Women only- need help with using estrogen cream

[Anonymous]

I was prescribed a vaginal estradiol cream, instructions are to use a pea size amount 2x a week. My doctor told me just to use my finger, but it doesn’t make it very far. It’s mostly just at the opening. Is that normal? Does it still work that way?

It came with an applicator but my doc said not to bother with it since it’s such a small amount.

[Anonymous]

You should use the applicator. It's easy. You just have to wash it off after each time.

[Anonymous]

Washing the applicator is a pain. I use q-tips.

[Anonymous]

The young midwife who prescribed it for me said the same thing. Since she's never experienced the severe vaginal dryness of menopause, I don't think she understood that I need that cream ALL the way up the canal. And, it's not very comfortable using my finger.

I also needed more than a pea sized amount. I used about 3/4 inch in the applicator and the a little around the tip because, I'm sure, whoever designed the tip had no clue how uncomfortable it could be. A full dose of it was just too much.

I've now switched to Intrarosa. It's more expensive but I like it better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The young midwife who prescribed it for me said the same thing. Since she's never experienced the severe vaginal dryness of menopause, I don't think she understood that I need that cream ALL the way up the canal. And, it's not very comfortable using my finger.

I also needed more than a pea sized amount. I used about 3/4 inch in the applicator and the a little around the tip because, I'm sure, whoever designed the tip had no clue how uncomfortable it could be. A full dose of it was just too much.

I've now switched to Intrarosa. It's more expensive but I like it better.

Intrarosa was $85 a month so I didn’t get it. How much do you pay for it and what do you like better about it? TIA

[Anonymous]

Use the applicator, one gram (marked on the applicator). Easy and effective. I used to do what you doctor advised and it just isn’t enough to actually work.

[Anonymous]

I use the applicator, and I try to use it very slowly and move it around so the medication spreads as much as possible. It's a pain but so much better than my life without it. Menopause is so weird.

[Anonymous]

I have to use it every day for two weeks and then do twice a week after that for maintenance.

[Anonymous]

My dr said the same - pea-sized amount, just use your finger. She also said I don't need to go very far up. I've been applying it as my dr directed, and everything seems fine. I've always had issues with applicators, though. My tampon of choice back in the day was ob, because I had better luck inserting it with my finger than with an applicator.

[Anonymous]

Pea size is very small small amount. 1/2 inch / 2 g more typical.

[Anonymous]

I hated the applicator so much because it has lots of grooves that are hard to thoroughly clean. I used my finger and have no issues.

[Anonymous]

I have one with a disposable applicator. Very easy. I just forgot all the time!