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[Starproms]

I went to the doctor today to order some more Vagifem. I asked if he could up the dose because although the Vagifem helps, I still feel dry. He told me the higher dose is no longer available. I have been on 10 mgs. for a short while. We discussed the matter and I asked if I could try the Vagifem for three times a week instead of twice and he agreed I could try that for six months.

What are your experiences? Which frequency works best for you?Can you recommend something I can buy from the chemist for lubrication of the outer areas?

[CLKD]

It's been discontinued for a long while.  Do have a read of the various threads on vaginal atrophy on here - [My Bladder etc. .....] and a more recent thread which of course, meno-brain can't remember!

[Tinkerbell]

Lots of doctors let patients use 5x10 a week as that is equal to the old dose.
I use it every day..can't manage otherwise 

[ancient runner]

An alternative is the Estring which is a silicone ring which sits in your vagina for 3 months at a time releasing 50mcg of oestrogen a week. It suits some of us very well.

[babyjane]

I use it every other day with estriol cream for the outer area.  The combination of the 2 works well for me 

[Starproms]

Thank you people. Can I get the cream you mention BabyJane, from the chemist or is it prescription only? 

[CLKD]

Maybe give your local Pharmacy a ring?

[Hurdity]

Yes estriol cream needs to be prescribed as well (not from chemist) - many of us use both - Vagifem and estriol. For rubbing onto outer areas, then the generic estriol is better (0.01%) as it can be used more liberally than Ovestin which is 10 x more concentrated at 0.1%.

Hurdity x

[babyjane]

Thank you Hurdity, yes, ask for the 0.01% estriol (used to be gynest).  It is kinder and lasts longer than the 0.1% Ovestin which is the stronger estradiol 

[Jenna]

Thank you Hurdity, yes, ask for the 0.01% estriol (used to be gynest).  It is kinder and lasts longer than the 0.1% Ovestin which is the stronger estradiol 

Just to clarify - Ovestin also contains estriol (not estradiol), the same as Estriol Cream. Estriol Cream is weaker and more suitable for outer areas, as Hurdity explained.

Ovestin PIL:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/28891

[babyjane]

I stand corrected, but the 0.01% is still a lot milder than the Ovestin at 0.1%

Also the Ovestin contains chlorhexidine which is a disinfectant and I think that could account for the stinging and discomfort on already sore vulval skin.

[Hurdity]

Yes the two preparations have different ingredients as well as the active estriol - from what I recall the list is longer for Ovestin - I did look it up and post them a while back - but you just have to google the name of the product and SPC and the product info comes up on the EMC website.

Hurdity x

[babyjane]

just be aware that the milder estriol cream does contain peanut oil so if you have an allergy to peanuts do not use this product.

[Binbon2]

I have been using the 0.01% Estriol cream. When it ran out I was given the 0.1% Ovestin cream. I didn't not get on with this at all. Each time I used it I woke up in the early hours with a headache and stomach cramps. Have got a replacement prescription for the 0.01% estriol cream, so hopefully things will go back to normal!