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

[Seriestwo]

I am nearer 60 than 50 and have had lots of UTIs and vaginal dryness for ages. Peeing stinged, wiping was sometimes painful. I have been on HRT for about 10 years. Mentioned it in passing to GP who gave me cream in an applicator and you must know about it! Within 2 weeks I was so much better and comfortable. I hadn’t realised how uncomfortable it was.

Those GPs refusing to prescribe this are borderline negligent imo. It’s a total no brainer. I’ve just started on pressaries in the hope it controls urinary symptoms. I’m 48 and in peri. Have some gp friends who say it’s the best thing! Don’t take no for an answer!

Within a week of HRT my ‘leakiness’ was gone. Vaginal oestrogen is the difference between being able to hold it in and full incontinence by the age of 75.

ps. You can take it indefinitely

Boots sell an OTC version called Ovesse - only been using it a fortnight, and it's like night and day!

I had some prescribed, but it gave me thrush. Might try a different one if available then.

Whilst I agree the NHS is not at its best in many areas right now, surely the logic here is unsound? It would be in private medicine's interest to keep you on as a patient, and in the NHS's interest to cure you, not the other way around. 🤔The issue with the NHS is more likely that they don't have the resources they need to deal with this type of complaint, which is a tragedy but surely not due to nefarious intent on their part.

I'm in my 70s and have been using it for two years. I've never been on HRT. I'd hardly ever had a UTI then had two nasty ones in quick succession. GP suggested I try Ovestin and I've never had a UTI since. I get it on repeat prescription now. Only slight negative is the applicator isn't easy to clean.

Every gp and nurse I’ve seen about menopause has checked I’m on it….i use the pessaries, some cream on the outside and moisturiser. In my latte 50s. Maybe training in the area I’m in is better.

but yes it should be talked about more.

Same but I am late 30s and had problems for years! It is a game changer for me

I’m the same age and had terrible urgency when I needed to go and it has made the world of difference. My GP readily suggested it and prescribed. The first few times I used it was quite painful and stingy but apparently that proves that it’s working and I needed it in the first place. But persevere it’s so worth it!

Do you have a mirena coil? I had recurrent thrush and similar symptoms as you but haven't had any since getting it removed and replaced with copper. I had the same problem when I was on the pill... For 10 years!!! Turns out I just can't handle the synthetic hormones!

My gynaecologist friend says all women should be using it from peri onwards. It’s not just about dryness. Many women don’t suffer from dryness but would still benefit from vaginal oestrogen.

It’s essential to maintain genitourinary health in general.

Yanbu, its amazing stuff and I spread the word about the greatness of vaginal oestrogen whenever I can. Also intrarosa is good too.

I really should be talked about more. I only discovered it by accident after having a hysteroscopy for post menopause bleeding and the gynae told me I had early vaginal atrophy and to ask the gp for a prescription.

It's shocking local hrt isn't talked about as much as systemic hrt !!!

If it gives you thrush its most likely because the ph of your vagina isn't acid enough. I had this.
I took a thrush tablet and started taking probiotics first women by Optibac and that sorted if out.
Apparently post meno (and earlier) a lack of oestrogen changes the ph of the vagina and makes if more prone to thrush.

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?

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Vagifem is £40 online for 24 tabs

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.