Estriol 0.01% cream

[Bluesheep8]

Hi everyone. Just a quick question...I've been prescribed this and I'm certain the GP said that it can be applied externally but it has an applicator and the instructions say internally. I'm not comfortable doing that at the moment so does anyone know if I can apply externally? Tia

Depends what you want it to do. If you're treating vaginal atrophy it will work best internally but can also apply to the vulva area as that will still have some effect.

Thank you for replying, I will apply externally to start with as I'm more comfortable with that. I thought I must have remembered what I thought the GP said incorrectly when it came with applicator and instructions for internal application

What @RagzRebooted said. I don't really use the applicators very often. The cream basically goes in and around.

Your replies have helped so much, thanks again

Good luck

I'm usually given a brand called Ovestin by the pharmacist and it's very helpful.

You can do whatever you want but don't at it

It's for inside and outside. used it for years and years. If you use it internally, it finds its way out and treats the outside too.

Just another quick question, if applying topically ie externally and just inside, does it still have to be only applied at night?

My ovestin goes in in the morning, i don’t remember being given any instructions about using it at night. But I do use the applicator and it goes right in.

IIRC I was given estriol once and there is much more cream than ovestin - I much prefer ovestin for that.

Brilliant, thank you. I'm applying in the morning as that suits me better

If you are using it externally, you can apply it anytime and as often as you needed. Just a pea-sized blob.

If you insert it with the applicator, it's best (IME) to do it at night because otherwise it can just slip out before it's been absorbed.

You can start off with a tiny amount too, and build up gradually each day. It minimises systemic side effects. I used to place applicator against some lined paper and fill it up to a higher line each day. Even tiny doses can do the trick.

I use it 3 times a week, I do it in the morning as I find that suits me better and I use the applicator and then put some round externally as well. It’s really helped with my sjorgens syndrome issues (an autoimmune condition which causes vaginal, mouth and eye dryness).

Thank you so much for all the helpful replies and experiences. The lined paper suggestion is brilliant. Have to admit, I didn't even think to use the applicator when squeezing it out as I was applying externally but I will use it to measure smaller doses and build up.

@Willdoitlater

You can start off with a tiny amount too, and build up gradually each day. It minimises systemic side effects. I used to place applicator against some lined paper and fill it up to a higher line each day. Even tiny doses can do the trick.

@Willdoitlater Bit puzzled by your post as it's not absorbed systemically. It stays where it's put :)

Using it 2 x a week for a year equals a 1mgs dose One day's worth) of systemic estrogen- it's that weak.

@Bluesheep8 You really don't need to do that- there is a lot of over thinking going on :) It is SO weak that unless you use a reasonable amount you won't see the difference.

The applicator is for internal use.

Externally, use what you want. For most women that will be a pea-sized amount and you can do this 2 or even 3 times a day if you are sore.

I've used it for 15 years. I was also told by my consultant that it can help to use it AFTER sex as well (if that's applicable) as it can help heal any trauma/slight tears.

Hope it helps you.

@JinglingHellsBells

Yes that helps massively, thankyou. I am definitely way over thinking it!

:)

Is Estriol weaker than Ovestin? Can Ovestin be used in the same way or do you have to stick to the amount in the applicator?

@Plantatree

Is Estriol weaker than Ovestin? Can Ovestin be used in the same way or do you have to stick to the amount in the applicator?

Not sure what you mean? Estriol is a generic name for a type of weak estrogen

It depends on the percentage in the product.

Best to use the amount it says on the instruction leaflet.

Thanks JinglingHellsBells, have just realised Ovestin is more concentrated than the 0.01 % estriol. Have just been prescribed and am hoping it won't irritate.

Hoping to resurrect this thread with a daft question.
I've started using Estriol cream (eventually prescribed by a menopausal female GP after months of being fobbed off by a MAN 👿) and it’s an 80g tube.
How many full applicators will I get from that?

No idea! It ought to tell you on the leaflet but if not, it will tell you how much 1 application is (in mgs) so you can work it out from that. It's clearly not Ovestin which is a 15gm tube. That would last for 7- 8 weeks-ish on the basis of 1 gm x 2 a week ( 2gms a week.)

Just seen your thread …. My daughter whose 24 has been prescribed this cream by gynaecologist for vaginal dryness and soreness suffering from issues caused by antibiotics for a chest infection December 2022 and resulted in a huge imbalance in the flora and micro biomes down below . Her treatment is 6 weeks twice a day so far 1 week in a one tube used so on her dosage it’s a tube a week .

@Lisa0539 The thing posters are talking about is Ovestin which is not a gel- it's a cream.

The link- not sure why you've posted it as it costs £49.99 when it's the cost of a prescription for women (or free if over 60.)

No on needs to buy it- it's available from a GP.