Gina Tablets

Gina Tablets

Manage menopause symptoms with Gina, the UK’s first low-dose oestrogen pill available over the counter:

  • Relieves symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching, and painful sex.
  • Easy to insert vaginal tablets.
  • Works within just 4 weeks.
In stock
from £29.95

Product details

Gina is the first post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) available over the counter. It is a low-dose oestrogen tablet which is inserted directly into the vagina.

It works by replacing hormones that naturally fall during the menopause, stopping you from experiencing symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching and painful sex.

If you think Gina could be a good option for you, it is available to request from Superdrug Online Doctor. The process is quick and simple. You’ll need to complete a short online health questionnaire for one of our doctors to review to make sure Gina is a suitable medication for you. If it is, we can send it in discreet packaging to your home address or you can choose to collect it from your local Superdrug Pharmacy in as little as 2 hours after a doctor’s approval.

headshot of medical editor brenda Ikeji

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Ikeji

Last reviewed: 29 Jan 2025

Gina prices

Pack Size Price
10 mcg - 24 tablet(s) - Initiation HRT £29.95
10 mcg - 24 tablet(s) - Continuous HRT £29.95

How it Works

About Gina

What is Gina?

Gina is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used by women to relieve menopause symptoms that affect the vagina, such as dryness or irritation.

During menopause, oestrogen levels drop and this may cause many symptoms including vaginal atrophy, where the vaginal wall becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. This causes symptoms like dryness, itching, irritation, and pain during sex.

Gina contains the active ingredient oestrogen to replace the naturally occurring oestrogen that was produced by the ovaries before menopause. Because Gina tablets are inserted directly into the vagina, oestrogen is released exactly where it is needed to relieve any discomfort.

Gina is available over the counter without a prescription from most pharmacies or online from Superdrug Online Doctor for postmenopausal women. It is manufactured by Novo Nordisk Ltd.

How does Gina work?

Gina works by replacing the oestrogen lost during menopause. As the level of oestrogen falls in the body, it causes several symptoms, such as hot flushes, night sweats, and vaginal irritation.

Gina helps to improve vaginal symptoms by slowly releasing oestrogen to help the levels in the vagina to rise, providing relief from discomfort.

How long does Gina take to work?

Gina will begin to work immediately, but it can take between 4 and 8 weeks to fully notice the benefits. Gina starts to rebalance the pH in the vagina after 2 weeks and symptom relief is often felt after 8 weeks.

How effective is Gina?

In studies, Gina improved vaginal hormone levels and pH and relieved moderate to severe vaginal menopause symptoms after 12 weeks of treatment.

How to take Gina

To insert Gina, follow these steps, which can also be found with your medication in the patient information leaflet:

  1. Wash your hands and get into a comfortable, relaxed position, either standing up or lying down.
  2. Tear off 1 of the blister packs and open it at one end. Separate the plastic wrapper and remove the applicator.
  3. Hold the applicator so that one of your fingers can press the applicator plunger (if you have used applicator tampons in the past, you’ll hold the applicator in a similar way).
  4. Insert the applicator carefully into your vagina, inserting about half of the applicator, but only as far as it feels comfortable, never force it.
  5. Gently press the applicator plunger until you feel a click – this signals that the tablet has been released. The tablet will attach itself to the vaginal wall, it will not fall out when you stand up or walk.
  6. Gently remove the applicator and throw it away with the plastic wrapper in your household rubbish.

If the tablet falls out of the applicator before you have inserted it, you’ll need to throw the tablet and applicator away and start again with a new one.

Gina is used once a day for the first 2 weeks (initial dose) and drops to twice a week (maintenance dose) after this. When you reach the maintenance dose you should leave 3 to 4 days between each dose.

You can insert Gina at any time of the day, but you should try to take it at the same time each time you take it.

What if I miss a dose of Gina?

If you forget to take your Gina dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose.

What if I take too much Gina?

If you have taken too much Gina, it is unlikely to be harmful if you have only done so for a short time.

If you think the dose you are taking is too strong, not strong enough, or you’re not sure if you are using it correctly, speak to your doctor for advice.

How long do I need to take Gina for?

There is no set time limit for taking Gina. Providing you are not experiencing any harmful side effects, you can use Gina for as long as it is required.

What happens when I stop taking Gina?

If you decide to stop taking Gina, it’s likely that your symptoms will return. If you want to stop taking Gina because you do not feel it is right for you, there are other menopause treatments available.

Where can I buy Gina?

Gina is available over the counter in pharmacies without a prescription if you are postmenopausal and have not had a period for at least one year. It may also be available on the NHS or your doctor may suggest a more suitable method of HRT depending on your symptoms. You can also request treatment from online doctors or pharmacy services.

Can I buy Gina online?

Yes, you can buy Gina online at Superdrug Online Doctor.

To request Gina from Superdrug Online Doctor:

  1. Fill out a brief health and lifestyle questionnaire.
  2. Order your preferred treatment and make payment.
  3. One of our doctors will review your order and questionnaire answers.
  4. If approved, your treatment will be posted to your address or made available for collection at your local Superdrug Pharmacy.
  5. If your order is not approved, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with other treatment options.

Can I buy Gina over the counter?

Yes, Gina is available to buy over the counter at most UK pharmacies, including any Superdrug Pharmacy.

If you choose to buy Gina over the counter, the pharmacist will ask you a few health-related questions to make sure it is safe for you. If the pharmacist feels Gina is suitable for you, you will be able to buy it straight away.

Can I get Gina on the NHS?

Gina may be available on the NHS. However, your doctor may offer you an alternative vaginal oestrogen that is a prescription-only medication.

Gina side effects

Common side effects that may affect up to 1 in 10 people include:

  • headache
  • stomach pain
  • vaginal bleeding, discharge or discomfort

Uncommon side effects that may affect up to 1 in 100 people include:

  • a fungal genital infection
  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • rash
  • weight gain
  • hot flush
  • high blood pressure

Very rare side effects that may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people include:

  • diarrhoea
  • water retention
  • worsened migraines
  • generalised hypersensitivity

How long do side effects last?

Gina side effects usually improve within the first few months of treatment as your body gets used to it.

What to do if you get side effects

If you are concerned about any side effects or experience any of the following serious side effects, you should stop using it and get urgent medical attention:

  • suddenly feeling unwell and sweating
  • being sick (vomiting)
  • breathing difficulties
  • fast heartbeat or feeling dizzy

Talk to your doctor if you develop any vaginal infections while using Gina.

Mild Gina side effects can usually be managed at home by:

  • taking over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen for aches, pains, or headaches
  • drinking plenty of water if you feel sick
  • using a hot water bottle for stomach discomfort

If you cannot manage side effects at home, speak to your doctor. They may prescribe or recommend a different type of HRT to manage your symptoms.

Gina warnings

Do not use Gina if you:

  • are allergic to estradiol or any of the ingredients in the medication
  • have or have ever had womb or ovarian cancer
  • have had any vaginal or genital bleeding since your periods stopped because of the menopause
  • have recent or suspected endometrial hyperplasia
  • have previously been treated with oestrogen-only HRT and you have not had your womb removed
  • notice any changes to your vulva (the external parts of your vagina)
  • have a current vaginal infection
  • have a condition called vulval dermatoses, severe vaginal itching, or itchy patches or rashes
  • have or have ever had breast cancer
  • have or have ever had a blood clot in a vein
  • have or have recently had a disease caused by blood clots in the arteries like heart attack, stroke, or angina
  • have a blood clotting disorder
  • have or have ever had liver disease
  • have a rare blood problem called porphyria

Tell your doctor before using Gina if you if you:

  • have a history of endometriosis
  • have a history of endometrial hyperplasia
  • are already receiving HRT
  • are switching from another vaginal oestrogen HRT

Other medications and Gina

Before taking Gina, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are or have recently taken any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications.

Gina is a local HRT, which means it acts on the area which is affected, in this case, the vagina, and should not affect other medications. However, it may affect other vaginally applied treatments. If you are unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Gina alternatives

There are a range of different types of HRT available in different forms, including oral and vaginal tablets, patches, and creams. At Superdrug Online Doctor we offer several HRT treatment options to suit your needs.

However, if you are looking for an alternative vaginal oestrogen to Gina, we offer the following treatments.

Estriol cream

Estriol cream is a hormone treatment that supplies oestrogen directly to the vaginal tissues using an applicator to combat menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching, and inflammation. Estriol cream is a prescription-only medication which means you’ll need a prescription from a doctor to obtain it.

Vagifem

Vagifem is similar to Gina in that it is a vaginal oestrogen tablet and works to increase oestrogen levels in the vagina to relieve some of the symptoms of menopause. It contains a synthetic form of oestrogen called estradiol and is only available with a prescription.

Ovestin

Ovestin is the brand name of estriol cream and works in the same way. It contains the active ingredient, estriol, and replaces the oestrogen that’s naturally produced by the ovaries to relieve menopausal symptoms that affect the vagina such as dryness and irritation.

Vagirux

Vagirux is another type of vaginal tablet used to treat menopause symptoms. It contains the active ingredient oestradiol and works to replace the naturally occurring oestrogen that declines during menopause.

Other HRT options

Name Form Active ingredient(s)
Elleste Duet Conti Oral tablet
  • 2mg estradiol
  • 1mg norethisterone
  • Femoston Conti Oral tablet
  • 1mg estradiol
  • 5mg dydrogesterone
  • Kliofem Oral tablet
  • 2mg estradiol
  • 1mg norethisterone
  • Premique Oral tablet
  • 0.3mg conjugated oestrogens
  • 1.5mg medroxyprogesterone
  • Evorel Conti Skin patch
  • 3.2mg estradiol
  • 11.2mg norethisterone
  • Evorel Sequi Skin patch

    Evorel 50:

  • 0.3mg conjugated oestrogens

    Evorel Conti:

  • 3.2mg estradiol
  • 11.2mg norethisterone
  • Is Gina the same as Vagifem?

    Gina and Vagifem are both vaginal tablets that contain the same active ingredient, estradiol and are used to treat vaginal dryness and irritation caused by menopause.

    However, Gina is available over the counter for postmenopausal women aged 50 and over who have not had a period for at least a year while Vagifem is only available with a prescription from a doctor.

    Sources

    Patient Reviews