I've been using vagifem since earlier this year for mild vaginal dryness/soreness - I wanted to start doing something about it while symptoms were still mild. It's worked well but I am about to run out of tablets. Am I right in thinking that I can (and possibly should?) keep using it indefinitely? As if I stop I risk symptoms returning and getting worse? I really don't want full blown vaginal atrophy. If I can use it indefinitely, what's the best way to go about this? I did an e-consult with my GP practice when I first wanted it and had a phone appointment at which the GP prescribed it. I later realised that I hadn't been prescribed enough to do the whole 3 months of using it twice a week so did another e-consult to ask for more. Do I have to keep doing e-consults whenever I am about to run out? I am only able to do these when the practice is open which isn't massively convenient. Should I ask for a repeat prescription? (sorry if this is a stupid question - this is only the second thing I've been prescribed as an adult and I'm almost 50 so unfamiliar with how prescriptions work).
Also I saw on another thread that vagifem, known as Gina is available over the counter now but only to women aged 50 and over who are post menopausal and haven't had period in for over a year. I am under 50 (but am late 40s) and am almost 2 years since my last period - it's really frustrating that I can't get it OTC. Does anyone think the rules on this might change? Or will I need to keep getting it prescribed until I am 50?