Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
Vaginal dryness during menopause may also cause soreness, painful sex and urinary symptoms....
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Local vaginal oestrogen cream
A low-dose estriol cream applied inside the vagina to help relieve dryness, soreness and irritation caused by declining oestrogen levels during perimenopause and after menopause.
Because it is applied directly where symptoms occur, Estriol Cream is a local treatment. It may be used on its own or alongside other HRT when vaginal, vulval or urinary symptoms need extra support.
Targets symptoms directly
Contains estriol, a form of oestrogen
Reusable applicator included
Can be used alongside systemic HRT
Prescription-only treatment through LIVVE
Quick product facts
The key details, with more guidance below on symptoms, application, safety and ongoing use.
Medicine type
Local vaginal oestrogen
Active ingredient
Estriol
A form of oestrogen.
Strength
1 mg per gram
Equivalent to 0.1%.
Form
Vaginal cream
Application
Reusable applicator
Typical routine
Initial daily use, then maintenance
Follow your prescribed schedule.
Prescription needed?
Yes, through LIVVE
Subject to clinical assessment.
Can it accompany HRT?
Yes, where appropriate
Your clinician will review your full treatment plan.
Application video guide
Watch our clinician explain how to fill the applicator, insert the cream, clean the applicator and follow your prescribed treatment schedule.
Video coming soon
How to measure and apply Estriol Cream
Wash and dry your hands before use.
Remove the cap and attach the applicator to the tube.
Squeeze the tube to fill the applicator up to the red ring mark.
Unscrew the applicator and replace the tube cap.
Lie down, gently insert the applicator into the vagina and slowly press the plunger all the way in.
After use, separate the plunger and barrel. Wash in hand-hot, soapy water and rinse well with clean water. Do not use detergents or boiling water.
Use Estriol Cream exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the dose or frequency without speaking to your clinician.
What is Estriol Cream?
Estriol Cream contains estriol, a form of oestrogen. It is inserted into the vagina using an applicator so the medicine reaches the tissues affected by lower oestrogen.
Local oestrogen can help improve moisture, comfort and tissue health in and around the vagina. It may also support the tissues around the urethra and bladder.
Only a small amount is usually absorbed into the rest of the body compared with systemic HRT. Estriol Cream is not intended to treat hot flushes, night sweats or mood symptoms.
Understanding your symptoms
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, or GSM, describes vaginal, vulval and urinary symptoms associated with declining oestrogen. These can include dryness, soreness, discomfort during sex and urinary changes. Symptoms can begin during perimenopause and may continue after menopause.
Comparing local treatments
There is no single best treatment for everyone. Your clinician will consider your symptoms, preferences and medical history.
| Treatment option | How it fits |
|---|---|
| Estriol Cream | A local estriol cream applied using a reusable applicator. A cream may suit patients who prefer this format or need treatment distributed inside the vagina. |
| Gina or Vagifem | Small vaginal tablets containing estradiol. These can be convenient for patients who prefer a pre-measured tablet. |
| Intrarosa | A prasterone vaginal insert that may be considered when painful sex and vaginal tissue changes are a key concern. |
| Blissel vaginal gel | A lower-strength estriol treatment supplied as a vaginal gel rather than a cream. Your clinician can explain the differences in formulation and application. |
| Moisturisers and lubricants | Non-hormonal options that can provide moisture or reduce friction but do not replace oestrogen in vaginal tissues. |
Realistic expectations
Estriol Cream does not simply mask dryness for a few hours. With consistent use, it helps restore the health and resilience of vaginal and urinary tissues. Improvement is usually gradual, and more established symptoms may need several weeks of regular treatment.
The cream may feel unfamiliar and a little leakage can occur. Some people notice early relief from dryness or burning, but it is also normal not to feel a clear change immediately.
Vaginal moisture and comfort may begin to improve. Everyday soreness, irritation and friction during sex may gradually reduce as the tissue responds.
The fuller benefit may include healthier, more flexible tissue and improvement in urinary urgency, frequency or recurrent UTI patterns where low oestrogen is contributing.
Once symptoms are controlled, treatment is usually reduced to the lowest effective maintenance frequency. Symptoms commonly return if local oestrogen is stopped completely.
Your LIVVE pathway
We check that local oestrogen fits your symptoms and that there are no warning signs requiring another assessment.
Tell us about dryness, soreness, urinary symptoms, bleeding, current HRT and your medical history.
Your clinician checks whether symptoms are likely to be linked to low oestrogen and discusses suitable treatment formats.
If appropriate, Estriol Cream is prescribed with an individual application schedule.
We explain how to use the cream, what improvement may look like and when to contact LIVVE.
Dose and schedule
Follow the schedule on your dispensing label. The following is a general guide for estriol 1 mg/g (0.1%) vaginal cream.
Application guidance:
See the video and individual instructions here.
| Dose and schedule | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting phase | One measured applicator dose daily for the first weeks, for no longer than four weeks. Your clinician will confirm your starting course. |
| Measured dose | An applicator filled to the marked ring contains 0.5 g of cream, providing 0.5 mg of estriol. |
| Maintenance | The frequency is gradually reduced as symptoms improve, often to one applicator dose twice weekly. |
| Missed dose | Apply the missed dose when remembered unless you are more than 12 hours late. If more than 12 hours late, skip it. Never use two doses on the same day. |
Review and support
Monitor changes in your symptoms and contact LIVVE if you need help with application, side effects or your treatment plan.
Treatment should be reviewed regularly to check symptom control, side effects and continued suitability. Your clinician will confirm when your next review is due.
Suitability and safety
Tell your clinician about your medical history, current medicines and any new or unexplained symptoms before treatment starts. Some conditions mean this medicine must not be used or require specialist advice.
Unexplained vaginal bleeding or untreated thickening of the womb lining.
Current, previous or suspected breast cancer, or another oestrogen-sensitive cancer.
Previous or current blood clots, a clotting disorder, stroke, angina or heart attack.
Liver disease, porphyria or an allergy to estriol or any ingredient.
Pregnancy, possible pregnancy or breastfeeding. This cream is not a contraceptive.
New pelvic pain, unusual discharge or bleeding after sex.
Side effects
Many people have no side effects or only mild symptoms. Early effects often settle as the tissues adjust.
Local irritation
Temporary itching, burning or discomfort can occur. Contact LIVVE if it is severe, persists or becomes worse.
Discharge or leakage
A small amount of cream may come out after use. Applying it at bedtime may help.
Spotting or bleeding
Report heavy, persistent, new or unexpected bleeding so it can be assessed properly.
Headache or abdominal discomfort
These can occur but should be discussed if troublesome or persistent.
Breast symptoms
Contact your clinician about persistent tenderness or any new breast change.
Allergic reaction
Seek urgent medical help for swelling, breathing difficulty or a severe reaction.
LIVVE provides discreet clinician-led care, UK pharmacy dispensing, clear treatment instructions and ongoing support when you need review or repeat treatment.
Helpful vaginal health resources
Explore clear, clinician-led guidance on vaginal, vulval and urinary symptoms during perimenopause and after menopause.
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Compare lubricants, vaginal moisturisers, vaginal oestrogen tablets and cream, Intrarosa and other options...
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Your LIVVE clinician can help you understand whether Estriol Cream, another local vaginal treatment or wider HRT support may be most appropriate.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace individual medical advice. Estriol Cream is a prescription-only medicine through LIVVE and is supplied only if clinically appropriate after assessment. Always read the patient information leaflet and follow your prescriber’s instructions. Seek medical advice about unexplained bleeding, new breast or pelvic symptoms, severe irritation or any symptom that concerns you.