Estriol vaginal cream is a local form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — treatment that replaces hormones that fall during menopause. It treats vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort by applying the hormone estriol directly into the vagina.

This guide covers Estriol 1mg/g vaginal cream. Use the measured applicator and follow your prescribed schedule. The cream can affect latex condoms and diaphragms, so ask your clinical team about suitable alternatives.

Always follow your prescription and read the patient information leaflet supplied with your treatment.
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This is a vaginal cream and form of local hormone replacement therapy (HRT) containing the hormone estriol at a concentration of 0.1% (or 1mg/g). It is applied into the vagina using a measured applicator.
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Estriol vaginal cream is used to treat atrophic vaginitis (thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls) and associated symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching, and pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) in women after menopause.
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You may notice an improvement in symptoms within a few weeks, but it can take up to three months to adjust and feel the full benefit. Speak to your clinical team if symptoms aren’t improving.
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The recommended initial dose is one applicator full of cream inserted into the vagina each day, preferably in the evening. This is usually done for an initial period of 2-three weeks. After the symptoms have improved, the dose is usually reduced to a maintenance dose of one applicator full twice a week.

How to administer Estriol vaginal cream:

After use, pull the plunger out of the barrel. Wash the plunger and barrel in hot, soapy water. Do not use detergents. Rinse well with clean water afterwards. Do not put the applicator in boiling water.
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A missed dose should be administered as soon as remembered, unless it is more than 12 hours overdue. If it has been more than 12 hours since the dose was due, the missed dose should be skipped and the next dose should be administered at the normal time. Two doses should never be administered on the same day. Always follow your prescribed instructions and check with your clinical team if you’re unsure.
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There are no special dosage requirements for older patients, although experience in treating women over 65 is limited. This medicine is not for use in children.
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This treatment isn’t contraception. You may still need contraception, including if it’s been less than 12 months since your last period or you’re under 50. Ask your clinical team for advice tailored to you.

If you become pregnant, stop treatment immediately and contact your clinician. This treatment isn’t indicated during breastfeeding.
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Some formulations may contain arachis (peanut) oil and should not be used by those with a peanut or soya allergy. The cream can damage latex condoms or diaphragms, making them less effective.
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Local irritation or itching can occur, especially at the start of treatment. Estriol vaginal cream is a local HRT, meaning very little of the hormone is absorbed into the rest of your body. Because of this minimal systemic absorption, it is generally not necessary to also take a progestogen to protect the womb lining, even if you have not had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the womb). However, you should report any unusual or unexpected vaginal bleeding to your clinician right away. For a full list of side effects, please see the Patient Information Leaflet provided with your medication . Common side effects can include headache, stomach or abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, discharge or discomfort, and vaginal yeast infection.
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Your clinician will review your treatment after three months, then at least once a year. They’ll check your symptoms, side effects, any vaginal bleeding, your weight, and your blood pressure, and decide whether further tests are needed.

Examine your breasts regularly and attend routine screening appointments, including mammograms and cervical screening where appropriate. If you had menopause earlier than expected, discuss how this may affect the benefits and risks of HRT with your clinician.
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Stop using Estriol and seek urgent medical advice if you develop:

If you have difficulty breathing or another life-threatening symptom, call 999. Don’t wait for an email response.

For planned changes or stopping treatment, speak to your clinician. They may recommend reducing your dose gradually to help prevent menopausal symptoms from returning suddenly.
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Tell your clinical team if you have any of the following conditions, have had them before, or they worsened during pregnancy or previous hormone treatment. You may need closer monitoring because they can return or worsen during treatment.

Do not store above 25˚C. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.

Contact your clinical team if you have questions about your prescribed schedule, side effects, symptoms that aren’t improving, or bleeding that concerns you. For non-urgent questions or to discuss your clinical plan, email [email protected].

Read the patient information leaflet supplied with your treatment for the full list of reasons not to use it, side effects, and precautions. This guide doesn’t replace that leaflet or your clinician’s instructions.

A separate progestogen is generally not needed with this local treatment because very little hormone is absorbed into the rest of your body. Report unusual or unexpected vaginal bleeding to your clinician straight away.

No. Follow your prescription and speak to your clinical team before changing your dose or treatment schedule.

No. Ask your clinical team whether you still need contraception and which options are suitable for you.

If you have questions about your medication, wish to discuss alternative treatment plans, or need reassurance, our clinicians are available to provide expert advice and support. Just email us at [email protected].

Lastly, please read the Patient Information Leaflet linked below and included with your treatment for a full list of side effects, contraindications, and precautions.