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[Cab6]

Hi, has anyone had problems with Estriol cream repeat prescriptions? My GP surgery reject my prescription request if I order before the "next issue' date, with no reason given. Just wondered if anyone else has had this issue?

[Snowcat]

Hi.  Yes my surgery is the same.  They have a prescription clerk who works out how much you need until a certain date and that’s it! You could try putting a comment in the box for making a custom request explaining that one tube isn’t lasting that long - I did that and they put 2 tubes on my repeat.  They’re so small that if you’re using it even sparingly on the outer part of the vulva it doesn’t last me a month!

[Cab6]

Hi, thank you, that's helpful. Yes definitely the tube doesn't last long, the GP told me to use it twice weekly but I have to use a little every day otherwise the pain comes back! They seem reluctant to let me have any more but I'll ask.

[Snowcat]

Hi.  It’s so frustrating when you can’t get what you need from your surgery.  Estriol cream is very safe and some women use it daily long term.  You can buy Ovesse which is the same but not as strong from Boots but you shouldn’t have to.  If you can find some info on the safety of estrogen cream it might help to give your surgery a copy.  I’m sorry you’re having to fight for it - my GP said only twice a week but fortunately my practice nurse prescribed me two tubes a month as she knows I need it and it’s fine to do that.  Some doctors need to educate themselves on HRT - there shouldn’t be such a discrepancy.  I hope you manage to get more soon!

[bombsh3ll]

I would ask for an appointment either phone or face to face with the GP at the practice who knows the most about menopause and women's health.

Explain frankly to them the problem you have and that you have chosen to use daily vaginal estrogen to adequately treat your GSM, in accordance with the BSSM (British society of sexual medicine) guidelines on this.

It would be helpful for you to hand them a printed copy - the guideline has been shared on this forum previously and can easily be found online.

If they are unable/unwilling to prescribe this, request a referral to the local NHS menopause clinic.

Often the menopause specialist will just email back and say if course you can use daily estriol, without needing to wait for an appointment.

[Ayesha]

You have to put your point of view over very strongly and know the facts, its how I get listened to because its obvious they don't know enough about GSM treatments and dosage. 

Two links that will explain all you need to know
https://bssm.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/GSM-BSSM.pdf

https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/09-BMS-ConsensusStatement-Urogenital-atrophy-MARCH2024-A.pdf

[Cab6]

Hi, thank you all for the information links, I'll have a look so I can be prepared. I saw a male nurse practioner a few weeks ago for UTI & he was more sympathetic than the female nurse. I'll try and get an appointment.  Thank you again everyone for your replies,