works - who knows.

Do you mean eating pro biotic yoghurt or 'applying' it?!

The drinks.
Might be worth looking into.

I think I would try safe alternatives before oestrogen tablets.

Probiotics yes you swallow them usually in a capsule, make sure you get a good brand as cheaper stuff is probably rubbish (eg Biocare is very good).

Have you tried "Bio-Fem" - a super duper inert gel that is totally harmless - is is really good and I think is based on an old fashioned remedy of increasing vaginal pH (they used to use vinegar wash). You insert the stuff two or 3 times a day for a good few weeks. Stings a little first time you use it (which proves that you needed it) and stinging gradually reduces over each time - I think a "normal" person would not experience any stinging

Oh and sorry to OP and everyone I must have come across as being so rude initially with my truncated post madness.

OP you aren't being at all unreasonable wondering what the F?? Like MmeLindor suggests, talk to someone about why the medication leaflet has shocked you. Explain you need reassurance because the hospital consultant appeared so very rushed. For this you might want to insist that the hospital clinic arranges for a doctor to phone you; or go back to your GP.

Personally I think that lots of hormone medications have leaflets that frighten the F out of people, and also that they have multiple uses and only highlight the main ones up-front.

Hope you are ok.

These are chewable

One with a meal. It's really worth a try before going to such extreme measures. HTH

Also I used to suffer terrible irritation in my vulva and vagina as a young child (even now) It turned out I needed some potassium citrate.

Maybe make a new appointment with someone else and ask for other options. Do ask about the potassium citrate because when I was prescribed the medication (a horrible tasting drink) it really helped.

I trained in medical microbiology. Children under 10 are not diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis. It is a condition of women aged between puberty and menopause.

Is your DD is over 10 years old and has she had swabs taken to confirm the condition?

I had to use oestrogen creme as a child for this problem, my Dad supplied it as he was a dermatologist. I didn't sprout boobs overnight or anything! this was 35 years ago, so not a new faddy treatment!

No offence, but I really don't think you should decide whether or not to disregard a consultant's advice on the basis of what unqualified people on the internet tell you; not when you are dealing with a child's health. If you're not satisfied with what the consultant said (and I can totally understand why you're not), then I'd advise you to get a second opinion, and to discuss this with your GP too.