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Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal Dryness Treatment
At 24HR Pharmacy

Vaginal dryness is when the vagina does not produce enough natural lubrication, leading to:

  • Vaginal or vulval itching and burning
  • Pain or discomfort during sex
  • Stinging when you pee
  • A feeling of tightness or dryness
  • Sometimes thin, white or clear discharge
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Your Treatment Options

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From our Vaginal Dryness category, we currently offer three local oestrogen treatments. All are low-dose vaginal oestrogens designed to act locally in the vagina, with minimal absorption into the bloodstream.

  Estradiol (Gina) 10mcg vaginal tablets Estradiol (Vagifem) 10mcg vaginal tablets Ovestin Cream 1mg/g (estriol)
Type of treatment Low-dose vaginal oestrogen tablet (estradiol 10mcg), inserted into the vagina with an applicator. Low-dose vaginal oestrogen tablet (estradiol 10mcg), inserted with an applicator. Vaginal oestrogen cream containing estriol, applied inside the vagina (and sometimes to the vulva) using an applicator.
How it works Replaces a small amount of oestrogen in the vaginal tissues, helping them become thicker, more elastic and better lubricated, which relieves dryness and irritation. Same as Gina – local estradiol to restore vaginal tissue health and moisture. Brand differences are mainly pack/presentation. Estriol is another natural oestrogen; used locally it helps reverse thinning and dryness in the vaginal tissues, improving comfort and reducing urinary-type symptoms linked to low oestrogen.
Typical use* Often: 1 tablet daily for 2 weeks, then 1 tablet twice a week for maintenance, inserted high into the vagina (usually at night). Same general pattern: daily "loading" for 2 weeks, then twice weekly long-term, following the product leaflet. Commonly: one applicator-full daily for up to 2–4 weeks, then reduce to twice weekly depending on symptoms, as advised by your clinician.
Where it acts Mainly local – very little estradiol reaches the rest of the body; progestogen is not usually required. Same; local vaginal oestrogen, minimal systemic levels. Also local vaginal oestrogen; systemic absorption is low at recommended doses.
Who it may suit Women with menopausal vaginal dryness who prefer a tablet format. Not recommended if you have unexplained bleeding, certain cancers, recent clot/stroke, or serious liver disease unless under specialist advice. Always declare your full history. Same cautions as other vaginal oestrogens – prescriber will check whether it's safe for you. As above, plus note that some oestrogen creams can weaken latex condoms or diaphragms – check your leaflet and follow specific advice.

*Your exact dose and schedule will be confirmed by the prescriber and on your dispensing label and patient information leaflet – always follow those instructions.

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Who Is Eligible?

This service is mainly for adult women in the UK with vaginal dryness due to low oestrogen, most often during or after the menopause.

You may be suitable if:

  • You're peri- or post-menopausal, or have low oestrogen due to:
    • Natural menopause or early menopause
    • Surgical menopause (ovaries removed)
    • Some cancer or hormone treatments (assessed on a case-by-case basis)
  • You have typical symptoms such as:
    • Vulval or vaginal dryness, itching, burning
    • Painful sex or discomfort inserting tampons
    • Stinging when you pee, or needing to pass urine more often
  • You've tried (or been advised to try) lubricants and/or moisturisers, but still have troublesome dryness
  • You do not have unexplained vaginal bleeding or recent worrying symptoms that need examination

You may not be suitable for online-only treatment if:

You should see your GP, menopause clinic or specialist instead if:

  • You have unexplained vaginal bleeding – after sex, between periods, or after menopause
  • You have a current or past oestrogen-dependent cancer (e.g. some breast or womb cancers), unless a specialist team has advised a specific vaginal oestrogen plan
  • You've had a blood clot, stroke, serious liver disease, or other major conditions that need individualised advice
  • Your symptoms include unusual discharge, strong odour, significant pelvic pain, or sores – which may suggest infection, BV, thrush or other problems
  • You're under 18, or your symptoms have started suddenly after an injury or assault

Urgent help: If you have severe pelvic pain, sudden bleeding, a fever, or feel very unwell, seek urgent in-person care (GP, NHS 111, A&E).

Why choose 24 HR Pharmacy

  • Pharmacist-led: Every request is checked by a UK-registered prescriber against your medical history and current medicines.
  • Fast, discreet service: Simple online questionnaire, clear next steps, and discreet delivery to your door.
  • Ongoing support: Guidance on using your treatment safely, plus practical lifestyle tips to help you get results.
  • Transparent and responsible: We prescribe only when it is safe and appropriate, and we will suggest alternatives if a medicine is not right for you.
Vaginal Dryness

How Our Online Service Works?

Simple, safe, and designed around you. Here is what happens from start to finish.

<h3 class="font-bold text-[#4c847b] mb-2 text-center">Quick Online Consultation</h3>

Quick Online Consultation

You'll complete a short, confidential form covering:

  • Your symptoms (dryness, burning, pain on sex or urinating, discharge changes, urinary frequency)
  • How long they've been present and whether they're getting worse
  • Your period and menopause status – perimenopause, post-menopause, or breastfeeding
  • Any unexpected vaginal bleeding
  • Your medical history – including breast cancer, clotting problems, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid issues
  • Medicines you take – including HRT, tamoxifen or other cancer treatments, anticoagulants, and herbal products

This lets the prescriber decide whether vaginal oestrogen is safe for you, and which product (Gina, Vagifem or Ovestin) fits best.

<h3 class="font-bold text-[#4c847b] mb-2 text-center">Reviewed by a UK Prescriber</h3>

Reviewed by a UK Prescriber

A UK-registered clinician will:

  • Confirm your symptoms are consistent with vaginal dryness / atrophic vaginitis, rather than infection or another condition
  • Check your risk factors and history, especially breast or womb cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, history of blood clots, stroke, or serious liver disease
  • Decide whether local vaginal oestrogen is appropriate and, if so, which form (tablet vs cream)

If online treatment isn't suitable, we won't supply it – instead, you'll be directed to your GP, menopause clinic or specialist as appropriate.

<h3 class="font-bold text-[#4c847b] mb-2 text-center">Fast, Discreet Dispensing &amp; Delivery</h3>

Fast, Discreet Dispensing & Delivery

If suitable:

  • A prescription is issued for your chosen / recommended product
  • Your treatment is dispensed from our UK-registered pharmacy to full UK standards
  • Discreet parcels: No external product names on the box

Most women notice improvement over a few weeks, but it can take up to 3 months for vaginal oestrogen to work fully.

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Frequently Asked Questions