How long is it safe to stay on vaginal oestrogen for?

[PandoraRocks]

Post menopause, I have been using Ovestin cream then lately Estriol because my local chemists don't supply Ovestin anymore.

I'm not on systemic HRT but have been using the cream for about 2 years. Previously, I was getting UTIs and loads of sore paper cuts which made my life an absolute misery. Also, burning every time I had sex.

My GP practice now want a review. I know they will try to persuade me I don't need the cream anymore as they've tried this before. I bet they're trying to save money as Estriol is double the price of Ovestin.
Is it safe to use long term? The info leaflet mentions a risk of breast cancer etc but honestly I don't want to go back to the stinging/itching/soreness/burning/cuts I had before.

Safe to use forever. It's a tiny dose.

The leaflet is generic information for whole body HRT. GPs worldwide have been trying to get it update to reflect the actual use. It is safe to use forever.

I plan to use it forever. Without it, I get so uncomfortable, sore and itchy. I never want to tolerate that since I don’t have to do so. That said, As I got older, a lot of the symptoms developed again when I was on the standard dose. My GP liaised with a Gynaecologist and I was advised I could double the dose. I did that about a year ago and all is good again. It isn’t the same at all as taking HRT tablets which effect all part of us. Pessaries have a localised effect on the vulva, vagina, cervix and to a lesser extent uterus.

Ovestin is also really helpful for the bladder, frequency, and UTIs.

I’m on it for ever. I actually use Vagifem, which is excellent.

It's a tiny dose. It's safe to use for the rest of your life. You could certainly argue that it's necessary as it prevents further vaginal atrophy and protects against UTIs, which are the bane of elderly women's health.

They aren't taking mine away!!!! Stay strong!

Well I had beast cancer 8 years ago (strongly oestrogen positive), and I use vagirux pessaries and a bit of Ovestin cream on the outside. My beast surgeon is quite happy with that.