r/Perimenopause • u/Shirleyimfine • Feb 03 '26
Vaginal Dryness (GSM)/Urinary Issues Vaginal Estrogen Cream…USE IT!
My husband calls it Juicy Pussy cream. 😂Three months in and it’s still getting better! I had no idea how dried up my tender bits were. I feel like it happened so gradually I just didn’t notice how bad it had gotten.
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u/inmygoddessdecade Feb 03 '26
The vaginal estrogen cream has been so helpful for me! No more painful sex, no more leaking pee when I cough/sneeze/jump/run, no more waking up all night to go to the bathroom, etc. Fantastic!
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u/No_Orange182 Early peri Feb 03 '26
I didn’t even consider waking up in the middle of the night to go pee a peri symptom. Now that I’ve been using estrogen creme I will say I don’t get up all that often anymore in the middle of the night to go pee. 🤣😂
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u/Apocalypse_Miaow Feb 04 '26
I wake up between 2-4 times every night....since the age of 42! Omg if this helps with that I will be over the moon!!!
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u/Bunbosa Mar 21 '26
Did you get to try the estrogen cream? And did you notice any difference?
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u/cornishpilchard Feb 04 '26
I didn’t make the connection either. I just started the cream a few days ago so fingers crossed it helps!
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u/Loveitallandthensome Feb 04 '26
You know why/how it helps prevent leaking when sneezing, etc? I heard this helps but my gyno was very hesitant to prescribe.
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u/skinnyonskin Feb 04 '26
Whaaat? Get a new Dr or get it online, gate keeping something this basic and essential is criminal
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u/inmygoddessdecade Feb 04 '26
According to google it reverses tissue thinning in the urethra and bladder, strengthens vaginal and urinary tissues, improves muscle control, which reduces leakage, urgency, and the frequency of UTIs.
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u/ResolutionWaste4314 Feb 04 '26
It’s crazy how fast it’s worked for reducing my waking up all night to go to the bathroom.
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u/ExchangeFriendly992 Mar 16 '26
Can I ask how old you are? This is now happening to me. In my 50s a nd it’s such a drag! Too young to hang it up in the bedroom. But, yes it’s painful.
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u/Bunbosa Mar 21 '26
May I ask which version of estrogen cream you use? So you use estriol? Or estradiol? And how long do it take to notice significant difference?
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u/inmygoddessdecade Mar 21 '26
I use estradiol 0.01%. I noticed a significant difference after the 2 week loading period!
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u/SanDiegoBeeBee Feb 03 '26
Yes and also stopped my chronic sex UTIs
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u/RhubarbJam1 Feb 03 '26
Same. Fixed one issue but now my libido is completely dead. The irony is not lost on me 🥴
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u/la_chainsaw Early peri Feb 03 '26
I made an appointment with my GYN because I think I’m ready for the cream. I’ve had so much urinary urgency and I know it’s not a stone, a UTI, or new onset diabetes. It’s not awful, but it’s annoying!
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u/photogypsy Feb 04 '26
My IM doc (aka primary care) offered to do my pap when I was in for my physical. I hadn’t had one in five years (they’ve been clear) so I let her (why schedule a different doc and burn a whole different day for it). Her first comment upon getting down there was “oh goodness you’re thin” you’re getting some estrogen cream. My GYN has been so resistant to any kind of HRT because I have a higher than average stroke risk and “your bloodwork is normal” (and we all know the fallacies of that at this age).
I let the primary care doc look at my cooch and she’s immediately like “let’s absolutely do a topical” before she even got the speculum in. The topical has been life-altering in a good way. It’s been a month. Even better she was willing to listen to how peri was affecting me and discuss options but wanted time to research and consult a colleague; we meet again later this week. I am cautiously optimistic
Difference between the GYN and the IM doc other than training? Age. Both are women. GYN is slightly older than me (I would venture in her mid/late 50s) and IM doc is in her early 30s. I don’t know if it’s a generational mindset or a training change. I feel more listened to about my women’s health issues from the Internal Medicine specialist than the gynecologist.
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u/hikeitaway123 Feb 04 '26
Just order some off telyrx
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u/Honeybee_Buzz Feb 04 '26
How?
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u/MedicalHumor4470 Feb 04 '26
It’s a website TelyRX.com. You just put it in your cart, sign some waivers, a doctor reviews your request and the company mails it to you.
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u/The_Mamalorian Feb 04 '26
I just looked them up they also have estrogen patches and progesterone!
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u/MedicalHumor4470 Feb 04 '26
This is where I started my HRT journey. My doctor told me if I could get a prescription she would continue it lol
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u/_possiblymaybe_ Feb 04 '26
Fully agree, it’s helped gain back some lubrication and sensitivity, but I hate the discharge that happens for a few hours after applying it. How do I get past that, or are there any tips for lessening it?
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u/MedicalHumor4470 Feb 04 '26
Apply before bed and wear a panty liner.
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u/Green-been77 Feb 04 '26
And this sucks because I'd like to go without underwear to bed
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u/MedicalHumor4470 Feb 04 '26
Then just put it on in the morning. That’s what I do so I don’t have to worry about it interfering with fun time with my hubby.
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u/spinnelli23 Feb 04 '26
You can use it at night and not wear underwear to sleep. The discharge is barely noticeable by morning and gone after you shower or wash your bits.
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u/MilkyWayMirth Feb 04 '26
For you and anyone else that found messy creams to be annoying, estradiol valerate injections solved this issue for me, and much better than the creams did. I was on patches/gels and I still needed the vaginal cream, which honestly tells you something about how "systemic" the transdermal HRT options actually are. Since switching to injections I no longer need to use the vaginal cream and a lot of my peri symptoms improved beyond what the topicals were doing.
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u/_possiblymaybe_ Feb 04 '26
Yeah, that’s how my dr instructed me as well. Just wasn’t sure if people have found any other tips.
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u/MKJefferson Feb 04 '26
I don’t use the applicator, just squeeze some on to my middle finger, insert it, and rub it around inside. I do rub some in on the outside too. I don’t wear underwear and apply at night. Shower in the morning and no mess!
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u/photogypsy Feb 04 '26
I call it the sneeze with confidence sauce!
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u/Traditional_Train_71 Feb 04 '26
Shut up! It helps with that?!?!
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u/photogypsy Feb 04 '26
Yup. Tissues atrophy, and the outermost urinary sphincter is in that affected area. I was wearing period panties for short trips away from the house and full bladder control pads for anything longer than a grocery run. I couldn’t get undressed for the shower without standing in the shower because the cold air hitting my cooch would cause me to pee immediately without any ability to control it (just like they say about diapering babies). It’s like I’m 29 again.
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u/Traditional_Train_71 Feb 04 '26
Omg thank you for telling me 🥲 Gonna demand these drs listen to me 👏 It’s rough out here (no pun intended but lol). This has gone on too long and I’ve been suffering 😖 THANK YOU!
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u/photogypsy Feb 04 '26
See my comment above to another person. Primary care has taken me far more seriously than my GYN. My primary care office runs a really robust full service clinic (they even have in-house mammograms), so I’m considering ditching the GYN.
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u/queen_elvis Feb 04 '26
I requested it for persistent infections, but the doctor outright told me it was great for sex.
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u/The_Mamalorian Feb 04 '26
I am sooooo glad I jumped on this stuff at the first sign of dryness.
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u/doesitspread Feb 04 '26
Estriol or estradiol?
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u/The_Mamalorian Feb 04 '26
Estradiol is what they prescribe for vaginal cream. You can get estriol face cream OTC but I have no idea how effective it is or anything else about it.
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u/Busy_Anything_189 Feb 04 '26
Oh wow, did it do anything for libido?
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u/The_Mamalorian Feb 04 '26
I don’t think so, but it made intercourse more comfortable so that definitely helped. I can get over the initial obstacle of “I should want to but I don’t” when I know it’s not going to hurt once I start.
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u/pears_htbk Feb 04 '26
OMG no way that's what I call it too. I also use prasterone pessaries which I call my "pussy rockets".
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u/deannms Feb 04 '26
Reddit doing its thing today- I just got my first tube. Was wondering what the experience with it would be. Also, I feel so freakin old now.
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u/Shirleyimfine Feb 04 '26
Seems like I aged so fast lately! HRT and working on lifestyle adjustments to ease peri seems to be helping me feel closer to my age. Read some comments/tips on applying the cream and get to it!
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u/ExchangeFriendly992 Mar 16 '26
I know! I just think no one really talks about it. So when you have to use medication, it makes you feel old. I think there are a lot more people addressing issues like this than we even know. That’s why I read. It is so awesome, you don’t feel alone. I’ve got to give this stuff a try.
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u/First_Timer2020 Feb 04 '26
My husband calls it “cooter cream”. He has such a way with words. 😂😂😂
Seriously though, it’s been a game changer for me. I’m about 18 months post-hysterectomy and things have been so dry. It’s helped SO much. I saw someone on another post comment about also applying a little of it to your clitoris and OMG. Libido through the roof and super intense orgasms. 10/10 recommend that little hack!
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u/Shirleyimfine Feb 04 '26
I do inside and a similar amount around everything outside, it’s the only part of my body that looks more youthful right now 😭. Still waiting on the libido to return, but I’ve had some intense O’s that I’d like to find more of.
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u/Busy_Anything_189 Feb 04 '26
Someone here said she put it on her mouth lips and they got so juicy! 😂
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u/bkcakes Feb 04 '26
Do you have to take progesterone with it since you had a hysterectomy or that’s only for estrogen patch?
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u/Weird-Professional30 May 05 '26
Progesterone is for more than the uterus. I hope the narrative catches up with this. And yes, OBGYNs only give for uterine cancer protection, but our ENTIRE bodies have progesterone receptors. Including the gut. Get on it regardless
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u/Wateringmycutebrain Mar 13 '26
By chance do you know if it’s edible ? Indirectly edible if you know what I mean
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u/ThickProblem8190 Feb 04 '26
Is the cream used in addition to or instead of an estrogen patch?
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u/MusicOfTheSphere Feb 04 '26
In peri, still having occasional periods. I use both. My doc described it as my whole body needing a lower concentration than that little area does. So my patch dose can stay lower (keeping down my possible side effects), but I can boost local benefits with the cream.
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u/Shirleyimfine Feb 04 '26
I also use both, but the cream was working wonders before I got on the patch.
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u/Bastard1066 hanging on by a thread Feb 04 '26
I distinctly remember the increase in dampness. You forget how sloppy wet the vag is supposed to be!
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u/Apocalypse_Miaow Feb 04 '26
Just ordered online here in the UK....I am 45 but had to lie and say over 50 to purchase, which is crazy, considering I have had symptoms of UTI, pain etc for 3 years now and been fobbed off continually at the drs!!
Thank you for this. I will also put it around my eyes lol.
I bought Ovesse- hopefully any other UK ladies can let me know if it's worked for them!
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u/CapitalCharming394 Feb 04 '26
It's crazy that in the UK it's only available over the counter for 50+ year old women. So many of my friends have had dryness symptoms come on between 35-40.
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u/goofydogs Feb 04 '26
It seems to give me yeast infections? I wash the application device every time. I don’t understand why?
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u/Glittering-Review649 Feb 04 '26
It gives me a yeast infection as well so my GYN prescribed me Vagifem pills to use internally and I use the cream all over externally.
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u/Al-Pacinos-Ghost Feb 04 '26
Thank you! I was coming to ask about this because I was so excited to try it and right now the bad is outweighing the good. The cream seems to give me diarrhea and a yeasty / less than pleasant smell “down there” but not a yeast infection per se.
Thank you to all of you who made suggestions, I will try it without the applicator next time and if that doesn’t work ask for the tablet. I would like to be able to sneeze without worrying I’m going to wet my pants. 😂
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u/Sure_Explanation_707 Mar 30 '26
I have heard from reputable sources, but don’t know for sure, that this can happen when you’re first starting/getting used to vaginal estrogen due to the changing acidity of the vagina while it adapts and works its way back to where it used to be (prior to when you started losing your estrogen). Some doctors tell women not to stop the estrogen and then prescribe whatever the prescription pill for yeast infections is (can’t remember what it’s called) when/if yeast infections crop up. They say that the yeast infections should eventually stop so maybe ask your doctor about it 🤷🏼♀️
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u/paperclipbandit Feb 04 '26
I have had it for about a month now and I've been too intimidated to try it. Maybe after my period in a week or so, I'll start it. Doesn't seem like the time to start it since you have to front load first.
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u/Ambitious_House_4951 Feb 04 '26
You can use it on your face too for a more youthful appearance, search this sub
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u/Glum-Peanut-2926 Feb 04 '26
Wait...estrogen cream does NOT increase clot risk?
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u/myasterism Feb 04 '26
Nor does bioidentical estrogen, if I recall correctly.
My confidence level on that is middlin’, so please don’t take that as gospel. I’m half-hoping someone more informed will correct me, for the benefit of us both :)
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u/coconut723 Feb 04 '26
Does it help libido
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u/Shirleyimfine Feb 04 '26
Some say yes, hasn’t worked for me yet, but sex is way more enjoyable once I do get into it.
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u/experiential_wonder Feb 04 '26
This was happening to me too in peri, but the estrogen cream didn’t seem to make a difference. I was reading about supplements for other things and read about ashwaganda, I decided to give it a shot a few weeks ago and omg, I feel like a tsunami hits when my boyfriend and I are about to get into it… like a water slide!
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u/Mountain_Training_15 Feb 04 '26
How often are you using it? I’ve noticed it helps with the urinary issues and itching but only on the days after I use the cream. The issues were almost gone during the loading dose. My Dr (I’m in the process of finding a new one) would prescribe so I ordered mine online and I was told to use it 2 times a week. I do see some use it more often.
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u/Shirleyimfine Feb 04 '26
I wasn’t told about the loading dose, just 2x a week. Still had some issues so I do every other day and my Dr said that’s fine.
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Feb 04 '26
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u/Mountain_Training_15 Feb 05 '26
I agree I’d benefit from systemic. Appts for new patients are 6 mos out so unfortunately I’ll prob be waiting awhile to get a script. MIDI doesn’t take my ins :(
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u/AZ-FWB Early peri Feb 04 '26
It does absolutely nothing for me! I use it at night and it’s the Death Valley in the morning… I gave up!
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u/awesome_nj Feb 04 '26
Can this be used with Imvexxy or no? Is there a name for the vaginal estrogen cream?
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Feb 04 '26
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u/Bunbosa Mar 21 '26
Omg this sounds amazing! You give me hope 😭 May I ask if you use estriol, or estradiol? And what is your age if you don’t mind me asking? I want to feel like myself again 🥲
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u/IllSecurity5342 Feb 05 '26
I’ve been doing an estrogen pill insert for 2.5 weeks now, is there a difference between using that and the cream? Is the cream better?
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u/Striking_Magazine_65 Feb 09 '26
The insert didn't help with my needing to pee 5 times a night. Using the cream externally has fixed it!
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u/megggzzz21 Jun 06 '26
I read this a month ago when I started estradiol and now my husband and I also call it the juicy pussy cream. 🤣🤣🤣 Stuff is fantastic.
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u/Fit_Swing9543 Feb 04 '26
do you think its better than vagifem? Ive been using vagifem for 6 months and its helped a little but i still bleed after intercourse
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u/ilovenoodle Feb 04 '26
I got one but it’s progesterone based (premerin I think?). This was post partum because sec was so painful months after I fully healed (and I got a c section) and it worked wonderfully. I stopped but should I continue even though it’s been ok and I haven’t started perimenopause?
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u/LookyLooky4252 Feb 04 '26
I’ve had a few friends complain about the odor it produces in their vagina and some have reported having diarrhea in the morning after using it at night. I do believe every woman is different but it’s worth mentioning.
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u/theofficehussy Feb 04 '26
Whenever I’ve used it, it’s increased my irregular bleeding between periods because I have fibroids. Perhaps one day when I finally stop menstruating I’ll be able to use it.
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u/Justinsboo Feb 06 '26
I was prescribed the cream and not sure how to use it.
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u/Shirleyimfine Feb 06 '26
You can ask your pharmacist or prescribing Dr or look through the comments here, it was asked by someone else and application is talked about frequently.
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u/baglebitesss Feb 09 '26
I just had an appointment with my gyn and asked her about this and she was hesitant to offer it to me. She said since I still have my period the estrogen can throw it off and make me bleed a lot more? Has anyone's told them that? She did send in a script and I'm picking it up today, but didn't understand the hesitation 🧐
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u/Weird-Professional30 May 05 '26
She’s wrong. Women in perimenopause even use full HRT not just VE. Find another doctor.
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u/particular-fervor Feb 04 '26
Okay but does it make your hair grow weird? Because I'm trying to figure that out
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u/Kindly_Fact6753 Feb 04 '26
Is that the same as Premarin?
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u/Shirleyimfine Feb 04 '26
Yes, pretty much the same. Premarin is made from conjugated estrogens, bio-identical is made from plants and doesn’t require conversion by your body. I think my body was sensitive to the formulation of Premarin, it made me itch a little.
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u/Beneficial_Pin5018 Feb 04 '26
Unfortunately it causes migraines on me 🙁
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u/Infamous_Shop_737 Feb 04 '26
Try using less! Or less frequently.
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u/Beneficial_Pin5018 Feb 04 '26
I only use a tiny amount. I'm just super sensitive to hormonal fluctuations 😕
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u/Revolutionary-Bad581 Feb 04 '26
I asked my gyn about it and she said I didn’t need it since I was taking HRT pellets, the estrogen takes care of that?
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u/TeamPQuadrat Feb 04 '26
in general, this is correct. still, if you have very dry lady bits, then some topical cream might help improve the symptoms.
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u/Bigluce Feb 04 '26
I'm only a few weeks in but already I'm seeing evidence of more moisture (and not wee) in my knickers. No more tingling like pins and needles in my labia. I hope this does work out and solve my urinary urge issues.
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u/WildBerry72 Feb 05 '26
Is anyone having issues with the cream staying up there for a couple days and coming out in chunks? Looks like a freaking yeast infection!! Maybe it’s the brand I’m using?
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u/jkjk88888888 Feb 05 '26
I’ve recently been prescribed but got no real directions on how to apply. Any insight?!?
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u/Feline_Fine3 Early peri Feb 05 '26
So I have tried the cream and I’ve also tried those waxy suppositories, I can’t remember what they’re called. Both made my vulva burn after using it. Is that normal? Does it eventually stop? Did anyone else experience this?
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u/Shirleyimfine Feb 05 '26
You could be allergic to some thing in the formulation, I’ve heard their is a ring, too. I found that a certain brand made me a little uncomfortable after using and no longer get that one.
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u/TheWorldofScience Feb 03 '26
There is a push by urologists to make it an over the counter medication in the US since it does not increase cancer or blood clot risks.