Vagifem - stopping every 3 months?

[RubyTrees]

I’ve just finished the initial 2 week dose of Vagifem. I've had a bit of pale discharge but have noticed an improvement in my VA symptoms.

The nurse at my local surgery called today to see how I was doing and said she'll renew my prescription - just checked online and it states:

Has anyone else been advised to have a 4 week break between treatment? Everything I've read suggests it needs to be taken for the rest of your life...

This is a real old chestnut here and in general sometimes!

That info is OUT OF DATE.

The prescribing regime is you use it as long as needed.

You can see it here- and this is from the guidance also pinned at top of this forum

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations

Point 1.4.9

There is no need to stop. if you stop, symptoms will come back.

Here is another comment (it's in response to a particular sort of very strong estrogen used in the US by the way, which is why some drs are confused, though that's not the case with yours- they're just confused!)

thebms.org.uk/2020/01/confusion-over-vaginal-estrogen/

If you stop for 4 weeks you are likely to go back to square 1.

You need to query this prescribing and if necessary ask them to check with a menopause gynaecologist/ consultant.

Thanks JinglingHellsBells, the NICE guidelines are very clear.

Sorry, should have checked before posting

I got told that too, i promptly saw another GP who had read the current guidelines. If i stopped Vagifem i wouldn't be able to sit, walk or sleep after a week, it is a condition that needs lifelong treatment.

I had previously read about VA but didn’t fully appreciate how badly it can impact quality of life until it started happening to me - hopefully I've nipped it in the bud now.

i wouldn't be able to sit, walk or sleep after a week
That sounds horrible - I wonder how many women suffer needlessly with this.