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[Mummytron]

Hi all,
I posted on here a while ago about recurring uti's and having antibiotics but not really having symptoms. I showed blood and leukocytes on the dip test.
Both the most recent urine samples were reported that they didn't do a culture as very unlikely that there was infection.
So, now I have been given Estriol, 1 applicator daily for 3-4 weeks and then one applicator twice a week.
I thought it was topical but presume it is inserted?
Any advice? I'm not on any other hrt.

[Dierdre]

You can use both internally and externally to get the best results. Atrophy can mimic UTI's as the bladder and urethra are also afffected.  It's best applied at night so most of the cream absorbs inside and apply a small fingertip amount also on the outside area to help with any dryness there. It may take a few weeks to gradually see an improvement so be patient. Also reduce gradually once you're comfortable, going to twice a week is rarely enough for most people. I use every night externally and use vagifem internally  as well. You could also try a daily moisturiser. YES products are good and also on prescription.

[CLKD]

Hi many of us have those results on a dip stick test so the advice given is worth trying.  Mine symptoms were urine infection-type symptoms as oestrogen levels dropped = the body may become dry. Inside and out 

Use the Estriol every night for at least 2-3 weeks to allow the vaginal walls to absorb the oestrogen replacement.

When I get the need2P I take 'nurofen' to ease the nip as the urine flow shuts off.

[Mummytron]

Is this different to hrt in terms of not needing progesterone with it?
Am I likely to get side effects?

[Ayesha]

I strongly advise you to read this Position Statement, it's a very reassuring read as well as being informative in all things GSM(VA)

https://bssm.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/GSM-BSSM.pdf

[Dierdre]

Is this different to hrt in terms of not needing progesterone with it?
Am I likely to get side effects?

You don't need progesterone and it's not the same as systemic HRT. The dosage is very small.
The Management Section in the link Ayesha sent explains it all and is the latest guidelines for all clinicians, so if you have any problems when you reduce Estriol and need to up the dosage again you can refer to this statement.
You may get side effects at the start but these usually settle within a couple of weeks, I had tender breasts for a week or two and period like cramping. Also felt a bit sick in the morning for a few days. The estrogen does go systemic in the first couple of weeks until the vagina walls are plumped up and re hydrated then very little is absorb systemically which is why we don't need the progesterone.

[Mummytron]

Thanks all,
One last (silly) question, will it just help with the symptoms vaginally or will it help with hot flushes etc?

[Ayesha]

No it won't unfortunately, its purely a topical remedy for the lower regions 

[joziel]

It won't help with hot flushes but you can always ask for some systemic HRT as well for those and other menopause symptoms. You can take both local creams and systemic HRT at the same time, many women need both.

[CLKD]

Morning - no query is silly, stupid or un-necessary.