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.

@SparklyBracelet how quickly did the miracle happen? I’m only on day 3 but more comfortable already but not had sex yet.

@greengreyblue Hi. The miracle occurred a few days into my initial month-long daily usage. Trust me it was awful before. That was 13 months ago. I now use every two days. Honestly I couldn’t survive without it x

That’s great. My main issues have been some dryness but ph is off and have had BV a couple of times. Probiotic gels clear it up then it returns as ph isn’t acidic enough. Am hoping Ovestin or whatever it will be called will keep that at bay.

Hope so for you too. It really does settle things down x

Does anyone know if you can use Ovestin on the perineum? Vaguely remember reading somewhere (maybe on menopause matters forum) someone saying that you could use it there as there are oestrogen receptors there.

Yep. All that area x

Can you use Ovestin on the vulval area; plus Vagifem pessaries inside the vagina (which I already use). I mean is it ok to use both.
I'm 47 and take Cerazette the progesterone only mini pill but not oral hrt yet.

Got soreness in that area on & off.

I think so @kaiadeluded I’ve definitely read it on here that it’s been advised by GPs.

Ok thanks

Is Blissel similar to Ovestin?

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/vaginal-oestrogen/about-vaginal-oestrogen/#:~:text=Vaginal%20oestrogen%20is%20a%20hormone,due%20to%20lower%20hormone%20levels.

The possibilities are endless 😆😉

Yes x

Thanks for all the info - it's appreciated. I just found the initial supply of HRT I got last year and there's some estrogel gel with that. That won't the the same as the cream, will it?

Even if I wanted to use the HRT, there were no obvious instructions with it, so would probably have to talk to the GP again. Anyway, I don't at the moment, just want to find out about the cream! I'm now even more keen for it not to affect my hair as I want to slap it on my face.....😁

Noooooo Oestrogel is NOT the same as local oestrogen for vulva/vaginal use! Oestrogel is ‘full’ transdermal HRT.

OP just Google the gel you’ve got but as you say that sounds like the dermal HRT. Vaginal oestrogen is a cream or pessary.

Do not put Oestrogel anywhere near your vagina. It should have come in a box with a large leaflet on how to use it. You can find a copy of the insert on line.

My gynae told me to use Ovestin all over the vulva and perineal area. She also said to rub it in like you would any other moisturiser, unlike Oestrogel which is just supposed to be spread on the skin.

What difference has it made @PortiaWithNoBreaks ? Mine comes tomorrow. I’m eeking out a tube I had last year( still in date) that I didn’t use regularly as problem wasn’t bad then.

@greengreyblue it’s difficult to tell as when I started using it I wasn’t having any problems or issues and I’m still not. It was part of her initial prescribing and to prevent any issues or atrophy from happening in the first place.

You don’t want your vagina to atrophy, do you? were her exact words and at that point I didn’t even know that vaginal atrophy was a thing. I’m also on systemic HRT and testosterone; the full works really.

I use Vagifem 2-3 times a week and Ovestin externally from clitoris to anus 4-7 times a week. I have followed her advice to rub it in well. I have a scarred perineum following childbirth and I think it definitely keeps everything flexible. I had my review a couple of months ago and she examined me and everything was good so it’s worked for prevention for sure.

Thanks. I’m not sore but notice less lubrication and have bought Sylk for sex when needed which isn’t t every time. I’m scare of atrophy as not on systemic HRT. Have heard some say it’s amazing for their sex life.

@GoingRoundThatBlockAgain - It's ok - I wasn't going to slap it on my fanny - was just wondering 😁

@PortiaWithNoBreaks - Will certainly look at the info before cracking on with HRT, if I ever do.

I was told (gynae) that systemic HRT may not (won’t?) get to the vaginal tissues or at least not enough of it will. From what I understand with vaginal atrophy, it can get so bad that it’s not possible to reverse and in worst case scenario the clitoris essentially shrivels up and disappears.

in your situation, I would trial it internally and externally for one month and see how you get on, then review.

Yes that’s what my gp said but she was pretty confident it would make a huge difference as I’m not too far down the line. Really don’t want my clitoris to die! 😱