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[Jennijx]

Today I told my doctor that my vaginal atrophy is worsening. She was happy for me to continue using Vagifem every night and agreed that I need to increase my oestrogen (but wants to refer me to a specialist meno clinic to do this, due to being only 37 and having never seen a specialist before). I also requested estrogen cream for my vulva area which she said she would prescribe.

So far so good and I was very happy with the outcome. Until I picked up the prescription and it is for estradiol gel 80g  to apply on my shoulders/thighs once daily. So not the local estrogen I was expecting.... The receptionist kindly went to clarify this with my gp but was told that yes this would help me. I was unable to speak to her myself.

I am on evorel 75mg patch normally in addition to cyclical urtrogestan.

So my question is should I be taking this gel on top of my hrt? Will it really help the dryness? If push to speak to my doctor again?

Thank you for taking the time to read this x

[Whatsupwiththis]

Hi jennijx....how long have you being using Vagifem?  I use it daily and has taken a good 6 mos. to get relief and I still get some discomfort.  My GP said it could take a full year before 80 to 90% better.  Phone GP back and ask for Ovestin for outer areas.  Many ladies have good success with Ovestin.  I need both..vagifem internally and estrone externally.  It's a very long road but perseverance is the key.

[Jennijx]

I've been using Vagifem every other day for over a year with good effect until recently. I think my overall oestrogen levels have dropped with return of flushes, migraines, mood swings etc. But for now I am happy to wait to see a menopause specialist before my hrt is increased.
So you think the estradiol gel is a mistake and I should request ovestin?

[sheila99]

Yes, she's made a mistake. I'd tell the surgery the prescription is wrong and you need to speak to the gp.

[Joaniepat]

It most certanly is a mistake. You have been given an estradiol gel for systemic use on "ordinary" skin and would have been in big trouble if you'd used it on the vulva. What you wanted was one of the creams for use specifically on the vulva, and these are either Ovestin or the generic Estriol Cream. Also, they both contain estriol, not estradiol.

It is a good job you are awake, as it seems your GP was not!

JP x

[Jennijx]

Thank you for confirming this ladies. You are lifesavers! Xxx