The GP urged millions of women across the UK to consider using one type of cream in a recent plea
ITV’s resident doctor, Amir Khan, is encouraging millions of women across the nation to consider using a specific type of cream, after consulting their doctor, to aid their health and well-being, as they reach a certain age. The NHS GP shared this advice in the latest episode of the new podcast show No Appointment Necessary, which you can view below.
In the episode, hosts Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey delve into the topic of hormones. They discuss how oestrogen cream is ‘changing women’s lives’, the ‘truth’ about testosterone, stress, and why many couples ‘quietly lose their spark’, reports the Mirror.
Dr Amir Khan is recognised throughout the UK for offering advice and tips on programmes such as Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women. He also has a substantial following on Instagram, with 755k followers. When he’s not promoting health education online, Dr Khan works full-time as an NHS General Practitioner and is a partner at The Ridge Medical Practice in Bradford.
In the recent episode, Dr Khan emphasises the benefits of using oestrogen cream, which can be purchased over-the-counter at places like Boots, and why millions of women experiencing perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause should consider it. In the UK, approximately 13 million women are currently perimenopausal or menopausal, according to the NHS, which is a natural part of ageing for women.
He emphasises that anyone interested in trying it should always consult their doctor first, as it may not be suitable for everyone. It’s always advisable to speak with your own GP before attempting anything new or different. Dr Amir also highlighted that women should seek guidance from a gynaecology specialist if they’re contemplating HRT to receive the appropriate personalised information.
He says he has encountered numerous women who, after discovering and beginning to use it, return to inform him: “Why has nobody told me this before?” During the podcast segment entitled “The life-changing power of oestrogen cream”, Dr Khan outlines why using oestrogen cream can genuinely assist menopausal women.
He told viewers: “Honestly I would advise most women, if not all, to get some estrogen cream to put down in the area, because not only does it plump it up and improves the blood flow, reduce risk of urinary tract infections, but it can make sex more comfortable.”
Oestrogen cream can be most advantageous for women experiencing menopause as it specifically tackles vaginal, vulval, and urinary symptoms such as dryness, itching, and burning that stem from reduced oestrogen levels. This treatment represents a targeted, low-dose localised therapy that remains safe for prolonged use and produces minimal systemic effects, making it a suitable option for these specific issues without the risks associated with systemic HRT.
The GP continued: “There’ll be just a small number of women who can’t have estrogen cream topically around the area. There’ll be more women who can’t have systemic HRT. So, patches, tablets, gels, all of that stuff for various reasons. But when you put it just down there, it stays down there. It doesn’t go anywhere else and doesn’t increase your risk of other things that perhaps systemic HRT does, which means you can’t have it.”
Cherry asked: “So, it’s not going to hurt you. It can help you. And it can do so many different things. Can you get it over the counter?” The GP said: “You can in some places. I don’t know if it’s UK-wide, but in England you can get it over the counter. And honestly, I have started so many women on estrogen cream and they come back and say, ‘why has nobody told me this before?'”
Where can you purchase oestrogen cream?
Across the UK, the main oestrogen creams available for vaginal dryness are Ovestin (known as 0.1% Estriol Cream) and Ovesse. Ovestin needs a prescription, whilst Ovesse can be bought over the counter after speaking with a pharmacist for eligible women. Alternative choices include Gynest and a generic form of 0.01% Estriol cream. Boots is among the shops stocking oestrogen cream, including its Ovesse 1mg/g Vaginal Cream 15g Tube and Applicator.
Priced at £19.95, it has been “clinically proven to restore vaginal oestrogen to relieve dryness, soreness, burning, itching, painful intercourse”. This remains the sole vaginal oestrogen cream you can buy without a prescription, though it’s only meant for qualifying women aged 50 and above who haven’t menstruated for at least 12 months.
A chemist will ask you questions to ensure it’s right for your situation. If you think this cream might help you, talk to your doctor before attempting it. Find out whether you could get it prescribed or receive something comparable. Double-check your eligibility, too, since Boots’ website contains an extensive list of people who shouldn’t use it. Boots additionally stocks Menopause and Me Vaginal Moisturising Gel for £7.99.
Only purchase non-prescription items from a trusted and authenticated retailer. If you’re uncertain which product suits you best or have other health worries, seek advice from a medical professional or chemist.
Women associate menopause with just five symptoms – but there are actually 62, experts warn
How can the menopause trigger intimate problems fo
The typical age for a woman to go through menopause is 51. Approximately 1 in 100 women undergoes menopause before they turn 40. Many people experiencing menopause face various physical and emotional symptoms that may persist for several years. In terms of intimate problems, these can include:
- Vaginal dryness
- Pain and irritation, especially during intercourse
- Light bleeding or spotting, particularly after intercourse
- Unusual or watery discharge can occur.
- Changes in appearance
- Increased frequency or urgency to urinate
- Painful urination
- An increased risk of recurring UTIs.
- Leaking urine, often when coughing or sneezing
People might experience itching, burning, and a constricting feeling around the vaginal entrance. Hormone changes can increase the likelihood of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other bladder-related symptoms, resulting in discomfort and pain. You can read more on the NHS Inform website.
Ageing-related physical changes, such as weight gain or reduced skin elasticity, can dent a woman’s self-confidence and trigger anxiety about intimacy. The emotional fallout from these hormonal shifts can significantly impact a woman’s desire for closeness.
Sleep disruptions caused by other menopausal symptoms like night sweats can lead to fatigue, which may diminish the appetite for sex. A healthcare professional can recommend treatments to ease these symptoms. Over-the-counter lubricants and moisturisers can help with vaginal dryness.
Vaginal oestrogen or other forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and boost libido. Therapy can also assist in addressing emotional hurdles and positively influence relationships.
How can oestrogen cream aid menopausal women?
It specifically targets vaginal dryness, irritation, and discomfort, making intercourse less painful. It can help with urinary issues such as increased frequency, urgency, and recurring UTIs. As a localised treatment with minimal oestrogen entering the bloodstream, it does not carry the same risks as systemic HRT, like a higher likelihood of breast cancer or blood clots.
It can be used to address just the vaginal and urinary symptoms or in conjunction with other forms of HRT if systemic symptoms like hot flashes are also present. Over time, it assists in restoring the normal structure, elasticity, and lubrication of vaginal tissues. However, it does not address systemic symptoms.
Oestrogen cream is designed for local application and will not alleviate other common menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, or mood swings.
Key points to consider:
Many typical menopause symptoms, including hot flushes, fatigue, joint pain, mood swings, and irregular bleeding, can also originate from different medical conditions. Disorders such as thyroid issues, autoimmune diseases, sleep apnoea, and various types of cancer can mimic menopausal symptoms.
Other potential causes include medications, diabetes, infections, and gynaecological concerns like fibroids or cysts. Consulting a doctor can help identify the root cause of these issues.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.dailyrecord.co.uk
