Vaginal atrophy

Posted 9 years ago, 9 users are following.

Soxy

I have been prescribed Estriol cream for this horrible condition. Have been using it for a week, and some improvement but not a great deal. Anyone know how long this cream takes to kick in?

1 like, 40 replies

40 Replies

tracy12090 Soxy

Posted 9 years ago

About 6 weeks to see any improvements if it Gynest it's quite a weak cream. this was my 1St treatment for the condition. If it's Ovestin that was after 2 weeks as it's alot stronger.
- Soxy tracy12090
  
  Posted 9 years ago
  
  Thank you for that info Tracy. Not sure which cream it is from looking at the leaflet. I think I will have to have a bit more patience as I have only been using it a week. Really uncomfortable condition though.
- tracy12090 Soxy
  
  Posted 9 years ago
  
  Yes keep going it all helps regardless as you say it's very uncomfortable. Gynest is 0.01% whereas Ovestin is 1mg. If that helps.
- Soxy tracy12090
  
  Posted 9 years ago
  
  Very helpful Tracy. Have just checked and the cream is 0.01% so I guess it is the weaker stuff. Thanks to everyone for their input on this. Also, another question, have any of you found the itching and soreness extend towards the bottom? Can't put it any more politely!
- lee12629 tracy12090
  
  Posted 9 years ago
  
  So its about the same strength as an over the counter hydrocortisone cream?
- tracy12090 lee12629
  
  Posted 9 years ago
  
  I'm not sure how strong hydrocortisone cream is.
Anshe Soxy

Posted 9 years ago

Hi Soxy, my Ovestin took 6-8 weeks to kick in but then sorted out all my symptoms. I don't want to stay on it too long though so am currently on it once a week and supplementing this with a vaginal moisturiser. I'm seeing the consultant today so will see how long she thinks I need to be on the Ovestin.
- tracy12090 Anshe
  
  Posted 9 years ago
  
  Actually you might be right about Ovestin timing taking longer as I was on Vagifem beforehand for quite awhile. So more of a top up for me. Good luck with the consultant let us know what they say about needing the Ovestin. It's good to know the different advice consultants give as it varies so much.
- Anshe tracy12090
  
  Posted 9 years ago
  
  I will get back to you and let you know Tracy. The last time I asked the consultant she said there was very little increase in breast cancer figures with Ovestin use but today I shall ask her about the endometrial cancer figures.
- Soxy Anshe
  
  Posted 9 years ago
  
  Thanks for your response. All most helpful.
- tracy12090 Anshe
  
  Posted 9 years ago
  
  Thanks that will be interesting to know. It's always good to monitor these things anyway as your needs change overtime.
- tracy12090 Soxy
  
  Posted 9 years ago
  
  No problem. I can't say I've experienced itching in that area but I've read many women do.
  If you give the cream a couple of months then you could see about moving onto something stronger. Usually Vagifem is next I was fine on those and they are less messy.
- Soxy tracy12090
  
  Posted 9 years ago
  
  Ok Tracy, many thanks. Feeling a bit better that I'm not on my own. All the best.
- tracy12090 Soxy
  
  Posted 9 years ago
  
  Glad your feeling better theirs usually quite a few ladies on here. Must be a quiet week. Sure they will have some advice soon :-)
- Anshe tracy12090
  
  Posted 9 years ago
  
  The consultant has now told me that I need only take Ovestin once a week and then after a while once a fortnight. She said there was little risk of increased cancer of the endometrium. She was fine about me using a vaginal moisturiser in between and although it wouldn't be as effective, she said that it didn't have the side effects. I'm going to continue with my routine of 1x per week Ovestin and 1x per week moisturiser and then decrease the Ovestin to once every fortnight and see how I get on. For information my symptoms were urinary frequency, pelvic discomfort when sitting and vaginal burninc for a year.
- tracy12090 Anshe
  
  Posted 9 years ago
  
  All sounds positive as you say try it and see how you get on. I find my symptoms return pretty quickly once u cut back so for now I will continue twice a week and review later. My symptoms are pretty similar plus I get splitting of the skin also. It's really been quite life changing in many negative ways. But thankfully their improving.

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.