How does vaginal oestrogen work?
Vaginal oestrogen is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT works by replacing the hormones that fall during and after the menopause, which helps to improve menopause symptoms.
Vaginal oestrogen medicines contain a type of oestrogen called estradiol or estriol that comes from plants.
As you go through the menopause your levels of oestrogen fall, causing symptoms such as vaginal dryness or irritation, as well as other menopause symptoms.
Using vaginal oestrogen as HRT gives you a low dose that increases your levels of oestrogen only in your vagina. This is effective for relieving vaginal dryness and irritation.
When will I feel better?
It can take up to 3 months for vaginal oestrogen to work fully in improving your symptoms.
If you do not feel better after 3 months, speak to your doctor. You may need to try a few different types before finding the right treatment for you.
Are there any long-term side effects?
It's best to only take HRT at the lowest dose that works for you, and only for as long as you need it to control your menopause symptoms.
This is because HRT can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer and blood clots. However, these risks are lower for vaginal oestrogen compared to other types of HRT.
How does it compare with other medicines for vaginal symptoms of the menopause?
If vaginal oestrogen is not helping your symptoms, your doctor may recommend prasterone pessaries as an alternative to treat vaginal symptoms of the menopause.
There are also a variety of vaginal lubricants and moisturisers available which may help your symptoms. Ask a pharmacist for advice.
What will happen if I stop using it?
If you stop using vaginal oestrogen, your menopause symptoms might come back.
Talk to your doctor if you're thinking of stopping. They'll help you decide what's best for you. They may suggest that you reduce your dose gradually, to help stop symptoms coming back.
If you're having problems with side effects, your doctor might suggest changing your dose, or switching to another type of HRT.
Can I switch to another brand?
Some brands of vaginal oestrogen are very similar and it's possible to switch between them without any problems.
If the brand or type of vaginal oestrogen that you've been using is not available because of supply shortages, is not helping your symptoms, or if you have problems with side effects, a doctor or pharmacist can advise about switching to a different type.
Can I get HRT for free?
You'll need to pay for your hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prescriptions unless you're eligible for free prescriptions.
However, you can reduce the cost by getting an HRT pre-payment certificate (PPC). This means you can pay a small fee that will cover all your HRT prescriptions for a year.
Find out how to save money with a prescription prepayment certificate.
You can also buy vaginal oestrogen tablets, called Gina, from a pharmacy without a prescription.
Will I lose or put on weight?
There is no good evidence that taking oestrogen makes you put on weight.
However, it's common to gain weight around the time of the menopause. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly will help you keep to a healthy weight.
Will it affect my contraception?
Oestrogen is not a contraceptive.
It's still possible to get pregnant while taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), so you'll need to use contraception until 2 years after your last period if you're under 50 years old, or for 1 year if you're over 50 years old.
You'll usually need to use a non-hormonal method of contraception, such as condoms or a diaphragm, or other options which you can speak to your doctor about.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about contraception and HRT.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Yes. Using vaginal oestrogen does not affect your ability to drive or ride a bike.
Can I drink alcohol while using vaginal oestrogen?
You can drink alcohol while using vaginal oestrogen.
Are there any foods and drinks I need to avoid?
You can eat and drink normally while using vaginal oestrogen.
Try to have a healthy, balanced diet, as this can help with menopause symptoms and keep you well.
Can lifestyle changes help menopause symptoms?
The following lifestyle changes can help with the more general symptoms of the menopause, although not necessarily with vaginal symptoms:
- Regular exercise. This helps with bone health and can reduce hot flushes and improve your sleep. It may also help improve your general mood, reduce stress and help you keep to a healthy weight.
- Cut down on caffeine and alcohol. This may help reduce hot flushes and improve your sleep.
- Quit smoking. This can help reduce hot flushes and reduce your risk of developing other health problems such as cancer, heart disease and stroke.
Find out more about lifestyle changes for menopause symptoms