Gina or Ovestin?

[Bookist]

I've just seen that women can now buy Gina over the counter without a prescription which is a hugely positive step forward in allowing women to more easily access HRT. But I don't understand why Gina is available OTC but Ovestin isn't, when Ovestin is the weaker topical cream? Also, why do you have to be over 50 and 12 months with no period, to buy Gina, when vaginal atrophy can start years earlier during the peri menopause.

I don't know. I think in time it will perhaps change as licensing rules are relaxed.

It seems a bit of a nonsense that women have to be over 50 and post menopause.

The product Gina is only available over the counter, not on prescription so it's been produced for that only.

Clearly, some women are post menopause long before 50, or need vaginal estrogen before 50.

You could try contacting the Medicines Licensing dept who authorised this and ask them.https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/medicines-and-healthcare-products-regulatory-agency

OR a friendly pharmacist might know if you ask. They know how products arrive on the market and why there are restrictions.