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[Talli]

I wasn't aware that there is an age limit on OTC Gina !  .  Do U have a friend over 50 then?  U do not have to suffer, do ring the Clinic and tell them that you r having difficulties in getting the GP to agree to their request : for which you paid!  Though a lot of GPs still don't like when we go privately or know more than they do 

That’s so true! They don’t like it when we know what we’re talking about but then conversely they ask “Well what do you want me to do about it?” So basically asking us to do their job. It’s soooo complicated.

But yeah you can only buy Gina if you’re over 50 apparently 

[Talli]

I ordered Ovestin from Superdrug Online Pharmacy as a back-up when I didn't know what my surgery was going to let me have. I learned all about the products from this forum and knew what to ask for, I don't remember being asked my age just what I needed the treatment for. Knowing the words Vaginal Atrophy was enough for me to get the Ovestin.

I am an old bird compared to you, Talli, and I am wondering if that's why your surgery is reluctant to let you use the treatment on a daily basis, not that it matters at all, it's such a safe treatment.

Do let us know how you get on, it will help others reading your post in the future.

I have asked the ASDA pharmacy before for some Ovestin and they refused as I wasn’t over 45 but that was before I was prescribed the Vagifem.

Yes I think it is to do with my age to be honest which I do understand but if I’ve been diagnosed with VA by several gynaes I don’t understand why it’s so difficult to get the treatment. Both my Mum and Sister went through early menopause so I guess I’m headed the same way. Although I didn’t think 40 was particularly young to be beginning peri?
But then I genuinely know nothing about it all 

[Flossieteacake]

I ordered Ovestin from Superdrug Online Pharmacy as a back-up when I didn't know what my surgery was going to let me have. I learned all about the products from this forum and knew what to ask for, I don't remember being asked my age just what I needed the treatment for. Knowing the words Vaginal Atrophy was enough for me to get the Ovestin.

I am an old bird compared to you, Talli, and I am wondering if that's why your surgery is reluctant to let you use the treatment on a daily basis, not that it matters at all, it's such a safe treatment.

Do let us know how you get on, it will help others reading your post in the future.

I have asked the ASDA pharmacy before for some Ovestin and they refused as I wasn’t over 45 but that was before I was prescribed the Vagifem.

Yes I think it is to do with my age to be honest which I do understand but if I’ve been diagnosed with VA by several gynaes I don’t understand why it’s so difficult to get the treatment. Both my Mum and Sister went through early menopause so I guess I’m headed the same way. Although I didn’t think 40 was particularly young to be beginning peri?
But then I genuinely know nothing about it all 

I realised I was going through peri when I was 38 but I think it actually happened earlier. I had to convince GPs I was not too young but luckily did and I have been on HRT and Ovestin ever since. You are not too young so do not let them make you think that.

[Talli]

I ordered Ovestin from Superdrug Online Pharmacy as a back-up when I didn't know what my surgery was going to let me have. I learned all about the products from this forum and knew what to ask for, I don't remember being asked my age just what I needed the treatment for. Knowing the words Vaginal Atrophy was enough for me to get the Ovestin.

I am an old bird compared to you, Talli, and I am wondering if that's why your surgery is reluctant to let you use the treatment on a daily basis, not that it matters at all, it's such a safe treatment.

Do let us know how you get on, it will help others reading your post in the future.

I have asked the ASDA pharmacy before for some Ovestin and they refused as I wasn’t over 45 but that was before I was prescribed the Vagifem.

Yes I think it is to do with my age to be honest which I do understand but if I’ve been diagnosed with VA by several gynaes I don’t understand why it’s so difficult to get the treatment. Both my Mum and Sister went through early menopause so I guess I’m headed the same way. Although I didn’t think 40 was particularly young to be beginning peri?
But then I genuinely know nothing about it all 

I realised I was going through peri when I was 38 but I think it actually happened earlier. I had to convince GPs I was not too young but luckily did and I have been on HRT and Ovestin ever since. You are not too young so do not let them make you think that.


Thank you so much for that Flossieteacake. 

[Flossieteacake]

I ordered Ovestin from Superdrug Online Pharmacy as a back-up when I didn't know what my surgery was going to let me have. I learned all about the products from this forum and knew what to ask for, I don't remember being asked my age just what I needed the treatment for. Knowing the words Vaginal Atrophy was enough for me to get the Ovestin.

I am an old bird compared to you, Talli, and I am wondering if that's why your surgery is reluctant to let you use the treatment on a daily basis, not that it matters at all, it's such a safe treatment.

Do let us know how you get on, it will help others reading your post in the future.

I have asked the ASDA pharmacy before for some Ovestin and they refused as I wasn’t over 45 but that was before I was prescribed the Vagifem.

Yes I think it is to do with my age to be honest which I do understand but if I’ve been diagnosed with VA by several gynaes I don’t understand why it’s so difficult to get the treatment. Both my Mum and Sister went through early menopause so I guess I’m headed the same way. Although I didn’t think 40 was particularly young to be beginning peri?
But then I genuinely know nothing about it all 

I realised I was going through peri when I was 38 but I think it actually happened earlier. I had to convince GPs I was not too young but luckily did and I have been on HRT and Ovestin ever since. You are not too young so do not let them make you think that.


Thank you so much for that Flossieteacake. 

My pleasure.

[CLKD]

Why R they advertising 'gina' on TV if it's not accessible to all   

[Talli]

This is what it says on Boots website:

“Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to treat and relieve vaginal symptoms post menopause
See details below, always read the label
Suitable for:
Gina is for postmenopausal women aged 50 years and older who have not had a period for at least 1 year and who suffer from vaginal symptoms due to oestrogen deficiency”

Who knows why they advertise it if it’s only for women over 50 🤷🏻‍♀️

[CLKD]

that word 'post' again  .  We are either 'peri' or 'menopausal'.   . Do they ask date of birth?  Why must 1 have been 12 months without a period, BOOTS are way behind modern thinking 

[CLKD]

BOOTS web-site:

Difference between Vagifem and Gina

Both Vagifem and Gina contain the same medicine, but Gina will only be available from pharmacies for a restricted and clearly defined group of women that is appropriate for supply under the supervision of a pharmacist.20 Jul 2022

[Talli]

BOOTS web-site:

Difference between Vagifem and Gina

Both Vagifem and Gina contain the same medicine, but Gina will only be available from pharmacies for a restricted and clearly defined group of women that is appropriate for supply under the supervision of a pharmacist.20 Jul 2022

Guess I won’t bother trying to get some then 

[CLKD]

Time that the British Menopause Society stepped in on this one? 

[Ayesha]

I read the Gina leaflet online and it was exactly the same as the Vagifem leaflet, I thought the same old out of date information considering a new product.
Still too many hurdles to cross particularly for women under 50 to obtain this treatment over the counter. 

[Talli]

I agree. To both comments.
It really is ridiculous how hard it is to just get treated. It shouldn’t be this hard. I know plenty of women in their late 30’s and early 40’s getting fobbed off and it’s no joke trying to have a happy relationship (or life for that matter) while contending with VA 

[Jules]

When I use vagifem, it helps within 2 or 3 weeks with the issues around sex and Urinary irritation. My GP also won't prescribe continuous though ive just had a 6 months run more by accident.  I'm now struggling to get more. I'm over 60.  I don't see the point of using something that takes weeks to plump up the tissues only to have to stop. The effects reverse fairly quickly and then you've to start again.

[Flossieteacake]

When I use vagifem, it helps within 2 or 3 weeks with the issues around sex and Urinary irritation. My GP also won't prescribe continuous though ive just had a 6 months run more by accident.  I'm now struggling to get more. I'm over 60.  I don't see the point of using something that takes weeks to plump up the tissues only to have to stop. The effects reverse fairly quickly and then you've to start again.

Sorry your GP will not give you enough vaigifem. Perhaps you could talk to the practice manager and say this is an outdated idea? VA treatment is for life and stopping it will cause all symptoms to return.