I don't think you can buy from online pharmacies without a prescription though?
As for your doc - yet again another ignorant GP!!!! The over the counter stuff does not work in the same way - although can help.
Here is the info from this site:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/dryness.phpVAGINAL DRYNESS
Lack of estrogen can cause dryness and thinning of the vaginal tissues making intercourse uncomfortable or even painful. The first sign of an effect of reduced estrogen on the vagina is reduced lubrication during sexual activity. HRT can alleviate this but even if you cannot take systemic HRT you may still be able to use estrogen topically to the vagina. This is available in a few forms; creams administered via applicators, waxy pessaries, small tablets inserted with an applicator or a vaginal ring which stays in place for 3 months at a time. For creams, pessaries or vaginal tablets, the initial dose is 1 application nightly for 2 weeks, followed by the maintenance dose of 1 application twice weekly. Low dose vaginal estrogen preparations can be used long term without causing any known systemic effect, and without needing any progestogenic protection of the lining of the womb.
Even if you cannot or do not want to use hormones there are other options. Over the counter bio-adhesive vaginal moisturisers are very effective. A range of products are available, many of which are easier to use than KY jelly, which is water based and more slippery. These moisturizers are also slightly acidic which helps prevent vaginal infections. One other advantage is that they do not need to be used at the time of intercourse. Several non-hormonal vaginal products can be also be prescribed and include Replens MD, Yes, Hyalofemme and Sylk.http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/local.phpVAGINAL TREATMENTS
Local estrogen can be used for vaginal and bladder symptoms, when systemic treatment is not desired or appropriate. For some women, vaginal estrogen may be required along with systemic HRT.
I linked to the NICE Guidelines on menopause (published Nov 2015) recently on another thread but here is the link again:
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations#managing-short-term-menopausal-symptomsGo to Section 1.4.9 Urogenital atrophy
This in particular is important:
"Explain to women with urogenital atrophy that:
....symptoms often come back when treatment is stopped"
Please do print out all the relevant information and prepare to be assertive - it is your right to have this and you will not make more of your own oestrogen once it has declined. Local oestrogen is the best proven treatment for vaginal atrophy and associated bladder symptoms.
I use full HRT ( systemic ie patches) as well as Vagifem and also estriol cream which I use now and again. The inconsistency in treatment and prescription over the UK is shocking and the NICE Guidelines were supposed to help equalise this by providing up to date information and guidance to the medical profession.
I would get along to your doc asap - and let us know how you get on.
Hurdity x
