Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Postmenopause => Topic started by: Mouse60 on June 05, 2023, 06:41:30 PM

Title: Estriol or estrodiol
Post by: Mouse60 on June 05, 2023, 06:41:30 PM
Been getting on well with Imvaggis pessaries for 3 months but they are now out of stock and Dr has replaced them with Vagifem.
But Imvaggis is estriol and Vagifem is estrodiol. I’ve had breast cancer 13 yrs ago and Imvaggis is very low dose whereas Vagifem is higher with more risks.
Should I be worried?
Title: Re: Estriol or estrodiol
Post by: Flossieteacake on June 05, 2023, 06:44:12 PM
I personally would not be worried Mouse. Vagifem is still a low dose of oestrogen. If you prefer you could use a cream like Ovestin but I remember you saying you prefer a pessary.
Title: Re: Estriol or estrodiol
Post by: Mouse60 on June 05, 2023, 07:17:18 PM
Thank you! Such a minefield isn’t it?
I am thinking it could even potentially be better…..
Who knows?
Title: Re: Estriol or estrodiol
Post by: Flossieteacake on June 05, 2023, 07:27:24 PM
Thank you! Such a minefield isn’t it?
I am thinking it could even potentially be better…..
Who knows?

That is a very good point. Maybe it will be better for you. :)
Title: Re: Estriol or estrodiol
Post by: Dizzy me on August 01, 2023, 04:28:44 PM
If your still wanted to use imvaggis I’ve managed to purchase it from Oxford online pharmacy today. I’ve had a prescription sat in a local chemist’s for quite a few weeks with them trying desperately to order me some looking  at the depot several times a day. My private menopause specialist had sent me an alternative product to try.
Title: Re: Estriol or estrodiol
Post by: Mouse60 on August 05, 2023, 09:07:49 PM
Thanks Dizzy Me.
I am considering going back on it because I am getting burning, itching and pain with Vagifem/Vagirux.
Do you find Imvaggis greasy though?
Title: Re: Estriol or estrodiol
Post by: Dizzy me on August 06, 2023, 09:47:35 PM
@mouse60 I find it greasy and during the hot weather it melted and was impossible to insert. I popped them in the fridge and found it easier as they aren’t as messy.
Title: Re: Estriol or estrodiol
Post by: VioletAquarius on August 07, 2023, 10:55:19 PM
Sorry to jump on your thread, but what's the difference between estriol and estrodiol?  Is it just the dosage?
And what risks does Vagifem have that imvaggis doesn't.
I'm starting Vagifem and wonder whether I should have started an estriol pessary instead...
Thanks
Title: Re: Estriol or estrodiol
Post by: arcticfox on August 08, 2023, 06:22:09 AM
Sorry to jump on your thread, but what's the difference between estriol and estrodiol?  Is it just the dosage?
And what risks does Vagifem have that imvaggis doesn't.
I'm starting Vagifem and wonder whether I should have started an estriol pessary instead...
Thanks
I'm no expert but I think they are different types of oestrogen, both made in our bodies and decline at menopause. Estradiol is stronger and in systemic HRT usually, while estriol is in pessaries and creams.

I use vagifem or vagirux most days, it's an estriol pessary, so you actually have started an estriol pessary instead  :)
I've not encountered invaggis, sorry and I probably spelt everything wrong!
Title: Re: Estriol or estrodiol
Post by: Minusminnie on August 08, 2023, 06:59:59 AM
Sorry to jump on your thread, but what's the difference between estriol and estrodiol?  Is it just the dosage?
And what risks does Vagifem have that imvaggis doesn't.
I'm starting Vagifem and wonder whether I should have started an estriol pessary instead...
Thanks
I'm no expert but I think they are different types of oestrogen, both made in our bodies and decline at menopause. Estradiol is stronger and in systemic HRT usually, while estriol is in pessaries and creams.

I use vagifem or vagirux most days, it's an estriol pessary, so you actually have started an estriol pessary instead  :)

I've not encountered invaggis, sorry and I probably spelt everything wrong!

Vagifem and Vagirux are estradiol not estriol.
Title: Re: Estriol or estrodiol
Post by: Ermin2trude on August 08, 2023, 09:49:29 AM
Sorry to jump on your thread, but what's the difference between estriol and estrodiol?  Is it just the dosage?
And what risks does Vagifem have that imvaggis doesn't.
I'm starting Vagifem and wonder whether I should have started an estriol pessary instead...
Thanks

Hello,

Oestrogen isn’t one hormone but several including oestradiol, oestrone and oestrial. All three have the same beneficial effects but vary in strength. It is the livers job to convert oestradiol and oestrone into oestriol. So I suppose an estriol pessary would be less work for your liver,  it you might need the stronger one depending on symptoms.
Title: Re: Estriol or estrodiol
Post by: VioletAquarius on August 08, 2023, 09:58:32 PM
Thank you !