Vaginal oestrogen

[ProseccoOnTap]

I think I am at the point of needing this - what should I ask the GP for?

Or can you buy it OTC?

I'm in Scotland & we don't pay for prescriptions.

I'm prescribed Ovestin, which I find very good.

Specifically 'Ovestin 1mg Vaginal Cream (estriol)'. Each gram of cream contains 1mg of estriol, so it doesn't even get classed as 'HRT' any more.

Best of luck.

You can buy GINA over the counter. This is one version of topical estrogen. It's the same as the prescription type Vagifem. It's a small pessary (tiny.)

If you want to by Gina, they will ask some questions and, TBH, I don't know if it's available in Scotland OTC as you have different rules up there! (It's only been available OTC in England for a few months.)

If you ask for it OTC you have to be 50+ and post menopausal.
This does not apply however to prescriptions for it from your GP.

They can also offer Ovestin (cream) on prescription.

Thanks all for the replies. I might speak to the pharmacist first as it could be a while before I get a GP appt.

I haven't had a period in 2 years so definitely post-menopausal & am up to date with smears etc.

You don't need to see your GP just ring, ask for a phone consult with a Dr or nurse or do an econsult and ask for topical/vaginal oestrogen.

No point paying for it otc if you get free prescriptions tbh.

The first available routine appt of any sort in the GP practice is over a month away - I don't think it warrants an urgent appt.

I'll try & find out if it's available through pharmacy without seeing a GP - there was a minor ailments service in the past & might be something similar.

I'm on Ovestin and it's been life changing for me - stopped itch/soreness and UTIs in their tracks. Does your GP not do an e-consult? I didn't need an exam for mine (the gynae listened to my symptoms and just said "we need to toughen you up down there" and added it to my tweaked HRT prescription).

Phoned pharmacist and they can't initiate the prescription.

Phoned GP practice to ask about appointments but they are so short-staffed they are only taking emergency/urgent calls to reception.

So I'd need to see if I can phone tomorrow or Thursday at 8am to see if I can speak with the on-call Dr, but they just call back at some point during the day (no fixed time)- which doesn't work for me at work.

So frustrating.

They must have nurse practitioners who can issue prescriptions?
It's appalling what a poor service some people have. As an aside tell them to get with the 21st century and use econsults.

Just pay and order online then if you can afford it and book in when the nurse or anyone is ever next available to get it on repeat prescription

@ProseccoOnTap I'm confused :)

You can buy Gina OTC- no prescription needed.

Try Superdrug, Boots etc.

I've just looked and there are LOADS of suppliers incl Boots. It's £29.99 and will tide you over till you can see your GP.

With Superdrug you do an online consult and it says if you order today it will be delivered by Friday. Boots appear to just allow you to order without an online assessment.

Or you can walk into a pharmacy and ask for it.

Ovestin cream has changed my life. Not kidding x

I have vagifem for urge incontinence.

Not sure about it. Used it twice a week for years.

I was prescribed ovestin for incontinence. I've got one more week of having it daily and then it will just be twice a week. I think it's made a difference but a bit soon to tell.

Estriol Cream. I highly recommend it but it's about £45 to buy so you might want to push for that prescription.

See pic.
This will change your life.

Thanks again.

I've managed to get a GP appt next week about my BP & will ask at the end.

Can anyone tell me the difference between Gina & ovestin?

And how long they should take to work?

I've just started using Gina ,ordered it online from Superdrug. For me it worked straight away, although I'm aware that could be a placebo effect from taking control of my symptoms.

Is estriol cream the same as vagifem i wonder?

Is it for incontinence?

@ssd - it's just for general feelings of dryness/discomfort

I honestly don't know if they are the same product or not!

There is a website for Gina, I'm sure.

Gina= pessary
Ovestin= cream

Its whatever you prefer.

Ovestin is estriol.
Vagifem is estradiol

I managed to get a cancellation GP appt for today & got a prescription for Vagifem.

So pleased to be starting this!