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[Otter15]

Hello again. Can I ask if  Ovestin can be used long term? I have been using it for a couple of months and it's been much more effective for me than Vagifem. The doctor though told me only to use it for three months then stop for a month to reassess. I know already that I won't last a month without it! Will it be alright to continue? Is it like Vagifem - same strength etc as she said it could cause breast/uterine cancer. I'm now abroad so won't be able to see my own doctor for a while.

[Dierdre]

Yes you can use long term, I use Vagifem and Ovestin. Both can be used forever, it's just which suits you best.

[Joaniepat]

Your GP is talking nonsense. I think the stopping and starting was something they used to advise years ago, but that advice is well out of date now and the NICE guidelines say that women should be warned that symptoms may return if treatment is stopped.

Vagifem and Ovestin contain different oestrogens, Vagifem has estradiol and Ovestin contains estriol. You can use whichever you prefer. Some women use both: Vagifem internally plus Ovestin on the external bits. Neither will induce any kind of cancer.

JP x

[suzysunday]

I've been off ovestin 3 months after pmb, caused by Tibolone not ovestin, and I need to get back on it pronto, so don't let your gp make you stop it.

[daska86]

Deirdre,  I've been prescribed Vagifem and Ovestin. GP says use either , or Vagifem internally and Ovestin externally.
Not sure how much to use externally,  a bit on the finger, or a syringe worth. Only on day three at the moment and finding it hard going. 😞

[Joaniepat]

For external use, a bit on the finger. A syringe worth might be rather a lot, you don't really want to slather on too much. I use about a 5 mm blob and just smear it on, but it's trial and error.

JP x

[Tinkerbell]

I got told the same as you and to have a break, if I had done that I wouldn't have been able to walk as my VA has been bad!

Fortunately for me, the meno specialist wrote to GP pointing out that topical estrogen was safe long term, it can be used every day and no break needed.
I use Vagifem daily and apply a very small dab of Ovestin cream on outer bits a few times a week.

[Otter15]

Thank you all again. As always, you get the answers on this forum. Before getting the cream, I ended up with vaginitis - such burning and soreness inside and out. Made walking and going upstairs really unpleasant. The cream definitely controls it but I know it's still there. A month off would have put me back to square one.

[daska86]

Thanks Joaniepat

[Katejo]

I got told the same as you and to have a break, if I had done that I wouldn't have been able to walk as my VA has been bad!

Fortunately for me, the meno specialist wrote to GP pointing out that topical estrogen was safe long term, it can be used every day and no break needed.
I use Vagifem daily and apply a very small dab of Ovestin cream on outer bits a few times a week.

I need a similar instruction. A GP has insisted today that it can only be taken for 3 months initially (and a year in total after the 3 month review).

[Dierdre]

I just use a pea size amount of Ovestin every night externally and vagifem daily.  I find the Vagifem works ok inside but don't do much for the outside. I have used Ovestin with the applicator filled inside and this works also, it's just a matter of preference  and trying what suits you best.

[daska86]

Thanks Dierdre, basically I'm terrified of using too much, too little and making things worse. Anxiety is taking over I'm driving my husband nuts and all I want to do is pull the covers over my head .

[Dierdre]

I know, I used to get anxious when I first used hrt but Ovestin an Vagifem are such a tiny dosage and  have been used for many years so don't worry.

[suzysunday]

Deirdre is right  you need to use it consistantly.  It's horrible when that anxiety hits you as many women on here know.

[Joaniepat]

Daska86, don't worry (easier said than done!), just keep on with the daily Vagifem and blob of Ovestin and things will get better. I see from your previous posts that you have been given Canestin unnecessarily and this was bound to irritate and make you feel worse. It will take a bit of time for the local oestrogen to work, maybe a couple of weeks or more before you see any improvement. Let the treatment become part of your routine, like cleaning your teeth! After all, you will be doing this forever, but regular treatment will eventually make you feel more comfortable in the intimate area and will deal with UTI-like symptoms as well.

As to using too much or not enough, you sound just like me! Daily Vagifem, pea-sized blob of Ovestin, and you will get there.

To keep the vaginal flora healthy, try not to get water between the labia as this will flush away the good bacteria, so take showers not baths.

Let us know how you get on.

JP x