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Author Topic: Estradiol in perimenopause  (Read 1286 times)

SophieW

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Estradiol in perimenopause
« on: September 03, 2024, 12:05:59 PM »

Hello all, I am new here. If I've done this wrong - just tell me.

My question is very specific. I have extreme vaginal dryness (burning pain etc) and I would like to try and take Gina (Estradiol) because I think it may help. However, I have read that it should only be used when periods have stopped and your are over 50. I am 47 and my periods are irregular with sometimes big gaps between. I have other mild perimenopausal symptoms but am not taking anything else. The only severe issue is the vaginal dryness. I would appreciate any advice on Gina use while still having periods (is it safe?) and any advice on how best to treat vaginal dryness/atrophy. Many thanks in advance.

Sophie
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Ayesha

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Re: Estradiol in perimenopause
« Reply #1 on: September 03, 2024, 12:16:06 PM »

Its perfectly fine to use Gina at your age, a lot of women do. Gina is the brand name, Vagifem is what a GP will prescribe, both exactly the same.
There is so much out of date information out there about GSM (Vaginal Atrophy) below some quotes from the Position statement for management of GSM that will help you.

"The clinical response to treatment with topical oestrogen is usually rapid and sustained.
Women should also be advised that the information packaged with vaginal hormone preparations is out of date and factually incorrect. This needs to be changed by the MHRA.
The dose of vaginal oestrogen is very low, for example, using 10mcg oestrogen pessaries regularly for one year is an equivalent dose to just one 1mg of oestradiol HRT tablet.
If symptoms do not improve with vaginal oestrogen, consider increasing the dose, changing preparation (and consider DHEA) or using an additional treatment such as systemic HRT or two local treatments.
The frequency of using these preparations can be increased in women who have persistent symptoms as the doses of these preparations are very low.
Vaginal oestrogens can often improve urinary symptoms, including urinary infections.
Some women use vaginal oestrogen preparations more frequently than the recommended dose to improve symptoms sufficiently, for example Vagifem alternate days instead of twice a week. It is safe to use the treatment in this way as the dose is very low.
Women should be reassured that it is safe for topical oestrogen to continue in the long term (medication should be on a repeat prescription). Women should continue to be reassured about the long- term safety of vaginal oestrogen preparations."


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AngelaH

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Re: Estradiol in perimenopause
« Reply #2 on: September 03, 2024, 12:46:23 PM »

Gina is the only one over the counter estradiol, but there are certain rules to buy it, you should be the age 50+ and menopausal. If you younger and in peri you should go to GP and ask estradiol to be prescribed.
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sheila99

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Re: Estradiol in perimenopause
« Reply #3 on: September 03, 2024, 12:47:29 PM »

I agree it's safe and if you went to your gp they should prescribe similar. You may have to tell the odd porky to the pharmacist as I think (not certain) they will only sell it to you if you're over 50 and menopausal.
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palaNS6001

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Re: Estradiol in perimenopause
« Reply #4 on: September 03, 2024, 12:56:09 PM »

Hello, this is my first time on Menopause Matters as I just joined today, so hopefully it is ok for me to post in this way (is it allowed?) and mention Dr Anna Cabeca - she is an American MD who speaks alot about vaginal dryness and I think she has a podcast. I am just mentioning her because she has lots of free info on her website that might be useful for you to read as she goes into the details of using oestrogen topically.  I hope that helps you. It sounds painful
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Ayesha

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Re: Estradiol in perimenopause
« Reply #5 on: September 03, 2024, 01:32:41 PM »

We are well up to date in the UK on HRT matters and her podcast is there to sell her products. Think I will give it a miss!
She states that using topical oestrogen is only a temporary solution then goes on to advertise an alternative, her own product.
« Last Edit: September 03, 2024, 01:34:42 PM by Ayesha »
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palaNS6001

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Re: Estradiol in perimenopause
« Reply #6 on: September 03, 2024, 02:49:06 PM »

That is true! I agree. But we don't have to buy it and her podcast and other information is free for everyone to read and make up their own mind surely?
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Ayesha

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Re: Estradiol in perimenopause
« Reply #7 on: September 03, 2024, 03:27:10 PM »

Of course, its just cynical old me when I see websites promoting self interest by the professionals. Like some celebrity GP's here advertising products, its a turn off for me.
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bombsh3ll

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Re: Estradiol in perimenopause
« Reply #8 on: September 03, 2024, 05:01:32 PM »

I'm really happy to use estrogen temporarily - just for the remainder of my time on the planet!

I'm sure that entrepreneur will be back on it faster than you can say GSM when she starts to squeak like a rusty hinge.
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SophieW

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Re: Estradiol in perimenopause
« Reply #9 on: September 09, 2024, 01:24:00 PM »

Just wanted to thank you all for your replies. Appreciated :)
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