Ovestin success

[Tidsleytiddy]

I posted recently that my GP had prescribed me Ovestin cream for vaginal atrophy and it’s debilitating symptoms. I was nervous to use it and asked on MN for advice.
I took the plunge and am now into week 4 of nightly use and it’s completely changed my life. No stinging, no burning and no constant urge to wee. Truly, it’s a miracle after 5 years of suffering that affected my day to day activities ie leaving the house.
Because it’s worked so well for me I’m wondering if I should just continue or drop down to alternate nights? I simply can’t go back to how things were. Thanks in advance and hoping other women can find the relief with Ovestin that I have x

The instructions are nightly for 2 weeks then twice a week.

However many women need more than twice a week. My specialist effectively told me to figure it out myself and I've ended up with about 3-4 times a week.

Yes, it’s very individual as we are all different and respond to treatment in different ways

Follow the instructions dont deviate from them. As lady said above. My mum did similar and cut it down and it came back worse so then she followed instructions and is fine again.

I too have been prescribed Ovestin and started it about a week ago. So far so good. My period is due in a few days time and I don't know if I should continue with it or not (even how the logistics of it would work??). I have also changed my contraception to a POP as apparently the Ovestin can weaken condoms/diaphragms and cause them to split. If anyone can shed any light on something else I read about whether the oestrogen can be absorbed by the man which is something I'm sure my husband wouldn't be too happy about? Not sure if it's accurate as I was on Dr Google. Although I'm 50 and it's unlikely that I would conceive, it's also not unheard of. Any info much appreciated. 😬

@marywana It won't be absorbed by your H.

I asked my consultant this 16 years ago. He's a fertility specialist as well as menopause specialist. So I think he's probably right.

You might be confusing it with women using HRT Oestrogel, where transfer can happen if in close contact with someone within an hour of applying it to arms or legs.

Thanks @JinglingSpringbells I read it on Mayo clinic:

• Avoid exposing your male sexual partner to your vaginal estrogen cream or suppository by not having sexual intercourse right after using these medicines. Your male partner might absorb the medicine through his penis if it comes in contact with the medicine.

This was from Estrogen Cream - Mayo Clinic

My GP did not highlight this but I will avoid activity around administration. I'm still trying to work out how the cream will be effective during my period and whether I should try to administer it then?

Well, it's your choice who to believe. I'm inclined to believe my consultant who I spoke to face to face on this (he's one of the best in the UK and trains other drs and speaks at the annual British Menopause Conference.)

The dose in minute in Ovestin. In women it's not absorbed systemically anyway - only where it is put. So highly unlikely a man would get any amount that he could absorb. You can get round it by using it after sex rather than before.

You can't use it when you have a period as it will just flow out.

There is a lot in that link which is now out of date or certainly never accepted in the UK. eg this

Talk to your doctor if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol (fats in the blood), or diabetes, use tobacco, or are overweight. You may have a higher risk for getting heart disease.
Although the chance is low, use of estrogen may increase your chance of getting cancer of the ovary or uterus (womb). Regular visits to your health professional can help identify these serious side effects early.

Ok, thanks @JinglingSpringbells for settling my mind on that. I was just questioning it as I have no experience with it and try to be as informed as possible before taking risks. Much appreciated.