Estriol Cream 0.01% with Applicator - 80g

What is estriol vaginal cream?

Estriol cream is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that you apply inside the vagina. It contains estriol, a form of oestrogen, and replaces some of the oestrogen your ovaries no longer make after the menopause.

Because the cream is applied where it's needed, only a very small amount reaches the rest of your body. That's why it's classed as a local HRT, rather than a systemic one like tablets.

What is estriol cream used for?

Estriol cream is used to treat vaginal atrophy. This is when falling oestrogen levels make the vaginal walls thinner, drier, and more easily irritated. It can help with:

• vaginal dryness
• irritation and soreness
• discomfort or pain during sex
• vaginal wound healing, when used before or after vaginal surgery

However, estriol cream won't treat other menopause symptoms, like hot flushes, mood swings, or sleep problems.

How does estriol intravaginal cream work?

After menopause, oestrogen levels drop and the lining of the vagina can become thin, dry, and sensitive.

Estriol cream replaces some of that missing oestrogen right where it's needed, which helps to ease the discomfort. Using the applicator means the cream is released high into the vagina, rather than on the skin.

How long does estriol cream take to work?

Estriol cream doesn't work overnight. You may notice an improvement within several days or weeks, but it can take up to three months for the cream to work fully. If you don't feel better after three months, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

How long can you stay on estriol cream?

You can use estriol cream for as long as you need it, but your prescriber will aim for the lowest dose that keeps your symptoms under control.

They'll also want to check in with you at least once a year to talk through the benefits and risks of carrying on, and they may ask you to pause treatment from time to time to see if you still need it.

If you stop, your symptoms may come back, so talk to your prescriber beforehand.

Estriol cream benefits

• Targeted relief: It eases dryness, soreness, and irritation in the vagina.
• More comfortable sex: It can help with the pain that thin and dry vaginal tissue can cause.
• Low absorption: Only a very small amount reaches your bloodstream, so you don't need to take a progestogen alongside it.
• Straightforward to use: The applicator measures the dose for you, and you only need to use it twice a week once your symptoms are under control.
• Surgery: It can be used before and after vaginal surgery to help with healing.

How to use estriol cream

Always use estriol cream exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.

The usual dosing schedule:

• For the first 2-3 weeks (up to four weeks at most): one applicator dose a day.
• After that: one applicator dose twice a week.
• Bedtime is a good time to use it, as lying down helps to keep the cream in place and prevents it from leaking out.
• If you miss a dose, use it when you remember, unless you're more than 12 hours late. If you are, skip it and carry on as normal.

How to apply the cream:

• Remove the cap from the tube, turn it upside down, and use the sharp point to open the seal.
• Screw the end of the applicator onto the tube.
• Squeeze the tube to fill the applicator up to the ring mark. The plunger will stop at the mark.
• Unscrew the applicator and put the cap back on the tube.
• Lie down, gently insert the applicator deep into your vagina, and slowly push the plunger all the way in.

Cleaning the applicator:

• Pull the plunger out of the barrel.
• Wash both parts in warm soapy water without using detergents, then rinse well with clean water.
• Don't put the applicator in boiling water.

Is estriol cream safe?

Yes, estriol cream is safe for most people when used as directed. Because it's applied locally and very little gets into your bloodstream, it carries lower risks than systemic HRT.

Estriol cream side effects

Like all medicines, estriol cream can cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them. Side effects may include:

• irritation or itching of the skin in or around your vagina (this usually improves after a few weeks)
• burning sensation in or around the genital area
• increased vaginal discharge, bleeding, or spotting
• discomfort when peeing (dysuria)
• gall bladder problems
• skin problems like a rash or an allergy to the sun
• breasts become swollen, tender, or painful
• headaches
• feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
• flu-like symptoms

If you have any of these side effects, tell your prescriber, as they may decide to stop your treatment for a while. For further information on side effects, including potentially serious side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

Who shouldn't use estriol cream

Don't use estriol cream if you're allergic to any of the listed ingredients or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

You shouldn't use estriol if you have:

• or had breast cancer, or are suspected of having it
• an oestrogen-sensitive cancer, like cancer of the womb lining, or are suspected of having one
• unexplained vaginal bleeding
• untreated thickening of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia)
• or had a blood clot in a vein, like in the legs or lungs
• a blood clotting disorder
• or recently had a heart attack, stroke, or angina
• liver disease and your liver function tests haven't returned to normal
• porphyria, a rare inherited blood disorder

Tell your doctor or prescriber if you're having surgery, as you may need to stop estriol 4-6 weeks beforehand. You must always tell your prescriber if you're taking or using any other medicines.

Storage information

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Don't store above 25°C.
• Don't freeze.
• Don't use after the expiry date on the pack.

How to buy estriol cream

Estriol cream is a prescription-only medicine, meaning you'll need to complete an easy online consultation with us beforehand to determine if it's suitable for you and your symptoms.

Our expert clinicians will review your answers and if it is, we'll deliver it quickly and discreetly straight to your door.

Alternatives to estriol cream

If estriol cream isn't the right fit for you, here are some alternatives to consider:

• Estriol 1mg/g cream: An unbranded, higher-strength version of estriol cream, containing 1mg/g rather than 0.01%.
• Ovesse 1mg/g cream: The same active ingredient but sold under the brand name Ovesse. You can buy it over-the-counter without a prescription.
• Ovestin 1mg/g cream: Another prescription-only 1mg/g cream sold under Ovestin.

Frequently asked questions about estriol cream

Does estriol cream cause weight gain?

Estriol cream is absorbed into the blood in very small amounts, so it's much less likely to affect things like weight than systemic HRT. However, weight changes are common around the menopause whether or not you're using any treatment.

Can estriol cream cause thrush?

Thrush isn't a listed side effect of estriol cream. However, itching, irritation, and extra discharge are, and could be mistaken for thrush.

If you think you have thrush, speak to a pharmacist or doctor. They may prescribe a treatment for it alongside your estriol cream. You should see your GP if it's your first time having thrush or if it keeps coming back.

Can you use estriol cream on your face?

No. Estriol cream is only for use inside the vagina with the applicator provided.

Does estriol cream increase libido?

Estriol cream isn't a treatment for low libido, but by easing dryness and soreness, it can make sex more comfortable, which many people find helps.

Can you use Vagifem and estriol cream together?

Both Vagifem and estriol cream contain oestrogen, so you should always speak to your prescriber before using them together as it can increase your levels more than you need.

If you're using one and it isn't working well for you, ask your prescriber about alternatives.

Can you buy estriol cream over-the-counter?

No, estriol cream is a prescription-only medication that you're only able to get after our expert clinicians have reviewed your consultation. However, you're able to get Ovesse, another cream containing estriol, over-the-counter.

Sources

• Estriol cream patient information leaflet. Electronic medicines
  compendium (emc). [Accessed 15th October 2026].