Estradiol (Vagifem)

Estradiol is a female sex hormone, belonging to a group of hormones called oestrogens, and is produced by the ovaries of women.

Vagifem belongs to a group of medicines called local vaginal Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and contains estradiol. It is used to relieve menopausal symptoms in the vagina such as dryness or irritation. In medical terms this is known as ‘vaginal atrophy’. This happens when the vaginal wall becomes thinner, drier and less elastic and can cause symptoms in the vagina such as dryness, soreness or irritation, itching or burning sensation, and painful sexual intercourse. It is caused by a drop in the levels of oestrogen in your body which happens naturally after the menopause.

Vagifem is inserted into your vagina, so the hormone is released where it is needed, helping to relieve discomfort associated with menopause.