Ovestin versus Vagifem

[BeeHappee]

Hi All

I'm 57, in Menopause and have a Mirena fitted. My Gyno prescribed Vagifem for VA, and I find it great. Then a woman's GP prescribed Ovestin pressaries, saying it is stronger.

I've been using Ovestin for a couple of weeks now, inserting twice weekly. But I find it stings and seeps out during the night. I read somewhere, that Ovestin can be use once a week for VA.

I'm now thinking of HRT, low dose estrogens patches, as I suffer from hot flashes at night and what to improve my bone density. I'm seeing my own GP soon.

My questions are, can Ovestin be used once a week and is it better than Vagifem? And once on HRT do you stop vaginal estrogens?

Thanks in advance😊

On HRT you might be able to stop vaginal oestrogen or you might not. I could, I don't need it since going on HRT, but it's not the case for every woman. It's one of those things you won't know until you try.

Ovestin and Vagifem are slightly different. Vagifem pessaries work fine if all your symptoms are internal, but if you have external discomfort then Ovestin cream is better. I've not encountered Ovestin pessaries.

DramaAlpaca

I don't have any external soreness just VA so I use the pessaries.

As for HRT, I'm going to give it a try.and speak to my GP.

My Gyno prescribed Vagifem for VA, and I find it great. Then a woman's GP prescribed Ovestin pressaries, saying it is stronger.

Ovestin is a cream not a pessary. Vagifem is the pessary.

Why has another dr prescribed Ovestin when you already use Vagifem? Were you not happy using Vagifem?

To answer your questions, Ovestin is weaker than Vagifem.
Vagifem is estradiol , Ovestin is estriol.

The dose for Ovestin is twice a week, but it's really down to personal choice and symptoms. Some women only need it once a week, others need to increase to 3 or 4 times.

Yes, it will seep out.

Was your Mirena for contraception? At 57 you don't need it anymore. If it's less than 4 years old it can be the progestogen part of HRT.

You might not need vaginal estrogen when on HRT but 1 in 4 women need both.

I’m on HRT and use Vagifem almost every day. My consultant is happy with that as VA is my worst symptom. There’s no way I could manage without it, it’s been life-changing. It’s a very tiny dose so it’s not a challenge to the balance of my other hormones.

Inside ovestin every 3 days, it's the cream with an applicator and find it's fine, no stinging or seeping. Sounds like you probably need to go back to your GP

JinglingSpringbells

The Ovestin I'm using is a pessary, not cream with the applicator. The Mirena is not only for contraception, is to reduce heavy bleeding, which I have. It also protects the cervical lining, if I choose to have HRT.

When I see my own GP, I will discuss my option. She always be very helpful.

The Ovestin I'm using is a pessary, not cream with the applicator

I'm not aware there is such a thing.

I've used Ovestin (cream) for 16 years.

Can you post a pic of the box it comes in? (Are you in the UK?)
I'm curious!

How far into menopause are you? At 57 it's unlikely you still have periods or need the Mirena for contraception.

@BeeHappee To answer my own question (to you!) a quick online search shows Ovestin pessaries as being available in NZ.

I don't think they are available in the UK, but do correct me. They aren't showing as available on any online sites.

The use of the Mirena for HRT is to protect the womb lining, not the cervix.