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[pepperminty]

Hi Ladies,

need a bit of support. I requested a tube of ovestin 1 mg to use along side my estriol ( weaker version ) as my tissues down there are needing a bit more estrogen. I received a NO as they were the same thing and I could not have both!

I wrote an email stating that i needed it and it was perfectly acceptable to use both one on the outside and one inside and there were no contraindications. And they were different strengths !
The Gp then sent me a text stating that they had spoken to the pharmacist who said it was off licence and they have sent a message to gynecology to get further advice.
I am sooo outraged I could cry. Who are these ridiculous, ignorant people! 

Has anyone a link handy that I can send to the GP? Crying as I write - that I have to fight for simple medication with no contraindications.

PMxx

[Joaniepat]

A lot of women use Vagifem (which contains estradiol) internally, and one of the two estriol creams (Ovestin or the weaker generic version) externally. Like your GP, I am wondering why you want two different brands of cream, both containing estriol but at different strengths, as either of these can be used internally and/or externally.
Would it not be a good idea to ask for Vagifem pessaries for internal use, and carry on with your preferred brand of cream on the vulva only. Using both of these oestrogens, estradiol and estriol, is an excellent combination.
JP x

[CLKD]

I agree with Joaniepat.  GPs freak badly if they think that we are 'over dosing' on oestrogen!

[pepperminty]

Hi ladies ,

I cannot use vagifem as I am allergic to that and the estring. Si I can use estriol. Unfortunately the cream is not strong enough to support my tissues. Therfore using the stronger one on the outside will work better.
There is no clinical reason not to,  i cannot use the stronger one inside.

They both have different fillers and we all react differently.

They used to give double the dose before and there is no clinical reason not to.

I am in pain and just want to be able to manage my condition as best as I can.

PMXX

[CLKD]

Ask your GP for a referral to an NHS Menopause Clinic or send an e-mail to Dr Currie?

[Perinowpost]

Pepperminty I am allergic to vagifem and the Estring as well (how strange I thought it was just me). I had to get a referral to a specialist for ovestin but now can have as much as I need. Keep advocating for what you need, I know it’s annoying but you’ll get there x

[pepperminty]

Pepperminty I am allergic to vagifem and the Estring as well (how strange I thought it was just me). I had to get a referral to a specialist for ovestin but now can have as much as I need. Keep advocating for what you need, I know it’s annoying but you’ll get there x

Thankyou  for your kind reply, much appreciated Perinpwpost,

I have had to seek most treatment privately, and have managed to maintain myself well until recently. Other treatments have been NHS, but not through the GP and they have no idea of the hell I have been through. There are no joined up services. Neither will the gynae they have "asked"  know my history,
 Also this was done by text , which is appalling, by a GP who knows nothing of my history.

I am with an NHS meno clinic and they are cancelling my appointments and re booking months later.
Even my own GP admitted I know more than he does. If I had not done my research I would not  be unable to function.
Why does it have to be so hard?
Why do GP's hand out antidepressants and other drugs like sweeties without follow up but if you need any HRT they review rand remove in a flash without consultation?
I would like to know what is "off license" about applying the "same " cream to the same area?

I am just so exhausted with it all.

Pepperminty xx

[Flossieteacake]

I am so sorry this has happened to you. It is so unfair how we have to fight for any treatment for menopause or VA. It is not hard for a GP to do some research or email a menopause specialist to ask for advice. I know it is not free but maybe you would be better off buying some online. You should not have to do that, of course.

[pepperminty]

I am so sorry this has happened to you. It is so unfair how we have to fight for any treatment for menopause or VA. It is not hard for a GP to do some research or email a menopause specialist to ask for advice. I know it is not free but maybe you would be better off buying some online. You should not have to do that, of course.

Hi Flossieteacake,

thank you for your support.  I have hopefully  managed to procure a tube via a friend to see me through until I get what I need.
 
I have worked out that if I paid for all the meno related  prescriptions individually it would be in excess of a £1000 a year! Thank goodness for the prepayment option!
I may have to pay to see the local specialist if this ridiculous state of affairs carries on and  I will take my husband ( as it helps to have a man there) and get him to write to my GP .  I will have to spend hours on the phone trying to get an appointment, if telephone you have to wait in all day for the call , and there are no pre booked appointments until June apparently!  etc .

PMxx

[CLKD]

This is awful for you!   

Taking your husband shouldn't be necessary but sadly, it still remains that a man present may well sway a GP/Nurse to listen 

Let us know how you get on.

[pepperminty]

This is awful for you!   

Taking your husband shouldn't be necessary but sadly, it still remains that a man present may well sway a GP/Nurse to listen 

Let us know how you get on.

Thanks CLKD,

you would never know looking at me as a stranger walking down the street.  Unfortunately I still find a man present gets a better outcome - shocking in this day and age.

PMxx

[Flossieteacake]

I am so sorry this has happened to you. It is so unfair how we have to fight for any treatment for menopause or VA. It is not hard for a GP to do some research or email a menopause specialist to ask for advice. I know it is not free but maybe you would be better off buying some online. You should not have to do that, of course.

Hi Flossieteacake,

thank you for your support.  I have hopefully  managed to procure a tube via a friend to see me through until I get what I need.
 
I have worked out that if I paid for all the meno related  prescriptions individually it would be in excess of a £1000 a year! Thank goodness for the prepayment option!
I may have to pay to see the local specialist if this ridiculous state of affairs carries on and  I will take my husband ( as it helps to have a man there) and get him to write to my GP .  I will have to spend hours on the phone trying to get an appointment, if telephone you have to wait in all day for the call , and there are no pre booked appointments until June apparently!  etc .

PMxx

Thank goodness you have some now. I understand what you mean by GPs listening more if there is a man there. I suspected I had VA and a male GP dismissed me and said I do not have the symptoms. I actually had all the symptoms. I then asked for a prescription and was told I could not speak to anybody for 3 weeks. I ended up buying something from the online pharmacy as I could not wait that long. I really am sorry you are going through this.

[CLKD]

Not being able to speak to a medical professional in your Surgery is disgusting,  no wonder A&E Depts are over flowing!

[Nas]

My god, what a sorry state of affairs pepperminty. I’m so sorry you are experiencing this 😢

You don’t need a referral to a clinic for ovestin. It’s a standard cream for Christ sake. God I’m so angry 😡.

Write to your local MP I would.

Women should not have to and will not put up with this treatment from so called ‘ professionals’ There is NOTHING professional about their practice regarding hormonal health at all.

If necessary, I will send you my next tube ( if you would like) as vagifem and YES are better for me.

[pepperminty]

My god, what a sorry state of affairs pepperminty. I’m so sorry you are experiencing this 😢

You don’t need a referral to a clinic for ovestin. It’s a standard cream for Christ sake. God I’m so angry 😡.

Write to your local MP I would.

Women should not have to and will not put up with this treatment from so called ‘ professionals’ There is NOTHING professional about their practice regarding hormonal health at all.

If necessary, I will send you my next tube ( if you would like) as vagifem and YES are better for me.

Bless you! That is so kind x

All your support has boosted me on to fight for what I need. I have calmed down a bit, but was in bits last night with hopelessness and frustration.

PMxx