Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: Muppapuppa on January 10, 2021, 01:06:53 PM

Title: Vagifem and/or Ovestin
Post by: Muppapuppa on January 10, 2021, 01:06:53 PM
Hello

I know this has been talked about many times but wondering about my own specific situation.

Been on Vagifem twice weekly since June and noticed in Autumn I was getting soreness externally. Spoke with GP and increased dose to three times per week.

Anyway still sore outside (vulva etc) so I have spoken to GP and she has prescribed Ovestin to replace Vagifem and now suggested two week reload.

I was hoping to use Vagifem inside and dot of Ovestin outside on alternate days. GP said use either or and not both.

Can anyone else advise? Own experiences etc.

I had a gynae appointment next week but it has been cancelled, so I am going to arrange a private meno appointment but seem to have to ask for everything and don’t want to harm myself with these creams/pessaries!

Have read Jane Lewis book and am aware that, untreated, things may get worse.

Thanks all
Title: Re: Vagifem and/or Ovestin
Post by: Joaniepat on January 10, 2021, 01:50:28 PM
You can, of course, use both Ovestin and Vagifem. I would get your private practitioner to write to your GP telling them this. FYI, I use 5 Vagifem a week, Ovestin internally on the non-Vagifem nights, and Estriol Cream externally every other night. The Ovestin is some left over from a previous prescription, but I have both Vagifem and Estriol Cream on my current list of repeats. Have you considered the Estring for internal estradiol plus Ovestin for external issues? Are you also using a good moisturiser or emollient externally?

JP x
Title: Re: Vagifem and/or Ovestin
Post by: Muppapuppa on January 10, 2021, 01:54:02 PM
I used zero double when I was getting sore over Christmas, and just been given Ovestin on Friday.

Just confused as gp said no to using both 😫
Title: Re: Vagifem and/or Ovestin
Post by: CLKD on January 10, 2021, 02:48:57 PM
Another GP that doesn't have a clue  ::)

Use the 'vagifem' nightly and top up the outer vaginal areas with 'ovestin'?
Title: Re: Vagifem and/or Ovestin
Post by: Wrensong on January 10, 2021, 02:58:14 PM
I use Vagifem plus the weaker Estriol cream (0.01%) externally, both 5 nights a week.  Prescribed by well respected menopause clinic a few years ago & on repeat prescription ever since.  Wondering whether your GP might be more amenable to your using Vagifem with the weaker Estriol externally, rather than Ovestin for the vulva.  The cream should make a big difference to comfort so do persevere with getting both prescribed.
Title: Re: Vagifem and/or Ovestin
Post by: Muppapuppa on January 10, 2021, 03:22:21 PM
Thanks for replies so far, it is ovestin 1mg she has prescribed and she said to stop Vagifem

I was going to continue you with three times per week vagifem and other nights a small blob of ovestin, especially near vaginal entrance as this was sore after my period (sorry of tmi)

Uphill struggle  :'(
Title: Re: Vagifem and/or Ovestin
Post by: CLKD on January 10, 2021, 04:39:00 PM
You do what you feel will help your symptoms.  MayB she wants to know which product suits your condition the best?  Use 'vagifem' nightly as it is such a small amount of product and many need it every night.  Nowt is TMI!
Title: Re: Vagifem and/or Ovestin
Post by: Muppapuppa on January 10, 2021, 04:54:44 PM
I have found with vagifem that i can feel a bit bloated, hence the alternate days!

Trouble is GP has limited time discuss options, not aided by not being able to visit to be seen.

I am annoyed the gynae appointment was cancelled as I was hoping to talk about it all then. :( :(

I just want to feel less aware of this  area which is what happened when I first started using Vagifem.
Title: Re: Vagifem and/or Ovestin
Post by: CLKD on January 10, 2021, 05:28:00 PM
Ah the bloated feelings.  I get that when an attack is brewing  >:(.  I take Nurofen if necessary which helps.
Title: Re: Vagifem and/or Ovestin
Post by: Tinkerbell on January 10, 2021, 06:02:21 PM
I use Vagifem every day plus Ovestin on outside bits, i can't keep VA under control otherwise. I saw private meno specialist so it is written in my notes but i do get annoyed a how often pharmacist questions why i have both.
Title: Re: Vagifem and/or Ovestin
Post by: Lyncola on January 11, 2021, 08:31:19 AM
I’m blessed to have a doctor that lets me use what I want when I want
Currently I’m using
Night 1- Vagifem internal and Ovestin externally
Night 2- Ovestin internally and externally
Night 3- Vagifem internal and Ovestin externally
Night 4- nothing
Then I repeat all over again.
At the moment it seems to be working
Good luck
Title: Re: Vagifem and/or Ovestin
Post by: Muppapuppa on January 11, 2021, 04:12:18 PM
It seems that I can use both and the GP is largely behind the times !

Thanks everyone