Estriol

Other Related Names or Treatments

Ovestin, Gynest

About Estriol cream

Estriol cream contains Estriol as its active ingredient (Estriol is a natural metabolite of estradiol). Estriol cream is classed as a topical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and is used for women who have menopausal symptoms affecting the vagina. Estriol cream is inserted directly into the vagina using an applicator, relieving vaginal dryness and irritation (vaginal atrophy). Declining hormone levels of oestrogen at menopause can also cause osteoporosis, hot flushes, depression and problems sleeping.

NowPatient offers Estriol cream as a treatment for HRT only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.

Key facts of Estriol cream

• For the treatment of HRT
• Estriol cream has some common side effects which include nausea and headaches
• Estriol cream will not prevent pregnancy in otherwise fertile women
• Do not use a hormonal contraceptive when treated with a HRT
• It can be dangerous if you use Estriol cream with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician

Who is Estriol cream not suitable for?

Estriol cream may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before using Estriol cream if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient, Estriol
• Have ever had breast cancer
• Have cancer sensitive to estrogen such as endometrial cancer
• Have untreated endometrial hyperplasia (an excessively thick womb lining)
• Suffer from a blood clots
• Suffer from porphyria
• Have had a heart attack, angina, stroke, or high blood pressure
• Have vaginal bleeding
• Have liver disease
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have fibroids
• Have uterine problems such as endometriosis or endometrial hyperplasia
• Have diabetes
• Suffer from migraines
• Have gallstones
• Have asthma
• Have epilepsy
• Have fluid retention
• Have high fat levels in the blood
• Are obese
• Have a hereditary ear disorder

How and where to get Estriol cream?

You can buy Estriol safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.

Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with one of our prescribers for the treatment of HRT, you can discuss if Estriol cream is a suitable treatment option for you.

At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.

Dosage and strength for Estriol cream for HRT

Estriol 0.01% cream is available as a vaginal cream containing 0.5mg Estriol per 5ml application.

Information about how to use Estriol cream for HRT

Use Estriol cream once a day (at bedtime) for the first 2 weeks, then twice a week, thereafter. The usual dose is 1 applicator of 5ml cream, containing 0.5 mg of Estriol. Lie down, with your knees bent and apart. Insert the open end of the applicator into your vagina. Push the plunger gently but firmly to empty the cream into the vagina. Read the patient information leaflet provided or speak to your healthcare provider for further information.

What happens if you use too much Estriol cream?

If you use more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have used too much Estriol cream and you experience any of the following side effects.

What are the side effects of Estriol cream?

Possible side effects of Estriol cream are split into common and serious.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Vaginal bleeding
• Vaginal discharge
• Change in sex drive
• Stomach cramps
• Fluid retention

Serious side effects include:

• Blood clots (pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis)
• Stroke
• Heart disease – chest pain passing into the neck or arm
• Liver disease – jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.

If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.

• Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
• You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
• Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
• Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
• Someone faints and cannot be woken up

Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient

Information about using Estriol cream at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements

There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Estriol cream. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements or other prescription drugs, such as:

• Phenytoin, lamotrigine or carbamazepine
• Rifampicin
• Ritonavir or nelfinavir
• Warfarin
• St John’s Wort

Can Estriol cream used for HRT be used long term?

HRT should only be used as a short-term treatment for the menopause. Speak to your GP to review your treatment at least once each year and have regular checkups.

Is there a herbal Estriol cream?

No. Herbal Estriol cream does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.

Can women use Estriol cream?

Women can take Estriol cream for HRT, but should speak to a doctor if considering using while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Should I avoid any particular food or drink when using Estriol cream?

You can eat and drink normally when using Estriol cream.

What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with menopause?

You modify your lifestyle in a number of ways, and this may have a positive impact on your symptoms:

• Using a fan
• Cool showers
• Light clothing
• Lubricants
• Healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Quit smoking

Alternatives to Estriol cream

Alternative HRT treatments include Elleste duet tablets, Kliovance tablets or Evorel patches.

Sources

•  HRT – NHS 
•  MHRA Products – Home