Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: hellen on August 23, 2014, 09:57:35 PM
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i wonder why doctors are now recomending moisturisers, namely replens inbetween using vagifem, ............... is there really a moisturiser that will do the job of an hrt, what is the best moisturser anyone has ever used.... i have the feeling that they have all been told to reduce the amount of vagifem prescirbed lol..
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The doctors haven't had a say in the amount of vagifem prescribed. Guidelines have been set by the manufacturer. They were told they had to use the lowest amount of oestrogen possible by the FDA in America so they did and then other countries are gradually following suit. You can still get the full dose in Australia though!
Taz x
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I still use vaginal moisturiser as well as my Estring (which give continuous oestrogen) - I use Multi Gyn Actigel because it helps to keep everything nicely acidic and prevents itchiness etc. I just use a small amount on my finger tip that I smear up inside a bit and all around the outer part of vagina - soothing. DG x
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I've been prescribed Yes Yes Yes vaginal moisturiser. Worth a try, I think I prefer it to Replens.
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wow you got yes yes yes on prescription.. i have bought this and the oil based one.. not cheap , didnt seem to work so well this time though.
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I wasted a load of money on Sylk and Yes, Yes, Yes they are useless, Gynest cream and Ovestin are the best for me :)
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I've just ordered some Multi-Gyn Actigel to use in between Gynest cream application as that's only supposed to be used twice a week and I don't feel it's as effective as the discontinued Ortho-Gynest pessaries... :-\ I've never tried it before but it has good reviews on Amaz0n so worth a shot I reckon?
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Twice a week just not enough for Gynest cream :( It rubs off on your knickers. I use every other day and its fabulous no burning, dryness or itchy bladder. Not sure non-hormonal treatments would help with my bladder issue.
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I have Gynest cream on repeat prescription and just recently managed to get away with ordering double the usual amount - however when I picked it up there was a note attached which asked me to make a routine appointment with my GP to 'review' my repeat prescription so I don't imagine I'm going to get away with it again! ::)
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For about 5 years I have always obtained Replens and Sylk and (more recently) the water-based version of Yes on NHS prescription in England.
The relevant codes your GP requires for Yes water-based lubricant are as follows:
6 x 5ml pre-filled applicators PIP code: 345-5805 and 75ml tube PIP code: 345-5789.
If, like me, you're not able to use hormone-based products, or for some women perhaps need non-hormonal lubrication in addition to other products, I don't see why a GP wouldn't prescribe it. Please ask, ladies.
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thank you for the info i will ask next time i run out ........
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Hi I have been using vagifem 10 m for 2 weeks now so should be doing it now twice a week but I have been having headaches for the last 3 to 4 days and as this is a side effect of it I have decided to stop it I have just stopped hrt because of headaches so now I'm looking at non hormonal moisturisers I did use replens but the doctor didn't seem to think it worked as well but I think it's the hormonal estrogen that might not be agreeing with me even though it's a low dosage can other ladies recommend a non hormonal moisturiser that works
Js
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I use the water-based version of Yes, one 5ml pre-filled applicator on alternate days, then Sylk during intercourse. Can't compare as haven't used hormonal-based products but, generally, this combination works for me.
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Hi, cant say i have found a moisturizer to settle on that works, but i did notice that boots own brand moisturizer seem to have the exact same ingredients as Hyalofemme. users reviews on moisturizers would be interesting.. and might help others save money, or help them make a decision.
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Without wanting to sound like a stuck record... get it on prescription and the maximum cost is prescription cost (or free if you qualify for free prescriptions).
As regards user reviews, Yes and Sylk seem to work for me but ask your GP to prescribe different products, try them out and see what works for you.
This is a tricky subject but hopefully with some experimenting with combinations of different products, hormonal and/or non-hormonal as applicable, you will find a solution.
Best wishes everyone.
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Hi js
I wouldn't stop it just like that yet. You need to use every day for a fortnight ( minimum) and then twice a week afterwards. In severe cases some use it every night for 3 weeks and then even so some women need to increase it to 3 x per week or more now and again to maintain the benefits.
Your headaches may also have been due to something else.
Also initially when you start Vagifem, if your vaginal tissues are thin and atrophied. more oestrogen is absorbed into the system but if used correctly ( ie every night for 2 weeks at least) the tissues plump up and very litte is absorbed and you shouldn't experience headaches ( if indeed they are due to Vagifem).
I would persist for a couple of months at least.
Also if this doesn't suit you you can always use one of the vaginal oestrogen creams which is a different type of oestrogen less likely to cause systemic side effects eg Gynest cream as others have mentioned.
Hurdity x
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Hi hurdity
Thanks for the advice I have left off the vagifem and not had the headaches so it must be something to do with it anyway I am going back to docs as she wanted to do an internal anyway just to make sure there is no another problem but it seems that I can't get passed my cervix without it hurting not so much I'm dry sorry too much info and so she wants to check then I can chat to her and see what she says
Js
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i think way back when i had headaches when i first used vagifem, but i think im addicted to it now.. Recently i was told i should come off it as i didnt have atrophic vaginitus. i used yes moisturiser, but i just felt dryer and dryer.. boots own brand moisturiser did seem to encourage moisture, and multi gyn actigel, certainly made things comfier.. but to be honest, nothing works as well as vagifem for me.. im not sure a moisturiser or lube would ever work for really bad dryness..