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[Bella247]

Hi there
I have vaginal atrophy (or whatever the less grim name for it is). I’m having a flare up (annoyingly just before I go on holiday). I’ve been doing another loading dose of estriol cream for a week and I want to continue for another week. I ordered repeat prescription online and my stupid GP has declined to issue it without explanation.

Am I right in thinking a reloading dose for two weeks is fine? I’m pretty sure the gynaecologist advised that I can but this was ages ago and I can’t remember.


I have really severe health anxiety so I don’t want to start googling about  my vagina.

I’m honestly so annoyed at my GP surgery. All but one GP I’ve seen there seems completely clueless on the menopause. I’m pretty sure I know which (horrible male) GP has refused it. It’s so frustrating. I’ve had it really under control for the last probably 8 months but it seems every now and then I have a flare up 

[Ayesha]

Use treatment every day, it's the only way to get on top of it.
I use Vagifem and a smear of estriol on the outside daily, when I have a flare up I use 2 Vagifem until it calms down.
You don't say how old you are but I buy a back up supply of Vagifem for such occasions, I don't ask for more from my surgery because it just causes aggro, I don't need that in my life.
You have to be over 50 to buy it, Boots do Estriol cream called Ovesse. It's a condition that you can take control of yourself.

[Bella247]

Thank you so much for replying. I’m 50 this year. I’ve tried so many things. Vagifem didn’t work for me at all. I usually use estriol twice a day and a smear around the vulva every day but there seem to be times where that doesn’t work. Goodness bloody knows why.

I’m sure it’s been said before but it honestly frustrates the hell out of me that GPs act like you’re asking for crack cocaine when it comes to anything HRT related.

I’m worried about the chlorine in the pool. I seem to recall I had a really bad flare up after I went on holiday last year. I’m not sure if it’s the heat or the chlorine or both or god knows what.

[CLKD]

Enjoy your holiday but I would avoid bathing either in a pool or in the sea.  If U really want, mayB smear vaseline around the vaginal area B4 swimming? 

Also up the estriol to 3 times a day - it may be absorption when it appears not to work.  KY jelly can also keep the area moist = less itching, or 'yes' or 'sylc' products.

Reloading is absolutely fine.  I would B requesing a referral to dedicated menopause clinic or buying  Me and My Menopausal Vagina to read, then hand to my Nurse Practitioner ;-).

[Bella247]

Funnily enough I read me and my menopausal vagina.

I usually use something called v magic. I’m a bit worried about using Vaseline as I think it may contain mineral oil and I’m worried it might exacerbate it.

It’s very strange. I’ve not been doing anything different that I can think of.

[CLKD]

It may be anxiety related to the upcoming holiday. Using up more energy or sweating more as well as your hormones joining in, may well alter the dryness overall.  [we have a holiday thread ;-) ]

[Kathleen]

Hello Bella.

I recently tried to buy a topical oestrogen cream called Gina from Boots. The pharmacist wouldn't sell it to me without prior approval from my GP.  I have now contacted my surgery and if they agree to add VA cream to my existing HRT.

Hopefully as you already have estrogen cream on prescription you may be able to buy Gina or a similar product without any fuss. Fingers crossed.

I hope this is helpful and I wish you well.

K.

[CLKD]

The whole point of Gina is to be able to by-pass the GPs! 

MayB buy VA treatment on line ......... we shouldn't have to though 

[Minusminnie]

Hi there
I have vaginal atrophy (or whatever the less grim name for it is). I’m having a flare up (annoyingly just before I go on holiday). I’ve been doing another loading dose of estriol cream for a week and I want to continue for another week. I ordered repeat prescription online and my stupid GP has declined to issue it without explanation.

Am I right in thinking a reloading dose for two weeks is fine? I’m pretty sure the gynaecologist advised that I can but this was ages ago and I can’t remember.


I have really severe health anxiety so I don’t want to start googling about  my vagina.

I’m honestly so annoyed at my GP surgery. All but one GP I’ve seen there seems completely clueless on the menopause. I’m pretty sure I know which (horrible male) GP has refused it. It’s so frustrating. I’ve had it really under control for the last probably 8 months but it seems every now and then I have a flare up 

Buy the Ovesse in Boots (as already suggested ) it is the same as Estriol 0.1% (1mg/g) if that is the strength of estriol cream that you are using.

Gina is equivalent to Vagifem which you say doesn’t work for you.

I’ve bought Ovesse no problem but wasn’t questioned by a pharmacist. Just told the lady (when she quizzed) at the till that I do know the product as I’ve used it in the past. (No word of a lie although I currently use it too).

[LittleClaire]

Yes I also buy Ovesse from Boots online and I am 38. I lie and say I’m 51 and it’s never declined. I hope nobody on here works for Boots online pharmacy!

It has helped loads although I still get itching sometimes when my symptoms flare up. I know it’s oestrogen levels dropping x

[Bella247]

Thank you so much. It’s actually Vagirux not vagifem I didn’t get on with. I’m so forgetful!

I also feel very like I have PMs the last few days and I’ve had cystic spots on my chin. I used to get these for years but they pretty much vanished when I didn’t have a period for 8 months. Then about a month ago I got a random period. I’m really hoping I don’t get one on holiday because VA means I can’t use tampons 😡

[fiftyplus]

Hi Bella - I have bought Ovesse from Boots, they don't even ask your name or any personal details, they just go through a short medical history questionnaire - I just answer no to all the questions I think and I just say I haven't used it before and want to try it, although they ask you if you are over 50 in order for them to be able to sell it to you.  I am so annoyed having to purchase this as my GP who is useless would defo not prescribe anymore for me for an if and when I may need more ... disgusting as I have paid my ni contributions all my adult life and i am still having to pay for this...

[Bella247]

It’s so annoying! With the estriol cream I can get it for free with a HRT pre payment certificate and I’m guessing the boots one you have to pay for.

I came across this on this forum

https://bssm.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/BSSM-Position-statement-for-management-of-genitourinary-syndrome-of-the-menopause-GSM.pdf

I’m not sure if this link will work but it’s a position statement from the British society for sexual medicine saying it’s safe to use more often. I’m so angry I feel like emailing the GP that. I don’t want to act like I know more than someone with years of medical training but how can they not know this? Surely flare ups of this must be something they see very often?

I’m really fed up with it to be honest.

[KaraShannon]

I’m sure it’s been said before but it honestly frustrates the hell out of me that GPs act like you’re asking for crack cocaine when it comes to anything HRT related.

Sorry you're having these health problems and problems with the GPs.  I have to agree, it's getting beyond stupid the experiences people are having with GPs themselves, not just reception staff (as it used to be).  I've had enough myself, it's affecting my mental health I've had so many different responses, yes it's ok to use a small supplemental patch, no it's not, yes you can have it until your blood test, no you can't, I'm aware you got some from 111 (and ?!) and (now I'm going to take your HRT off repeat so you can't get it from 111 when either the surgery or the pharmacy are late), etc.

[KaraShannon]

I didn't realise this sort of thing could flare up but I did tell a GP that when I am on the combined patch in the last week before changing back to neat estradiol, I get some prolapse symptoms. They then resolve on the neat estradiol again.  Was told 'in theory' this doesn't happen, but here I am describing what IS happening to me.