
Estriol 0.01% w/w Cream
A generic alternative to Ovestin.
from £55.00
Get fast relief from menopause-related vaginal dryness and irritation with Ovestin Cream:
Ovestin Cream is a prescription-only hormone replacement therapy. It is applied directly in the vagina for targeted treatment and relief from menopause symptoms like vaginal dryness, irritation, and discomfort.
Ovestin Cream contains the active ingredient, estriol, a natural female hormone that replaces the declining oestrogen levels caused by menopause. It is applied to the area where the symptoms are occurring to provide targeted and effective relief.
Please note: Ovestin Cream is no longer available for request from Superdrug Online Doctor as it has been discontinued. Consider requesting generic estriol cream instead which has the same active ingredient and works the same way as Ovestin.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. IkejiLast reviewed: 26 Feb 2025
Ovestin is an oestrogen-based hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that can be used to treat vaginal atrophy, a condition where the vaginal lining becomes thin, dried out, and inflamed, causing several uncomfortable symptoms, including:
Ovestin Cream delivers 1mg of estriol per gram of cream and is usually prescribed once per day for a maximum of 4 weeks, before being reduced to twice a week. Ovestin cream can be used on its own or alongside other forms of HRT because it is a local HRT that delivers its effects directly inside the vagina.
It is the branded version of Estriol Cream, meaning it works in exactly the same way it just has a different name, price, packaging and different non-active ingredients.
Ovestin Cream works by replacing the declining oestrogen levels that occur during menopause. It contains the active ingredient estriol, a naturally occurring female hormone. Ovestin Cream is applied directly inside the vagina to relieve local symptoms such as vaginal dryness and irritation.
By increasing the oestrogen levels in the vagina, Ovestin Cream restores elasticity, lubrication, and the natural vaginal microflora.
Ovestin Cream can work in as little as a few weeks although it can take up to 3 months to fully feel the benefit.
Ovestin Cream is effective for relieving the symptoms of vaginal atrophy caused by low oestrogen levels in postmenopausal women.
Some research shows that a generic 1mg per gram of estriol cream can lower the severity of vaginal menopause symptoms by 48%.
Ovestin cream is applied in the vagina with a plastic applicator.
The applicator has a red ring marked on it which shows where you need to fill the cream in the applicator.
The usual Ovestin Cream dose is 1 application per day for 3 to 4 weeks and then 1 applicator of Ovestin Cream twice a week.
How to apply Ovestin Cream:
Once you have applied the cream, you’ll need to clean the applicator by:
It is best to apply Ovestin Cream before you go to bed, but it can be applied at any time.
If you miss your dose of Ovestin Cream and it is:
The long-term risks of using Ovestin Cream are still being researched, so your doctor will need to monitor your treatment at least once a year.
If you stop using Ovestin Cream, your menopause symptoms may come back. If you are thinking about stopping, talk to your doctor first as they can help you reduce your dose gradually or suggest a different type of HRT.
Ovestin Cream is a prescription-only medication, so it cannot be bought over the counter. It is available to buy online from online doctor or pharmacy services who will assess your suitability and provide a private prescription. Alternatively, Ovestin Cream may be available on the NHS.
Ovestin is no longer available to buy online from Superdrug Online Doctor. Instead you can request generic estriol cream which is the non-branded version of Ovestin. Estriol contains the same active ingredient and works in the same way.
No, you will need a prescription from a doctor to obtain Ovestin Cream.
Gina is an over-the-counter HRT that is available as a vaginal tablet and can be bought without a prescription in most UK pharmacies and online.
Yes, Ovestin Cream may be available on the NHS to treat menopause symptoms, but you will need to make an appointment with a doctor to find out if it is available and suitable for you to take.
Like all medications, Ovestin Cream can cause side effects, but not everyone will experience them.
Common side effects, affecting more than 1 in 100 people, include:
Uncommon side effects include:
Other Ovestin Cream side effects include:
Most Ovestin Cream side effects will go away on their own within a few weeks once your body is used to the medication. However, if they last longer or you find them difficult to manage, speak to your doctor for advice.
Most of the common or mild Ovestin Cream side effects can usually be managed at home.
To help manage your symptoms for:
Urinary tract infections
Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary and fizzy drinks which can make the symptoms worse. If you think you have a UTI, then you should make an appointment with your doctor to get treatment.
Headaches
Headaches should only last for a few days after starting treatment, but they can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen.
If your headaches last longer than a week or are severe, speak to your doctor.
Stomach pain or discomfort
If you experience stomach pain, apply a warm compress or covered hot water bottle to the area. You can also try taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage the pain.
Feeling or being sick
Get plenty of rest and eat and drink slowly. It can help to eat smaller, more frequent meals and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
If you are concerned about any side effects or experience any of the following serious side effects, you should call 999 or get someone to take you to A&E straight away:
You should also speak to a doctor immediately if you get any of the following:
If you are concerned about any of the Ovestin Cream side effects, contact your doctor for advice.
Do not use Ovestin cream if you have:
You should talk to your doctor before using Ovestin Cream if you have or have ever had:
It is important that you tell your doctor about your previous medical history or any family medical history, so they can assess if Ovestin Cream is a safe and suitable hormone replacement therapy for you.
Some medications can interact with Ovestin Cream and affect the way it works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
Tell your doctor before using Ovestin Cream if you are or are going to take any prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications.
Ovestin Cream isn’t the only HRT available. If you don’t feel Ovestin is right for you, Superdrug Online Doctor can offer several other alternative treatments.
Combined HRT tablets
Combined oral HRT tablets contain both oestrogen and progesterone and are taken once a day. They can help to manage menopause symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats. Examples of combined HRT pills include:
Combined HRT patches
Combined HRT patches are similar to pills except they are small sticky patches that are applied to the skin. You usually need to change the patches every few days. Common examples include:
Name | Form | Active ingredient(s) |
---|---|---|
Elleste Duet Conti | Oral tablet |
|
Femoston Conti | Oral tablet |
|
Kliofem | Oral tablet |
|
Premique | Oral tablet |
|
Evorel Conti | Skin patch |
|
Evorel Sequi | Skin patch | Evorel 50: Evorel Conti: |
Vaginal oestrogen
As well as Estriol Cream and Ovestin, vaginal tablets are also available. They work by slowly releasing oestrogen into the vagina to replace the oestrogen lost during menopause. They are used to treat vaginal atrophy symptoms, such as dryness, irritation, and discomfort. Vagifem is a vaginal oestrogen cream you can request from Superdrug Online Doctor.
Yes, there is some evidence that Estriol Creams like Ovestin can lower the risk of UTIs. That’s because it restores vaginal tissue health and the normal microflora to help prevent bacteria entering and affecting the urinary tract.
Yes, one of the reported Ovestin Cream side effects is stomach or abdominal pain. However, it can usually be managed at home with over-the-counter painkillers or by applying a heat pad to the affected area. If the pain does not go away or you find it difficult to manage, speak to your doctor for advice.
Yes, Ovestin Cream can increase the risk of developing thrush because increased oestrogen levels can cause an overgrowth of yeast.
You may experience burning when you use Ovestin Cream because the vaginal wall has become thin, dry, and damaged. Some of the ingredients in Ovestin Cream can irritate the vaginal lining, such as cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.
If you experience persistent or severe burning, speak to your doctor because you may need to adjust the dose or try an alternative form of HRT.
No, Ovestin Cream is only intended to be applied inside the vagina and is not recommended for external use.