What is Ovesse Vaginal Cream?
Ovesse is a local vaginal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that treats genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), also known as vaginal atrophy. As oestrogen levels fall after menopause, the vaginal wall becomes thinner, drier and less elastic which leads to irritation, itching and pain. Ovesse replaces that lost oestrogen directly in the vaginal area to restore comfort and normalise the vaginal environment.
Because the cream works locally rather than throughout the body, it delivers a much lower dose than systemic HRT while still relieving symptoms where they occur. Ovesse is currently the only vaginal oestrogen cream available to buy in the UK without a prescription.
What Ovesse treats
Ovesse relieves the vaginal symptoms of oestrogen deficiency after menopause, including:
- Vaginal dryness
- Soreness, itching or a burning sensation
- Irritation and general discomfort
- Pain or discomfort during sex
By restoring the vaginal tissue, it can also help reduce the recurrent urinary symptoms sometimes linked to the thinning of vaginal and urethral tissue after menopause.
Who it’s for
Ovesse is intended for postmenopausal women aged 50 and over who have not had a period for at least one year. It can be used by women with or without an intact uterus. As a pharmacy medicine, our pharmacist will confirm it’s suitable for you before each supply.
How Ovesse works
Ovesse contains estriol, a form of oestrogen. Delivered straight to the vagina, it improves the thickness, elasticity and hydration of the vaginal wall and helps restore a healthy vaginal pH. Applying it locally avoids first-pass metabolism in the liver, so a lower dose achieves the effect — meaning less hormone enters your bloodstream than with whole-body HRT. Many women notice improvement within a few weeks, with full benefit typically after 8–12 weeks.
Ovesse vs other vaginal oestrogen treatments
| Ovesse | Ovestin | Vaginal estradiol (e.g. Gina) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Estriol 1mg/g | Estriol 1mg/g | Estradiol |
| Prescription needed? | No — pharmacy medicine | Yes | Pharmacy (Gina) / prescription |
| Format | Cream + applicator | Cream + applicator | Pessary / tablet |
How to use Ovesse
Always follow the Patient Information Leaflet and your pharmacist’s advice. Ovesse is for vaginal use only and is applied using the supplied applicator, ideally before bed.
| Stage | Dose |
|---|---|
| Starting dose (first 2 weeks) | One application (0.5mg estriol in 0.5g of cream) once a day |
| Maintenance dose (thereafter) | One application twice a week, with 3–4 days between doses |
Fill the applicator to the red ring mark for the correct 0.5mg dose. Do not use more than one application per day.
Applying the cream, step by step
- Remove the cap, turn it upside down and use the point to pierce the tube.
- Screw the applicator onto the tube.
- Squeeze to fill the applicator to the red ring mark — the plunger stops there, giving one 0.5mg dose.
- Unscrew the applicator and put the cap back on the tube.
- Lie down, insert the applicator and slowly push the plunger all the way in.
- Afterwards, pull the plunger out of the barrel and wash both parts in warm soapy water — the applicator is reusable.
What’s in the pack
- 15g tube of Ovesse 1mg/g Vaginal Cream (30 applications)
- Reusable, calibrated, clear plastic applicator
- Patient Information Leaflet
Side effects
Like all medicines, Ovesse can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them. When you start treatment you may notice mild irritation, itching or a burning sensation in or around the vagina — this usually settles after a few weeks. Discomfort when passing urine can also occur. Report any vaginal bleeding or spotting to your doctor. You can report suspected side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. See the Patient Information Leaflet for the full list, including rarer but more serious side effects.
Who should not use Ovesse
Do not use Ovesse if you have, or have ever had, breast cancer or another oestrogen-dependent cancer, endometrial cancer, untreated thickening of the womb lining, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, a blood clot (such as a DVT or pulmonary embolism), or an allergy to estriol or any of the ingredients. This is not a full list — speak to our pharmacist first if you have any medical condition. See the SmPC and Patient Information Leaflet for complete safety information.
Ingredients
Active substance: estriol 1mg per gram of cream. Also contains chlorhexidine dihydrochloride, octyldodecanol, cetyl palmitate, glycerin, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, lactic acid, sodium hydroxide and purified water.
Storage
Store below 25°C. Do not freeze. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ovesse take to work?
Many women feel improvement within a few weeks, with full benefit usually after 8–12 weeks of regular use. It works by restoring the vaginal tissue over time rather than giving instant relief.
Is Ovesse the same as HRT?
It’s a local form of HRT. It contains estriol (an oestrogen) but works in the vaginal area rather than throughout the body, so systemic exposure is low.
Can I use Ovesse alongside systemic HRT?
Sometimes, if vaginal symptoms persist despite whole-body HRT. Check with your doctor or our pharmacist before combining treatments.
How many doses are in a tube?
Each 15g tube provides 30 applications.
Do I need a prescription for Ovesse?
No. Ovesse is a pharmacy medicine. You complete a short suitability check and our GPhC-registered pharmacy team approves the supply.
Reviewed by Tayab Khurshid, GPhC 2079549. Last reviewed 15/07/2026
Always read the label and the Patient Information Leaflet before use.
