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[JDH]

Hi,
I’ve been struggling with the menopause for a couple of years now. I’ve been plagued with UTIs and my GP has recommended I try topical hrt cream. I’m a bit of a scaredy and am really anxious (another symptom of menopause) of trying it, as I worry about any side effects. Can anyone help or reassure me? Thanks in advance.

[Cassie]

Please dont be hesitant, the rub on gel has been a lifesaver, I have been on it for 15 yrs and intend to stay on it until I am ancient  Its a bio identical HRT and is considered one of the safest options, via the skin, if you have not had a hysterectomy, you will also need some oestrogen monthly, I am using Utrogestan as it is also considered to be a bio identical HRT.
Why suffer and feel mis when  it is completely unnecessary and yes I also hesitated for weeks and tried all sorts of herbal lotions and potions but have never regretted starting it, it changed my life.

[Joaniepat]

Hi JDH, welcome to the forum.

What is the "HRT cream" you have been prescribed? In the UK our systemic options for transdermal HRT are patches or gel. If for UTIs, your prescription is probably Ovestin or Estriol Cream, which is a local rather than systemic treatment. If you can let us know the name of the product then we can provide advice.

JP x

[jaypo]

Don't worry JDH these topical creams are very safe,I'm on vagifem which are pessaries and they help me and like you I was really worried about using them but it's been ok

[suzysunday]

I use ovestin and am very happy with it. Couldn't live without it.

[JDH]

It’s estriol cream. I’m most worried about the ?cardiovascular risks. If I knew more about the level of risk I may feel better.

[Postmeno3]

I'm not sure, but I think the manufacturers have to cover themselves with all the "risks" whereas specialists seem to have a totally different view?

[JDH]

Yes, true. I’ll make sure I read a bit more about it.
I think this anxiety I have is also related to the menopause! Years back I wouldn’t have given it a second thought, but I always seem to worry about anything new now.
I got a recall following my first screening mammogram in December and I almost couldn’t function with worry. Fortunately everything turned out to be okay. My mind is always racing though.

[jaypo]

I think the risk is minimal as the cream is topical it shouldn't really go into the blood stream and if it does it would be a tiny amount

[Joaniepat]

The leaflet with the product is for an old-fashioned type of oral HRT and is based on the now discredited WHI studies of the early 2000s. It should be revised and this is well recognized now.

Dr Louise Newson's website 'My Menopause Doctor' is a good resource.

JP x

[Cassie]

Oestorgen is supposed to have protective properties for cardiovascular 

[Postmeno3]

Dr. Newson's website superb! Thanks for the tip, Jp.
xx