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[oldsheep]

Seems that when I use vagifem regularly I get some brownish discharge. They may not be linked but it's happened twice.
Is there any oestrogen cream I could apply to the genital area that would help with dryness and possible UTIs, or is it not as effective as vagifem? I have the vagifem 10 if that makes any difference, but think it's the only dose available.
I'm now using it less often which seems pointless, but do need something. thanks

[Taz2]

It's probably to do with the vagifem and would come under the "breakthrough bleeding" aspect I would think. This normally settles after a while. I think I remember this in the beginning - a while ago now - it seems a shame to stop if it is the only side effect you are experiencing and, more importantly, it is working. Have you discussed this with your GP?

Taz

[Hurdity]

Hi oldsheep

As discussed elsewhere recently vagifem should be used reguarly to be effective in preventing VA and to prevent unwanted (but very limited) systemic absorption (unless you don't mind this!).

There are other vaginal oestrogen preparations (described in green menu on left - click on HRT preparations). Keep up with the vagifem but you can also use Gynest cream on the genital areas. Alternatively instead of Vagifem you could use Orthgynest pessaries. All the other preparations are estriol, not estradiol, which is equally effective at the doses recommended - it's just a matter of preference and in some cases, sensitivity to one or the other. I would have thought you would be unlikely to get any brown discharge with the pessaries.

I have used the pessaries and prefer them. Currently using vagifem, and occasional gynest cream for genital areas, but will go back to orthgynest pessaries at next appt, for normal use, except when I am using the vaginal utrogestan (need Vagifem for these occasions cos they stay in better when inserted in the morning!).

Hurdity x

[oldsheep]

Thanks so much everyone. Thank you Hurdity, that's so interesting as an alternative.  I honestly think you know more on here than at the meno clinic, where I was told I'd had a slight 'period' and it couldn't be the Vagifem!
I will ask my GP about the pessaries, but will probably have to wait until late December after my next meno clinic appointment, as the GP defers to them on everything (except prescribing HRT as she's already started about how long I've been on it - since 2010 - and fussing if my b.p is a bit raised).

I had slight period type pains as well with the discharge.
Can you get that cream without prescription or are all these things prescription?

[Hurdity]

All local oestrogen creams are prescription only unfortunately.

If you do want to try a different vaginal oestrogen product then your GP should easily be able to prescribe this whenever you ask for it - they should not defer to the menopause clinic on this - they are not doing their job! It is not like discussing a different type or dosage of HRT - it is local - that's all.

If you really want to try the Orthogynest pessaries and Gynest cream  then you will probably have to be assertive and tell your GP that's what you want and that you have researched the information using Dr Currie's website!!! If would rather discuss with a specialist gynae then sadly it seems you will have to wait....

Hurdity x