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:

• dryness
• irritation
• itching
• painful sex
• recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and cystitis

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.

How long does Ovestin Cream take to work

Ovestin Cream can work in as little as a few weeks although it can take up to 3 months to fully feel the benefit.

How effective is Ovestin Cream?

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:

1. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly.
2. Remove the cap from the tube and turn the cap upside down, then use the sharp point to open the tube.
3. Screw the end of the applicator onto the tube.
4. Squeeze the Ovestin Cream tube to fill the applicator up to the red ring mark – the plunger will stop at the red ring mark.
5. Unscrew the applicator from the tube and put the cap back on the tube.
6. To apply the cream, get into a comfortable position such as lying down or standing up. Carefully insert the applicator into your vagina and slowly push the plunger as far as it will go.
7. Once all the cream has been dispensed from the applicator, carefully remove it from your vagina.

Once you have applied the cream, you’ll need to clean the applicator by:

1. Pulling the plunger out of the barrel
2. Washing the plunger and barrel in hand hot, soapy water – do not use detergents or boiling water.
3. Rinse well with clean water afterwards.
4. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

When to apply Ovestin Cream

It is best to apply Ovestin Cream before you go to bed, but it can be applied at any time.

What if I forget to apply Ovestin Cream?

If you miss your dose of Ovestin Cream and it is:

• less than 12 hours since your missed dose: apply the cream as soon as you remember
• more than 12 hours late: skip the missed dose and apply the next one as the usual time

Is Ovestin Cream safe to use long-term?

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.

What happens if I stop using Ovestin Cream?

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.

Can I buy Ovestin Cream online?

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.

Can I buy Ovestin Cream over the counter?

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.

Can I get Ovestin Cream on the NHS?

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:

• headache
• unexpected vaginal bleeding
• vaginal discomfort or itchiness
• urinary tract infections
• stomach pain

Uncommon side effects include:

• anorectal (anus or rectum) discomfort
• candida infection (thrush)
• pelvic pain

Other Ovestin Cream side effects include:

• increased vaginal discharge
• gallbladder issues
• skin rash or allergy to the sun
• swollen, tender, or painful breasts
• feeling sick (nausea)
• being sick (vomiting)
• flu-like symptoms

How long do Ovestin Cream side effects last?

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.

What to do if you get Ovestin Cream side effects

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:

• pain in your chest and breathlessness
• difficult speaking, or moving your arm or leg, or your face has dropped on one side
• signs of a blood clot

You should also speak to a doctor immediately if you get any of the following:

• high blood pressure
• the skin or whites of your eyes turn yellow (jaundice)
• sudden migraine-like headaches

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:

• an allergy to any of its ingredients
• or ever had breast cancer
• a form of cancer that is sensitive to oestrogen
• unexplained vaginal bleeding
• excessive thickening of the womb lining
• or have ever had a blood clot in the vein
• a blood clotting disorder
• recently had a heart attack, stroke, or angina
• or have ever had a liver disease
• an inherited blood problem called porphyria

You should talk to your doctor before using Ovestin Cream if you have or have ever had:

• fibroids inside your womb
• endometriosis or a history of excessive growth of the womb lining
• an increased risk of developing blood clots
• an increased risk of getting oestrogen-sensitive cancer
• high blood pressure
• a liver disorder
• diabetes
• gallstones
• migraine or severe headaches
• a disease of the immune system that affects many organs of the body
• epilepsy
• asthma
• a disease affecting the eardrum and hearing (otosclerosis)
• a very high level of fat in your blood
• fluid retention due to heart or kidney problems

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.

Ovestin Cream and other medications

Some medications can interact with Ovestin Cream and affect the way it works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• epilepsy medications
• medications used to treat bacterial or viral infections
• hepatitis C medications
• St John’s wort
• corticosteroids
• succinylcholine
• theophyllines
• troleandomycin

Tell your doctor before using Ovestin Cream if you are or are going to take any prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications.

Does Ovestin cream help with UTIs?

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.

Can Ovestin Cream cause stomach pain?

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.

Can Ovestin Cream cause thrush?

Yes, Ovestin Cream can increase the risk of developing thrush because increased oestrogen levels can cause an overgrowth of yeast.

Why does Ovestin Cream cause burning?

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.

Can you use Ovestin Cream externally?

No, Ovestin Cream is only intended to be applied inside the vagina and is not recommended for external use.