Asked GP for oestrogen cream, given prescription for HRT without discussion

[JudgementalCat]

I've been experiencing bladder problems and went to GP to ask if oestrogen cream would help. She took a urine sample for testing and said I might need ABs. I was clear I had no other menopause symptoms. She sent my prescription to the pharmacy, and it was for Estradiol hrt, which I only discovered when I collected it. We hadn't discussed hrt at all.
Is estradiol the same as cream, just in a different format? I would have expected a discussion before I was prescribed HRT. I don't know if I want hrt. I'll question it tomorrow, but I don't know if I actually have any objections to hrt. Any thoughts please?

No it's different - the cream is localised whereas the HRT will go through your body. You most likely need progesterone as well if taking Estradiol so unless that's all been discussed with you then it sounds like a mistake. It might be an error either the GP had autocorrect on when typing up the prescription or the pharmacist misread it? But I'd definitely double check with your GP.

Thanks. I'll query it tomorrow. It doesn't seem right to me.

Hhmmm....
They say the Estradiol is right, but I would have appreciated an explanation first. It's a poor way to treat patients.

Has she given you pessaries instead of vaginal cream? Personally I prefer the pessaries. Less mess. See how you get on with them?

I use estradiol pessaries or cream for urge incontinence. It contains a minute dose of oestrogen to perk up the tissues around the urethra and reduce the urinary problems. Only a tiny bit actually gets into your system and most of it just stays where it is needed, so it is not HRT which is designed to circulate throughout your system.
It works well - bung it up!

I am wondering if they meant to prescribe Estriol which is the vaginal oestrogen cream and they’ve put Estradiol in the system instead.

@Pepperedpickles nope, the GP insists the pessaries are right. Which is fine, but she should have explained that at the time so I could ask questions.

Ok sorry I thought you'd been prescribed HRT gel. I use the pessaries and find them brilliant, albeit my issue was mostly itchiness but I've noticed I'm not peeing as much through the night as I used to so it's also helped with bladder control. Give them a go and see how you get on. You have to use them every night for 2 weeks straight to begin with, then twice or 3 times a week depending on how you feel. Good luck