Estradiol topical and Itching: What Users Say

• Ell...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 21, 2020

For Atrophic Vaginitis "Horrible itching, burning, swelling from any topical estrogen I tried - Estrace, Vagifem, Premarin. After 3 years of suffering, all with normal cultures (no infection), I insisted on biopsy of vulva - showed probable hypersensitivity reaction from allergy!!! Stopped all estrogens, but atrophic vaginitis returned with different burning and dryness, and painful sex. Then researched and found out that topical estrogens can cause all my symptoms from allergic reaction to the preservatives and other ingredients! My gyn had no clue. I researched this, and told doctor to order Estriol cream in VERSABASE cream base - VERSABASE is hypoallergenic. I AM CURED - the compounded Estriol in VERSABASE has fixed my atrophic vaginitis without allergic reaction. I have my vagina back! Find a compounding pharmacy - I use Estriol 1 mg/gram compounded - daily x 2 weeks then twice a week. Call around as the different compounding pharmacies have huge price differences for the same compound. Good luck!!!!"

• AEa...
• October 23, 2019

For Atrophic Vaginitis "Amneal had two companies producing their Yuvafem product. One company located in the USA (pink packaging) and the other in Denmark (blue packaging). I did not experience issues with the product manufactured in Denmark although the packaging was inferior to Vagifem. Amneal no longer uses the company in Denmark. The product in the pink packaging manufactured in the USA is as awful as the many negative reviews reflect. Burning and itching was the worse negative symptoms for me. Why is the FDA not aggressively addressing this? I have been battling with Amneal and it isn't a pleasant experience. I plan to escalate to the Attorney General of my state. Unfortunately, too many politicians take money from the pharmaceutical companies so they do nothing to help stop this abuse. I also take issue with the majority of insurance companies refusing to cover Vagifem or charge exorbitant copays for a medication women need to maintain good health, yet many have no problem with covering Viagra."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2019

For Atrophic Vaginitis "I was using Estrace and was doing very well. Then they approved the generic Estradiol. I can already tell the difference. I’m itching and sex is painful again. Estrace is too expensive now that the generic has been released. Also, Allergan offered free applicators but Mylan won’t even answer an email regarding this. I think it's very unsanitary to expect one to reuse the tubes. Allergan won’t even respond when I asked if I could buy the applicators for the generic. I did find them on Amazon for $33 a bag. Thinking about paying full price for the Estrace to get the free applicator program again. I’m going to try this generic a few more times. If I don’t see improvement and still have issues, I’m stopping it and reporting it to the FDA. Does anyone else have problems with generic but was doing great on Estrace brand?"

• Wes...
• November 7, 2018

For Atrophic Vaginitis "I am a post-menopausal physician who began using Vagifem in 2011 after a total hysterectomy. I had absolutely no problems with Vagifem. It helped with my urogenital symptoms, such as dryness and urinary frequency. When Yuvafem came out, I was also changed to it via my mail-in pharmacy. I started experiencing a significant increase in vaginal irritation, vulvar dryness, and urinary frequency. I had been having vaginal discharge the day after I inserted the tablet with increased irritation and itching. I never had any significant discharge or irritation when using Vagifem. My symptoms got so bad that at the end of September I went back on brand-name Vagifem. My symptoms have been gradually improving. Given my experience, and the fact that so many others on this site and elsewhere have had similar issues, I contacted the FDA. I also complained to them regarding the poor packaging. I feel Yuvafem needs further investigation."

• Msa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2020

For Atrophic Vaginitis "I’m 60 years old and have had multiple urinary tract infections over the years. My doctor just started me on Vagifem 3 weeks ago, as well as progesterone oral tablets. In the last week, the burning, itching, and irritation are driving me crazy. I’m trying to deal with it and applying topical OTC creams as well as natural balms to try and calm my vaginal area down. I’m going back to the doctor tomorrow as I can’t stand this anymore. I was really hoping this medication would work for me, I wonder what the next step will be?"

• men...
• August 10, 2018

For Atrophic Vaginitis "This cream has been a miracle. I had a hysterectomy 20 years ago and have been off estrogens for at least 15 years. About five years ago started having all kinds of vaginal discomfort. I think I was also battling a bacterial infection. Tried everything for that too. Finally settled on using boric acid capsules once a week for quite some time and the Estrace three times a week. I used about 1 gram. After several months, finally I was able to stop the boric acid. I also was able to cut my Estrace back to once a week 1 gram. Before using this, I was so sensitive that I would be burning and itching just from wiping with toilet paper. The tissue was so thin it looked shriveled up down there. I noticed I had what appeared to be blood blisters on my labia, which have gone away. The skin has plumped up too and is so much healthier. I would give this a ten except the cost is ridiculous."

• nur...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 30, 2020

For Atrophic Urethritis "I used Vagifem for years, and the only issue was occasional yeast infections at the beginning, but the drug was effective for vaginal atrophy. Years later, in an HMO that will only prescribe generics, so forced to use Yuvafem. Initially, it seemed okay, but in the last 3 months, I noticed symptoms of burning, itching, and UTI returned. Simultaneously, I just read that Teva, the current generic manufacturer of Yuvafem that I'm using, has been indicted by U.S. Federal prosecutors for drug price-fixing along with other drug manufacturers. While they are only under investigation for price fixing, I hope the FDA is also investigating these companies to determine whether they are interfering with the drug formulation, i.e., cutting with fillers. Caveat emptor - while Vagifem is costly, we may be throwing money down the drain with generics that have filler instead of the drug."

• Dis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2020

For Atrophic Vaginitis "After the first dose, I felt a positive change and enjoyed careful intercourse. After the second dose, the discharge was significant and odorous. The day after the third dose and for the next three days, the itching and inflammation were unbearable. I would call the swelling an explosion. Time to try something else."

• CMB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2020

For Atrophic Vaginitis "I am 52 years old, menopausal, and I have been using Estring for about 6 months now and LOVE it. I had severe vaginal dryness and itching. I love sex, but it was painful and I would often bleed during and after. Within 2 weeks of using the Estring, all my symptoms disappeared! Such a huge relief. The ring looks giant when you take it out of the package, and you may worry about making it fit. I had no problems inserting it and couldn’t feel it. I can’t remove it myself, so I have to enlist the help of my husband. It is worth every penny. If you are on the fence - TRY IT."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 20, 2020

For Atrophic Vaginitis "Use of Vagifem to address bladder frequency has caused significant irritation, itchiness, and rawness around the vaginal area, as well as thick white discharge. I have discontinued it and am attempting to treat these symptoms, which have progressed to the urethra. Very discouraging, as many women find it very helpful for postmenopausal conditions."

• Lol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2021

For Atrophic Vaginitis "I began Imvexxy hoping it would help with the dryness and itchiness I sometimes feel. I have not been sexually active in years, but the dryness drives me crazy. This has not helped with the dryness, though the itchiness has stopped. Then, I suddenly began to get boils, and more than one. I’ve never had them before. I began to feel rundown and fatigued as well. My eyes began to feel dry as well. I won’t continue using this product. I’ll definitely try something else."

• Cas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 14, 2019

For Atrophic Vaginitis "I tried 1 gram of Estrace 4 days in a row. I had extreme dryness prior to taking it. It corrected that, however, I experienced itching, burning, and several trips to the bathroom at night to urinate. I am through with it!"

• Ela...
• January 13, 2020

For Atrophic Vaginitis "First used Vagifem and seemed to work okay. Then, like others, was switched to Yuvafem. Started having extreme itching, so washed regularly and applied moisturizer. Then burning started too and nothing helped to get over itchy, burning, and then burnt skin. I stopped Yuvafem when spotting started. Skin began to clear up after two weeks. Then I used one tablet and extreme itching and skin was burnt again. I began to have pain in my joints, so bad that I entered an emergency room. I went off Yuvafem and 5 days later could walk again. After only one tablet, joint pain and burnt skin returned. My doctor could not find anything. He suggested that I was allergic to Yuvafem. So today, I decided to check reviews and found that Yuvafem is a dangerous drug."

• Anonymous
• September 14, 2011

"I am a 54-year-old postmenopausal woman and have been using Estrace cream 1 mg every night for about a month for vaginal dryness. All of a sudden, I am experiencing itching and burning. I wonder if I have an infection from this cream."

• Bla...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 3, 2017

For Atrophic Vaginitis "No problems with Vagifem. After using Yuvafem for a couple of weeks, I started getting a discharge and feeling like I had an infection with burning and itching. It feels as if I am allergic to something in the drug. Going back to Vagifem."

• Jmc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2017

For Atrophic Vaginitis "Awful product. Was on Vagifem for 25 years, great product. Got switched to Yuvafem when it came out. Within a week I had horrible dryness and itching, vaginal tissue tearing and pain. It's like it's a placebo. Like others, I've asked my doctor to make my prescription brand only for Vagifem at much higher cost since it works. They need to rework Yuvafem so it actually is a working generic version. I emailed the manufacturer... everyone should."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2022

For Atrophic Vaginitis "Not Pleased · Taken for less than 1 month · March 22, 2021 “... I experienced soreness, burning, itching, and increased need to urinate, plus greenish discharge. I’m discontinuing immediately.” (Posted by NotPleased on March 22, 2021.) Ditto. I thought something was wrong with me until I started reading reviews for this product online."

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2020

For Dyspareunia "Three months on Imvexxy now. No issues at all other than a minor itch I had the first month I was on it, but the minor issue went away after month two. Now on my third month, going into my fourth month, and things have been very positive."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 16, 2019

For Atrophic Vaginitis "Can only use brand name Vagifem. Generic does not work at all. Packaging is horrible, and symptoms of burning, itching, dryness, and feeling of a UTI, and constantly having to urinate are what happens when using generic. Had to go back to using Vagifem. Unfortunately, the copay is really high until I meet my deductible. Insurance needs to offer this medication at a more affordable cost."

• Fel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2023

For Atrophic Vaginitis "I just started using Imvexxy, and although initially it felt like it was helping, things have taken a turn for the worse. I have mild cramping, itching, burning, and increased urination with burning. Got checked for UTI, and none present. The only thing that has changed has been the introduction of Imvexxy. I'm also having stomach issues. Imvexxy is not for me. I had high hopes, but the side effects are intolerable."

• Anonymous
• January 15, 2025

For Atrophic Vaginitis "I’ve been using this since my hysterectomy back in 2005 with no issues, twice a week, but in the last two months, I’ve noticed burning, which I thought was a UTI infection or bladder infection. Did three rounds of antibiotics. I saw no difference. I also think that they must’ve changed the ingredients in this hormone replacement because I’m experiencing itching, burning, and I feel like I have to pee all the time. It is so bad that I’m waking up at night with a burning sensation."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 19, 2023

For Atrophic Vaginitis "I have been using the generic brand Estrace, 1g twice a week for three and a half years to alleviate the symptoms of vaginal atrophy caused by menopause, including dryness, burning, and itching. Initially, sex was comfortable until my husband's low testosterone and low libido issues caused a significant decrease in our sexual activity. As a result, my vagina has narrowed and shortened due to lack of use, causing painful intercourse, despite continuing the use of Estrace. I plan to increase my Estrace dosage for a few weeks to address these changes and improve the discomfort during sex. It is ironic that my husband's low libido has led to my discomfort, which now irritates him. Technically, it is his fault that we did not engage in sexual activity regularly, leading to these issues."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2022

For Atrophic Urethritis "47 years old. Prescribed by gynecologist. 1 month of being in a nightmare. Severe vaginal swelling, itchiness, burning, pain, and thrush-like symptoms without discharge but severe pain. My vagina since taking this medication feels like an overripe, rotten, juicy tomato. I also have severe water retention and swelling in my lower body. Just waiting until it's out of my system."

• Cec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2021

For Atrophic Vaginitis "My doctor prescribed a low dosage of Estrace Cream twice a week for frequent UTIs. Right off, I got severe itching but gave it time to go away, then got breast tenderness and pelvic pain. Been on it for almost 3 months. I haven't had a UTI, however, what side effects I have-not to mention the cost. Going to quit using it. I will figure a way to control the UTIs. Not worth dealing with the side effects."

• Sog...
• November 19, 2020

For Atrophic Vaginitis "I've been prescribed Vagifem 10 for dryness and vaginal itching. I am now on once a week, and I had a good 2 days with no itches. Then on Monday, I did my normal one, and now it's driving me nuts. I really didn't give it a thought that this could be the problem, not the cure. I'm not using it anymore and ringing my GP tomorrow."