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[Devon66]

Hello all, I’m new here. I feel like I’m in a bit of a pickle and would love some advice. I’m 65 nearly 66. I avoided taking HRT because of the old cancer scares back in the day, but now find myself experiencing sore vaginal dryness. Hope it’s ok to launch into this topic so soon!
I’ve been prescribed Estriol but on reading the leaflet got scared. It seems to be saying that if you start HRT aged over 65 the likelihood of getting dementia is increased. My doctor said the vaginal cream is the equivalent of taking one HRT tablet a year. I’m wondering why the leaflet information is so different to the GP info. Is there anybody here who has started Estriol at the age of 65 or over? And if so how did you weigh up the risks?
I’m also wondering if there are any alternatives to an oestrogen cream.
It’s good to find this website and newsletter. Better late than never!

[jaypo]

Hello and welcome to the forum 
If you're experiencing VA I'd definitely take what the Dr has advised,it IS very safe and topical so there's not much if any risk of dementia,some ladies use this 5 times a week,even more if things are bad,so please don't worry,your Dr is right 

[Lesred]

Hi Devon66 and welcome to this incredibly helpful forum 

I think you will find the general consensus on this site is that the info on all vaginal estrogen creams/tabs is sorely (excuse pun) out of date and I still cannot for the life of me understand why after all this time it hasn’t been updated! Your doctor is correct and I would say start it as soon as possible!  I think there are many ladies older than you who would not give it up Ever! Hopefully they’ll be along shortly.

Good luck and hope you find relief soon.

Oops Jaypo beat me to it 

[Ayesha]

Please take no notice of that dreadful and alarmist, scaremongering leaflet, it bears no resemblance to how topical HRT works and it refers to systemic HRT.
Its perfectly safe to use, please read the document below to put your mind at rest about topical HRT treatment.
They are the recommendations I follow and also agreed by my surgery. I started treatment at 70 something and I am on a daily dose of both Vagifem and Estriol.

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

 

[Devon66]

Thank you so much for your replies and support. The guidance you have put on Ayesha is really interesting. I might have a problem getting the Estriol to go in with the applicator but will give it a try. I feel very reassured.

[CLKD]

   Quality of Life.  It is important to get vaginal atrophy under control ASAP - the idea being to insert every night for 2-3 weeks then C how the vagina feels.  Some manage with a few nights a week, others require nightly treatment.

It is OK to use a moisturiser too on the outer labia - a little estriol can be applied internally and externally; there are other preparations i.e. Sylc or YES and I find KY Jelly helps externally.

When my symptoms niggle I add an extra dose mid-afternoon and take 2 Nurofen 3 times a day to ease that nip as the urine flow shuts off.

[Devon66]

I didn’t realise the Estriol could be used externally as well. Very useful to know. Thank you.