Vagifem and older women

[Timeforabitofpeace]

My doctor has suggested Vagifem because I’m prone to UTis and don’t want the other alternative, which is regular antibiotics. I said I’d think about it. I’ve read there’s no data in over 65s, and I’m 63 already. Does anyone have any expertise to help me think this through, please?

would this be better?

www.boots.com/phappi-daily-moisterising-and-protective-intimate-microbiome-serum-20ml-10358204

I’m older than you and use oestrogen cream which stopped my UTIs completely.

I'm 67 and used Vagifem for 6 years. It has made a huge difference for me.

I don't have expertise, just personal anecdote. I'm 64 and have been using Vagifem for several years. I started getting UTIs after going through the menopause at 54, and was prescribed Vagifem following 3 UTIs within the space of a few weeks. It's been absolutely brilliant and I haven't had a UTI since.

Vagifem is a tiny tiny tiny dose of HRT which many women in menopause use - me included! There's a far greater understanding now of how much the lack of estrogen thins the vulval and vaginal tissues. This thinning makes it easier for UTI to occur. Taking it helps "plump up" the tissue leading to fewer infections.

there is limited research full stop into all things menopause and what does exist concentrates mostly on systemic HRT which effects your whole body rather than topical like vagifem which stays in the vaginal area. The NICE guidelines https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23 say benefits generally outweigh risks and imo it's definitely better than taking endless antibiotics

what is it that you're concerned about?

Vaginal estrogen for a year is like taking one daily dose of hrt ….read the literature….im 60 now and uti free for 14 months

I know of women in their 80s prescribed it .

It's supposed to be a v safe form of hrt

Thank you all for your comments. @Cat1504Do you have a source I could read that, please? The thing about one day of Vagifem is like a year of HRT?

@TheeyeballsintheskyI had looked at the Nice guidelines but it doesn’t seem to cover over 65s.

Interesting to hear from other women who are taking it after 65. Thank you.

You are going to get more anecdotal replies than evidence because menopause is simple badly researched.

@Timeforabitofpeace hope this article is of use to you https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/knowledge/vaginal-hormones-what-you-need-to-know

I'm 70 this year and have been using a Vagifem type cream for 6 years. My very frequent UTIs have stopped completely

It's a tiny dose. Honestly it's a game changer. Loads of over 65s use it, they just st haven't studied the data. Even people with breast cancer can use it.

Thank you everyone.

63 and after years of misdiagnosis and misery estriol cream has changed my life.

Estriol cream is the best thing since sliced bread.

No more weeing in the night. No more labial tears and soreness.

I'm a bit younger at 61, but it's brilliant stuff.

I’m 49 and in remission from metastatic uterine cancer. After my total hysterectomy two years ago I immediately entered the menopause. I’ve been taking Vagifem for the past 15 months.

Vagifem is Totally safe OP, a tiny dose of oestrogen but it goes where its supposed to! Great stuff, as is Estriol cream. If you want to read up on these you could check out the Menopause matters site where there's details of all hrt products that are available and safe.