Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: sprocket on August 13, 2019, 08:20:32 PM

Title: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: sprocket on August 13, 2019, 08:20:32 PM
Hi.

I have just done three weeks of Ovestin, inserting it at bedtime. The Gp had originally suggested only 2 wks initially then go onto twice a week. However, at the end of the 2nd week I was still in a lot of discomfort so continued it for another week every night.
However, Im still very uncomfortable. Peeing like a horse, swollen and irritated at the entrance to my vagina and almost unable to sit on any chair for any length of time.
Just wondering if any of you strayed far off the advised 2 wk loading dose and if so how long did you extend it for?
Thanks everyone.
X
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: CLKD on August 13, 2019, 08:43:38 PM
Are you inserting it with the applicator?  Sometimes I put some round the whole area to keep it moist and supple.  Have you taken a pain relief, that sometimes eases the need to pee as it relaxes the spincter. 

Have you read the various threads about bladder issues and vaginal atrophy.
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: sprocket on August 13, 2019, 08:57:54 PM
Hiya,
Yes, using the applicator and rubbing any leftover into the external skin. I had just hoped that after 3wks I would be feeling some ongoing relief by now. 😔 Have been trying to find the answers Im looking for yes, but not found them as yet.

X
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: CLKD on August 13, 2019, 09:00:40 PM
You should have had some relief.  Are the symptoms the same as why you began the treatment?
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: sprocket on August 13, 2019, 09:11:52 PM
Yes. Same urinary frequency, same vaginal swelling, dryness and discomfort when sitting. Im getting through Yes VM at a rate of knots as its an absolute daytime necessity. I just need to know if theres any point or safety concerns by extending the loading dose more than 3 wks.
Im going to try and get another GP appointment tomorrow as I cant find any information or research on this online. It just isnt reported on enough.
Thanks for your replies. X
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: Joaniepat on August 14, 2019, 06:35:07 AM
Yes. Same urinary frequency, same vaginal swelling, dryness and discomfort when sitting. Im getting through Yes VM at a rate of knots as its an absolute daytime necessity. I just need to know if theres any point or safety concerns by extending the loading dose more than 3 wks.
Im going to try and get another GP appointment tomorrow as I cant find any information or research on this online. It just isnt reported on enough.
Thanks for your replies. X
There are quite a few women on here using Vagifem daily, but I don't know about Ovestin. A good resource is the Vaginal Atrophy Facebook group, run by Jane Lewis (Maryjane on this forum). Lots of support there.

JP x
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: CLKD on August 14, 2019, 08:47:32 AM
What underwear do you use daily?  Tongs may well dry out the area ;-). Granny had the right idea, Big Pants  :D

Give us an update!
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: Dierdre on August 14, 2019, 09:11:15 AM
Use the applicator amount inside and also use a good pea sized amount all around the labia and entrance. YES VM made me dry and sore, it's not for everyone and could be why you're not seeing an improvement, I now use YES WB 5ml applications as these dont have the preservative in that causes my irritation. Dont use at the same time as the Ovestin as it will dilute. I'd use Ovestin everynight for another week without the YES VM  then if still no improvement at all ask to try Vagifem and use Ovestin outside aswel.
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: CLKD on August 14, 2019, 09:12:31 AM
Good advice Both  :thankyou:
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: suzysunday on August 14, 2019, 06:40:45 PM
It took me ages to get my VA and bladder issues under control after having to come off hrt for 3 months.  I use ovestin and after the initial 2 week load I used it 3/4 times a week for a couple of months but still had horrible bladder pressure and frequent peeing.  It makes you so depressed.  My GP then said use every night for a month then alternate nights. I use Boots vaginal moisturizer the other nights.  Slowly things improved over about 8 months.  I don't use any other hrt just ovestin.  It's a tough battle.
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: Salad on August 14, 2019, 10:52:05 PM
Think you can extend daily dosing but might be worth checking with your GP.
My Consultant has just prescribed Estriol cream once daily for 6 weeks  :)
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: Whatsupwiththis on August 15, 2019, 08:34:16 PM
My GP has told me Vagifem EVERY NIGHT and cream every night (outer) so should be safe but like the awesome ladies on this site have said listen to your GP. 
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: CLKD on August 15, 2019, 08:35:58 PM
GPs however may suggest keeping to the prescription  ::)
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: Whatsupwiththis on August 15, 2019, 08:40:04 PM
Yes CLKD tis true. 
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: sprocket on August 15, 2019, 10:48:32 PM
Hi guys,

I spoke to one of the male Gp's at my practice during a phone consult. He said to continue with it for another week until I see the female Gp who luckily Id booked an appointment with in advance. Just shows how some male Gps arent too hot on “ womeny things “, even now!! Sigh.

X
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: Dierdre on August 15, 2019, 10:52:17 PM
Just a reminder all using Ovestin whilst in a hot climate (holidays) to keep in the fridge, storage needs to be less than 25° or it will stop working.
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: sprocket on August 19, 2019, 05:42:12 PM
Just a little whine and moan about my experience with Ovestin so far. After the initial 2 wks loading dose I saw no improvement so continued for another week. Ive now just started week 5 as Im no better and really struggling with thrush type symptoms and cystitis that would bring a tear to a glass eye. I can barely sit on my chair at work as its so uncomfortable.
I have a Gp appointment tomorrow so planning on taking a sample of wee with me to get checked out and I think I'll have to ask where we go from here. Managed to have sex on Saturday which wasnt painful or uncomfortable but here we are again with the discomfort and urinary symptoms afterwards. It's just dire!
😔
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: Whatsupwiththis on August 19, 2019, 07:26:35 PM
Hi Sprocket...get tested for vulodynia.  Like you I couldn't understand why Vagifem wasn't working after 5 weeks.  Diagnosed with vulvodynia.  Good luck and hope you find comfort.
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: sprocket on August 21, 2019, 04:53:16 PM
Hi everyone,

UTI confirmed by the Gp so now on anti biotics and have an appointment booked in with a specialist Meno consultant ...... in October. Long time to wait and having to do a 2.5hr round trip to see them ( no specialist Meno Drs in the area! ) but hopefully she'll help me.
Still getting pressure down yonder and thrush type feelings down there. Also, not convinced the Ovestin is doing anything after 5 wks of it, nightly. Gp yesterday said to continue with it for now.
I just want my bits back to normal. Dont we all, eh?

X
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: CLKD on August 21, 2019, 06:52:33 PM
Some female GPs aren't either  :(

Any improvement at all?
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: sprocket on August 21, 2019, 09:39:17 PM
Havent felt any change with the Ovestin as yet. Im on week 5 of nightly application just now. Hoping that once the UTI clears I'll be able to notice moreso if things have improved. For now, we wait. X
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: suzysunday on August 22, 2019, 02:46:16 PM
It can all be such a slow process and really gets you down.  From having cystisis last September it took till June for those wee feelings to improve.  I know I've said this previously so apologies for repeating.  I just thought it would never improve. 
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: sprocket on August 22, 2019, 10:38:28 PM
Suzysunday,
I completely get that! My trouble started last November and here we all are 3 seasons later... 😏
I'm feeling slightly more comfortable today. Still peeing for Britain but bit more comfortable to sit today tho I havent been at work so Ive been free to move around at my leisure.
It IS rough going, no question.
I said to the female Gp on Tuesday “ I just want my vagina back!!!!!! “.
😩😂

X
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: suzysunday on August 23, 2019, 09:47:08 AM
Yes that's a long time!  And having to work also is really tough.  I really hope things improve a lot for you soon.  I never thought such a condition was in store for us women when I was younger.   All good thoughts to you. 
Title: Re: Anyone use Ovestin in the initial loading dose phase (nightly) for more than 3wk
Post by: Paula on August 27, 2019, 11:07:51 AM
For what it's worth, I've been using combo of ovestin & vagifem for 5 years now, following significant UTI problems, with VA; internal  scarring from childbirth added to the problems of pain and infections.

During first year of topical, targeted HRT gels/ creams, use & following Fenton surgery to correct scar tissue everything was massively inflamed. I needed antibiotics to clear vaginal infection caused by scar tissue. Using ovestin at this point was very difficult as the tissue was fragile and it caused burning sensations. The gynaecologist mentioned that there's an antiseptic element to ovestin cream. However, he did say to treat fragile tissue, it was by far the most effective option. He then prescribed less astringent vagifem , which I persevere with and eventually things settled down. At that point, I was able to use both - vagifem for higher up, ovestin lower down.

Five years down the line, I tend to favour ovestin as vagifem gel tends to dry up on me. Ovestin as a cream for me works in a more lubricative way. I'm used to the cream now, applying about twice - three times a week. If I use too much of it, it can irritate the urethral area.

 However, I have found  HRT cream / gels a complete godsend and haven't looked back since 2014. You might find it useful to read my early posts on this website to see how far I've come since then. It offers hope for all of us.  I rarely get urinary tract sensations, last infection dates back to 2015. I think it's important to persevere with topical HRT if it's been prescribed for a condition, but take your time, listen to your symptoms, be kind to yourself,  and be flexible in your approach with ovestin or vagifem. Good luck !