Confused with Oestrogel and Ovestin

[Inspirationpending]

Already on evorel sequi with good results
Spoke to gp this week regarding some intermittent vulva itching
She advised topical cream to be used a couple of times a week as needed

Picked up prescription and it’s oestrogel, I queried this as had read up on Ovestin
Dr says ‘yes I prescribed Ovestin but oestrogel can be used’

I’m so confused, I thought Ovestin can be applied directly to the vulva but oestrogel is on arms or thigh? Is this going to do the same thing? Can I even use it alongside the sequi?

Not clear when I’ve googled

My understanding is ovestin and vagifem are vaginal oestrogens that don’t get absorbed into your system while oestrogel or divigel are the transdermal ones that do get absorbed systemically and thus are a component of HRT.

Fairly sure your GP has prescribed the wrong thing there, if it’s actually oestrogel then that’s for application to the skin (not vulva) and shouldn’t be used alongside a patch without additional endometrial protection. I’d expect a prescription for Oestradiol 0.1% cream, of which Ovestin is one, to be applied to the vulva.

I agree, your GP (or possibly the pharmacy who dispensed the prescription) has made an error. Oestrogel should not be applied to the vagina. Stand your ground and show them the patient leaflet, it says in there where to apply and not to apply to breasts or vagina. They need to issue another prescription for ovestin or orthogynest

I would query with the pharmacy that dispensed the prescription what the GP had actually put on there. They aren’t interchangeable - which is what it sounds like your GP is implying?! If GP has issued oestrogel I’d be asking for a new script for ovestin/estradiol cream

Thankyou everyone
I really thought I was misunderstanding
I feel like I have to triple check everything as thanks to mumsnet I know seemingly more than the GP

Will report back once spoken to pharmacy.
Plus the waste of £9.35

OMG There is a huge national shortage of gel so how annoying she prescribed that!

It's frankly unbeleivable that trained professionals do not know the difference between Oestegen gel and topical vaginal estrogen.

It's cropped up on this forum may times and is a disgrace to be honest.

I hope you will correct your GP (and suggest they go on an HRT training course!)

JinglingHellsBells I read about the shortage earlier so I will be making sure pharmacy takes it back.

I’m really disheartened, GP is understanding but clearly knows very little

Thank god for the advice on here

Hi can I just jump in and ask can you use both patches and Ovestin as I’ve asked for it due to same issues as OP and GP says I can’t have it due to already being on hrt patches. I thought you could use both?

ThelmaDinkley That’s my understanding too and GP seemed to agree with this but obv not with oestrogel!

@ThelmaDinkley I have both patches and Ovestin cream for the same reason, so not sure why your GP says you can’t. I was on the patches for about 6 months before I asked for the cream as well though.

@ThelmaDinkley

Hi can I just jump in and ask can you use both patches and Ovestin as I’ve asked for it due to same issues as OP and GP says I can’t have it due to already being on hrt patches. I thought you could use both?

Yes you can, If you’re in the U.K. GPs should go by the NICE Menopause Guidelines www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations . I’ll attach a screenshot of the relevant bit and also to the easy HRT prescribing guide.

Thank you so much everyone. I thought you could but was vehemently told I couldn’t as I “would be on too much oestrogen”! I will now go forewarned and forearmed. Thank you!

@ThelmaDinkley

Thank you so much everyone. I thought you could but was vehemently told I couldn’t as I “would be on too much oestrogen”! I will now go forewarned and forearmed. Thank you!

What I find so shocking is that these medical 'professionals' are so ignorant on all of this and women's lives are suffering. If this was law, or accountancy, and they were making such errors, what would happen then? It seems GPs get away time after time with mistakes and they carry on.

The point is, it's not difficult! I've educated myself on all of this over 15 years (that's how long I've used Ovestin!) because I've a brilliant gynaecologist who knows about menopause. But when you start reading online, all the info is there. GPs just need to get trained.

@ThelmaDinkley Using Ovestin every week as directed over a year, amounts to 1mg of estrogen. That is a one 1mg tablet of estrogen, or just over 1 pump of gel!

Your GP ought to know this. They are paid a huge salary and this is basic stuff.

Sorry for the rant, but it's just terrible they are so ignorant of the basics on women's health.

Thanks Jingling. I know it’s shocking how little is known. Thanks for advice. I’m going to demand some Ovestin.

Update. Thanks to the sound advice on here, the pharmacist who works at the practice checked the prescription and I’ve now been prescribed Ovestin

Can’t get a refund on the Oestrogel and they said it’ll just get binned if I give it back, so if anyone would like it please pm me and I’ll pop it in post.
Paying it forward for all the great advice on the menopause board x