Trying to decide if Oestradiol vaginal cream is the right treatment for you? This post will help you make up your mind…

What is Oestradiol Vaginal Cream?

Oestradiol vaginal cream is a hormone replacement drug (treatment) you can usually get only with a doctor’s prescription.

Oestradiol cream treats some symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness, itching, and burning.

Menopause is the time of a woman’s life when she has stopped having menstrual periods.

It is a natural event; but in some women may be accompanied by a host of distressing symptoms.

Did you know that up to 50% of postmenopausal women experience vaginal dryness and discomfort?

Don’t ignore vaginal dryness and pain – Harvard Health

The cream contains a form of synthetic oestrogen known as Oestradiol.

Oestrogen is a hormone produced by your ovaries. One of its functions is to help restore the natural lubrication and elasticity of your vaginal tissues.

As menopause approaches, your ovaries produce less oestrogen leading to the menopausal symptoms that many women get around this period.

Using oestrogen as hormone therapy like this, i.e. locally within the vagina, can improve your experience during sexual activity and reduce urinary discomfort.

Following the instructions from your clinicians about how to use the cream is important.

Why Should you use Oestradiol Vaginal Cream (Benefits)

One of the benefits of estradiol vaginal cream (and the reason you should consider it) is its effectiveness in treating some menopausal symptoms.  

Studies suggest that within only a few weeks of starting treatment, most women often experience relief from vaginal dryness, itching, and burning.

In addition, because the cream is applied locally, it targets the affected area directly, leading to faster and more noticeable improvements.

Compared to HRT taken by mouth or the skin, it will also have fewer effects on other parts of the body.

Is Vaginal Oestrogen Safe?

While many women can safely use estradiol vaginal cream without problems, some users may experience side effects.

Common examples of this are:

• mild irritation at the application site, breast pain, or headaches.
• Others are passing urine more frequently, or cystitis,
  • vaginal discharge, leg pain, pre-menstrual tension, lower abdominal pain etc

There are also more serious (but less common) risks associated with oestrogen therapy generally, such as a higher chance of blood clots, stroke, and certain types of cancer.

However, these less common risks …

“… apply to a lesser extent for oestrogen products for the vaginal application of which the systemic exposure to oestrogen remains within the normal postmenopausal range.“

Estriol Cream – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) – (emc) (medicines.org.uk)

In other words, using vaginal oestrogen exposes you to amounts of the drug that are lower than HRT taken by mouth (or its alternatives).

If you have any concerns, discuss them with your healthcare provider, who can consider your personal and family history to assess the risks in your case.

How to Apply Vaginal Oestrogen Cream

It’s important to know how to apply the cream properly to ensure it works properly.

You may find it more comfortable to apply the cream while lying down, but other women prefer standing up.

Wash your hands before and after using the cream to maintain hygiene.

Usually, you will apply the cream inside the vagina with an applicator provided in the package.

Your clinician will advise on the required dose, which is usually once daily for the first few weeks, after which you reduce the frequency to once or twice per week.

Are there Alternative Treatments?

Oestradiol vaginal cream is one of several options available for managing vaginal discomfort, dryness or itching associated with menopause.

Compared to other forms of HRT, hormone replacement therapy, such as tablets, patch or gel, the vaginal cream has a localised effect.

This localised effect means you have a lower chance of experiencing side effects elsewhere in the body and associated risks.

However, vaginal creams (or pessaries) might not be as effective for women who need relief from a broader range of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, joint problems, mood changes and so on.

Non-hormonal options, like moisturisers and lubricants, may be suitable for women who prefer to avoid hormone-based treatments, though they might not provide the same level of relief.

Able to decide now?

You need to be aware of the likelihood of developing genital symptoms like vulval or vaginal dryness and irritation as you reach menopause.

While they can be very distressing, in the majority of cases, you can receive effective treatments with either hormonal or non-hormonal options.

More Reading

• 5 Reasons You Didn’t Know For Vaginal Bleeding After Sex
• Power from Shared Experiences Around Menopause Symptoms
• The Ultimate Guide to Preventing Ladies’ “Toilet Infections”
• Menopause Symptoms and Treatments – Know When to See a Doctor?
• Genital Warts Treatment – What You Need to Know

Disclaimer

All  AskAwayHealth articles are written by practising Medical Practitioners on various healthcare conditions to provide evidence-based guidance and help promote quality healthcare. 

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