Ovestin is an intravaginal cream for the vagina. It contains estriol and belongs to a group of medicines for HRT. It helps to relieve symptoms experienced by postmenopausal women affecting their vagina, like dryness or irritation. This condition is called vaginal atrophy.
It’s useful to help maintain your vaginal pH balance, which may be disrupted by a loss of oestrogen caused by menopause. Ovestin can also be used as a therapy cream before and after vaginal surgery to support healing.
How does Ovestin work?
The active ingredient in Ovestin is estriol, a natural or ‘body-identical’ form of oestrogen. When you go through menopause, your oestrogen levels drop, which causes a range of symptoms like insomnia, lower libido, thinning of your vaginal wall, and vaginal dryness or irritation (vaginal atrophy). Ovestin works to replace the oestrogen loss by locally targeting the affected area. In this case, the vagina, to relieve symptoms of vaginal atrophy. It maintains the tissue in the vagina and restores the pH balance, so the internal environment of the vagina stays healthy.
Who is Ovestin for?
Ovestin is for postmenopausal women who have symptoms of vaginal atrophy. It can also be used as a therapy treatment for pre-surgery and recovery from vaginal operations.
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OvestinEstradiol (Estriol)
How to use Ovestin
If you've had a hysterectomy (meaning your womb was removed), start using Ovestin right away. If you're new to HRT or changing from continuous HRT, you can also start using it immediately. However, if you've been using HRT with a break that causes period-like bleeding, wait until one week after your current cycle ends before starting Ovestin.
For vaginal atrophy:
begin with one application of 0.5 g of cream daily for the first two to four weeks, then reduce to one dose twice a week;
your clinician may ask you to temporarily stop the treatment every few months for four weeks to check if your condition has cleared.
To apply Ovestin:
use the plastic applicator provided to help you apply the cream inside your vagina;
apply Ovestin before going to bed to minimise disruption;
pierce the tube with the cap end;
screw the applicator onto the tube and squeeze the tube to fill the applicator to the marked ring line for one exact dose;
remove the applicator from the tube;
lie down and insert the applicator as far into your vagina as possible, then push the plunger in;
after use, wash the plunger and barrel with hot, soapy water.
How long does Ovestin take to work?
After you’ve applied Ovestin cream, because it’s a topical treatment, it can work quickly to target symptoms of vaginal atrophy. It’ll be absorbed into your bloodstream via your vagina and can reach peak plasma levels one to two hours after application.
What happens if I make a mistake using Ovestin?
If you’ve accidentally ingested it or applied too much, this shouldn’t be a problem but let your clinician know and they may offer advice. There’s a chance that you may feel nauseous or even be sick, and you may have some vaginal bleeding after a few days.
If you forgot to use your Ovestin, insert a dose as soon as you remember. If it’s been over 12 hours, don't worry about the missed dose and wait until your usual time to apply it again.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
OvestinEstradiol (Estriol)
OvestinEstradiol (Estriol)
FAQ: Ovestin
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
What are the alternatives to Ovestin?
Answer:
Vaginal atrophy occurs due to a lack of oestrogen, so most treatments will include applying oestrogen directly to the affected area. Blissel Vaginal Gel is similar to Ovestin and contains the same active ingredient, estriol. It’s a lower dose, and you apply it the same way as Ovestin.
Another type of treatment is a pessary or vaginal tablet, and you would follow similar instructions as those for Ovestin to insert it vaginally. Vagifem is a popular choice of pessary and it contains estradiol.
You can purchase vaginal moisturisers and lubricants like Sylk or Regelle from pharmacies or supermarkets without a prescription. These products do not contain oestrogen but can help alleviate soreness and dryness by keeping vaginal tissues moisturised.
How effective is Ovestin?
Answer:
Ovestin is effective at treating and soothing vaginal atrophy. One study found that after eight weeks, women felt better after using the cream, and their vaginal tissue had improved. Compared with a pessary group, they also had better test results for cervical mucus, vaginal cells, and tissue health.
Is Ovestin safer than other HRTs?
Answer:
Most other HRTs can have adverse side effects as they are circulated in the blood. However, as Ovestin is applied locally, or directly, to the vagina, there are fewer side effects as a result. You may experience some local irritation or itching when you start to use it, but this gets better after a few weeks.
Studies on estriol have demonstrated its effectiveness and safety, revealing that it offers similar benefits to other oestrogen treatments but with fewer risks. Additionally, unlike other oestrogen therapies, it does not appear to contribute to high blood pressure.
Do I need a prescription for Ovestin?
Answer:
Yes. Ovestin requires a prescription before you can start a course, this is because it contains a type of oestrogen. It’s important for a clinician to check that it’s the most suitable treatment for you before prescribing it.
Why should I buy Ovestin online with Treated?
Answer:
Vaginal atrophy can be pretty uncomfortable, so we’re here to help you get back on track. Speak to one of our expert clinicians, and they’ll recommend the safest treatments for you to choose from.
We’ll deliver it straight to your door at no extra cost. SImply choose the subscription that best suits you so you won't have to remember to order it again. Changed your mind? Change, pause, or cancel whenever you want. Our clinical team is always on hand to help you with any questions as well.
clinical evaluation of treatment with estriol vaginal cream versus suppository in postmenopausal women. Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica, 62(5), 397–401.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
