Is there an Estrogen cream that can be used on the vulva, not necessarily inside the vagina?

[PunishmentRoundupWithJoon]

Is there such a thing as an estrogen cream that can be used on the vulva?

Unfortunately, I can't take HRT as it makes my hair fall out. I even experienced hair loss with vaginal estrogen pessaries, which was very disappointing. I'm now at the point where I'm wanting to at least try an estrogen cream as the dryness is increasing and I think the skin on the outside area has thinned somewhat. I'm willing to cautiously apply the cream sparingly and see how I go, monitoring my hair for excess shedding.

I've requested a GP appointment, but would like to go in armed with some info if anyone can help me out here.

Yes. Just ask your gp to prescribe oestrogen cream for vaginal/vulval topical use (estradiol but lots of other brands) instead of pessaries. You needn't see them just do it via econsult or phone call.

@Janiie - Thanks for your reply, it's appreciated. It may be that they decide on a phone consultation anyway. I submitted the request via the econsult form and should hear back within 48 hours.

Ovestin cream. It’s the hormone estriol. It’s a life saver x

Ovestin can be used both internally and externally, so ask for that.

Ovestin is out of stock presently

Do you have a link to that info?

Is it just at your local pharmacies or a country-wide issue?

There is usually a medicine shortage list that pharmacies have with expected dates or supply and the issue (and can be found online.)

I get 4 tubes every few weeks (consultants instructions to use Liberal amounts), def not out of stock. Might just be your pharmacy?

www.drwolffsvsan.com/en-gb/?gad_source=1

That isn' t a safe link- what's it for?

There is nothing at all online on pharmacy sites about it being a supply issue.

The last issue with it was 2 years ago when it was a SSM but that was resolved.

@Droolylabradors A-ha! It’s you that’s caused the shortage! 😝

@JJinglingSpringbells

It is I've just clicked it

Sorreeeee😁

I've a lovely plump vagina and vulva though!

Considering putting some on my face too...!!!!!

@Droolylabradors - sounds fab, I want some of that stuff!

@PunishmentRoundupWithJoon
Was the hair loss with estrogen by itself? Have you tried combination of estrogen/progesterone? You may be experiencing hair loss because the hormones are out of balance and you haven't found the right dosage.
Or - if you don't have progesterone in the mix - it could be because of too much estrogen.
So - pessaries or cream applied to skin will still have the same result.

You really need to talk to an HRT specialist. I don't think GP will have enough experience/knowledge to help you find the right HRT regime.

Have you had blood tests about your hair loss? @PunishmentRoundupWithJoon
The most common issues are low ferritin and thyroid issues, stress and poor diet.

What type of HRT did you use?

Using vaginal estrogen for a whole year (using it 2 x a week) is equivalent to using 1 dose ( for 1 day) of systemic HRT.

It's very unlikely that it caused hair loss as only the tiniest bit is absorbed into the blood stream during the first week or two.

I bought Ovestin online recently, you do have to fill in a health questionnaire and they decide whether it’s safe for you or not. I use it on my vulva, I have got very thin skin there which gets quite sore.

It's a complete rip off in terms of cost! The RRP is around £7 (I pay on a private prescription) but online it's around £25 or more.
Okay if you're desperate but better to get it from your dr.

Yes! I toyed with the idea of putting it on my face…sshhhh 🤣x

Kelly Casperson (you are not broken podcast) uses it on her face, that's what gave me the idea!

@Droolylabradors 🫢

Yes I agree but my GP surgery is a nightmare, and trying to get any contact with an acual Dr is almost impossible sadly.

I got some prescribed yesterday. I tried it last year from Superdrug and it was £25!! It was good but can’t keep that up. Had a lovely phone call from female GP who was really helpful. I rarely go to doctor luckily so it’s all change now and so much better than having to wait 2 weeks for a f2f appointment. I just had to fill out an online request between 7.30 and 8am then they scheduled a phone call that morning. Was impressed.Can’t wait for plumpness! 😉

I put in my regular prescription request for Ovestin at the weekend and called today to collect. The Pharmacy assistant said they were having issues sourcing it. They had tried to order it twice and no product was available.
On checking the website Menopause Matters some people on there were saying Ovestin been discontinued as the patent has expired!!
It was suggested I go back to my GP for an alternative.

And why not lol, surely if it plumps up atrophied vaginas and vulvas it will plump up thinning skin elsewhere 🤔

We should perhaps conduct our own observational study .