Is there an alternative to Ovestin?

[MrsPelligrinoPetrichor]

I can't seem to use this despite all the rave reviews, I've tried the full dose and I get a bad headache, nausea and the worst tender boobs ever,just like when you're early pregnant.

I've tried a lower dose and if I use a quarter dose of the cream I don't get nausea or a head ache but still incredibly painful boobs, so much so it hurts to wear a bra or turn over in bed.

Also there's a burning sensation after application.

Does anyone know if Vagifem is the same or worth trying?

I've ordered some Yes moisturiser and cranberry supplement. Dryness isn't a huge issue but irritable bladder is.

Any other suggestions?

I was lucky. Ovestin has worked for me. It’s estriol. I couldn’t use Vagifem as that’s estradiol and it gave me period-like cramps. I’m not sure Ovestin would give you the symptoms you describe but I’m sure others who are more knowledgeable will be along soon to advise x

I've tried it a number of times it's definitely linked to the use of the Ovestin. I must be really sensitive to it or something.

I hate to say it but it's actually impossible for your symptoms to be linked to Ovestin. It's only absorbed by the vagina.

The dose is 0.1% estrogen. You would need to use one application 100 times to get the amount of estrogen in a daily dose of HRT.

If you'd like me to, I can post a blog post from a very good gynaecologist who discusses this and says the same thing. She actually says if a tiny mouse swam in a vat of Ovestin it might just absorb enough to have a systemic effect.

Your symptoms sound more like your own hormonal fluctuations if you are in peri.

If you have tried less than one full application, it is most definitely not Ovestin that is causing your symptoms.

I was expecting that response but it's definitely linked, I have tried full doses and lower does. I don't have breast pain any other time. Same side effects every time I use it which wear off over 24/36 hours.

Tidsleytiddy had cramps with Vagifem, is that impossible too?

My gynecologist said it was a side effect. I will discuss it again but won't be seeing her for a while to discuss an alternative.

If you have tried less than one full application, it is most definitely not Ovestin that is causing your symptoms

I have tried it a number of times as I said in my OP.

I use Ovestin fine. I did use a pessary before (much higher dose of oestrogen) and I felt like I had flu. I had a temperature, aches, nausea and dizziness. Weird.

Was that Vagifem, do you remember ?

Rings a bell.

Vagifem is a different sort of estrogen as @Tidsleytiddy mentioned up thread. It isn't a higher dose but it is different.

I think there are some other options like Blissel gel which is slightly weaker but you aren't going to get anything weaker and there comes a point where it just won't do what it's supposed to. If you have tried a 1/4 of one application of Ovestin you are almost putting nothing in there at all to have an effect.

The leaflet that comes with all vaginal treatment is the same one that's in full HRT. It really isn't applicable to vaginal treatments and consultants have been trying for some time to get the makers to change the leaflet. It can worry women when they read all the possible side effects which don't apply.

It is just possible that some women find there is a very slight reaction with their wombs as the cream/pessary is placed right up there and it can ever-so-slightly stimulate the womb. But it's not that likely. That's why it's ok to use these products long term and not need to use a progestogen to stop the womb lining thickening- because it doesn't.

The leaflet that comes with all vaginal treatment is the same one that's in full HRT. It really isn't applicable to vaginal treatments and consultants have been trying for some time to get the makers to change the leaflet. It can worry women when they read all the possible side effects which don't apply

I am aware of that, I'm not worried about it but the side effects make it too uncomfortable to use so I'm looking for a possible alternative.

How long (days) have you tried Ovestin for?

If you are absorbing it systemically, and having the same side effects as women on full HRT, then the advice is to keep going as the side effects do settle down. Any breast stimulation is likely to be short term.

I can't get past 4 /5 days without having to stop as it's agony. Tried a number of times as I said.