Vaginal Atrophy symptoms have returned...

[Lioney]

I was prescribed an Estring about 3 years ago. Really helped with bladder /UTI issues. Not so much with issues like dryness and external genitalia shrinkage.

But I haven't been able to get an Estring since October.
Tried Vagifem and Ovestin but both made me very irritated
Currently using IntraRosa but its just not helping. I'm also on systemic HRT.

Any suggestions?

Is Estring out of stock or what?

It seems that the irritation with Ovestin (not heard t about Vagifem) is that it's part of the healing process. I know that doesn't sound helpful but I've found that if I slip up on using Ovestin as often as I ought to, and start to get a bit sore, it does sting a little (externally only when it works its way down.) But that's because the skin is tender and using a treatment improves it.

I think if you can bear to persevere the irritation will stop.

If you need something weaker there is Blissel gel which might be worth a try.

Yes the Estring is out of stock.
Do you know if there's a different type of pessary I could ask for?

I can't even complete a loading dose with Ovestin. It causes me way more discomfort then the actual VA.
Blissel Gel did the same, I couldn't even wear underwear and was in so much pain, I couldn't sleep.

That sounds awful but it's quite unusual.
Have you been examined by a specialist at all?

Have you experimented with trying half a dose of Ovestin for a couple of weeks (ie daily but not the full applicator?) Sometimes it's very much trial and error of what is tolerable to get some improvement.

I think if it's possible, you should see a menopause specialist gynaecologist as they're going to be more help than a GP either on the NHS (which could take months or years) or privately.

The online info says Estring is/was out ot stock until Feb 2024, with intermittent supply till Nov 24. It might be worth phoning around lots of pharmacies to see if they have any (and not reply on one to supply it. You can take a prescription anywhere.)

There is some information here which mentions other products - maybe discuss with your GP.

https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/09-BMS-ConsensusStatement-Urogenital-atrophy-MARCH2024-A.pdf

Have you tried Gina? You can buy it at any chemist. I use it and found it to be really good.

@Smleps Gina is just a different brand name for Vagifem.

I have attended an NHS menopause clinic for a few years. They prescribed the Estring.

I have been regularly checking larger pharmacies, online.
As I live in a city, I can access many small independent chemists, I have left my details with about 20 and was calling them regularly, until many suggested they will call me if they can get any in stock. 😬

IntraRosa was the only alternative available but my symptoms are worsening especially the bladder issues.

I just hoped there was something I missed as I'm not even in my 50s and this is so miserable.

@Lioney Did you know there is something weaker than Ovestin? It used to be called Gynest (maybe other brand names now.) It's 1/10th the strength of Ovestin. Most women hate it because the application is bigger. However, for you, it might work because a) it's weaker and b) you don't have to use a full applicator.

Failing that, I'd try using a smaller dose of Ovestin.

It's known that in some women it can cause burning/irritation (I've had that with it) but that's the other ingredients not the estrogen. This does tend to go away when the skin thickens (which is what Ovestin does.) If you can bear to push through it, it does stop for most women. Maybe try using half the applicator and seeing if that is tolerable?

Or ask your GP for the weaker version.

@Lioney any update to the is? Is estring available now?