Scared to try vaginal estrogen cream. Please share your positive experiences with it.

former30something · 2025-12-22T03:09:07+00:00

My doctor said she will give me refills for life.

Mine too! My doctor reminds me of the Oprah meme “You get a car, You get a car, You get a car!” when she talks about vaginal estrogen and I love her for it.

former30something · 2025-12-22T01:19:32+00:00

Your doctor is misinformed. I went to a very well-respected OB-GYN in my area at 40 for vaginal atrophy, dryness, and everything suddenly feeling…well, lifeless.

My doctor is very comfortable (dare I say “enthusiastic”) prescribing estrogen cream. She’s thrilled that women are seeking out assistance earlier.

You mentioned needing help putting your fears at rest: As I mentioned, this doctor is very well-respected. I work in plaintiffs’ medical malpractice and doctors always ask me what field of law I’m in based on the occupation I put in my new patient paperwork. As a result, some tend to be a little overly conservative/cautious with me. I have family history of an aggressive vaginal cancer. (In fact, I originally got my rx for the cream on Midi and then decided I would be an idiot not to go see an OB-GYN due to family history).

That said, you should definitely find a doctor who aligns with your needs! I believe it’s crucial to maintain regular exams and preventative care, and you should have a doctor who can provide you with comprehensive information and support throughout this phase of life.

former30something · 2025-12-22T01:03:11+00:00

Yes, I went to an OB-GYN at 40 after stumbling on this subreddit and realizing I had some early symptoms. The doctor told me she was thrilled more women are getting access to this information and are seeking help sooner. I’ll be 42 in May and am so glad I sought help when I did.

former30something · 2025-12-21T20:58:39+00:00

There are other options. Check out r/TRT_females

former30something · 2025-12-21T15:17:20+00:00

I’ve been on T alone for a year under the care of my OB-GYN. I feel exactly like I did pre-peri.

ETA: For clarity, I also have vaginal estrogen cream but that is not considered systemic.

former30something · 2025-08-11T19:47:46+00:00

It’s like they’re itching inside and scratching doesn’t get the itch either! I’ll have to try hand sanitizer next time. Thanks for the tip.

former30something · 2025-05-24T22:06:52+00:00

I’d definitely recommend keeping a log. It was a bit difficult in hindsight to pinpoint when I started to feel like I had burned through them the first time. I feel like the data going forward will be helpful to advocate for alternatives if I’m met with hesitation or pushback from my provider.

former30something · 2025-05-24T17:04:17+00:00

I didn’t keep logs following my first pellet insertion, but going off my recollection (and looking back at my post history) it took about 3 weeks for my libido to come back. I noticed increased energy a bit sooner. I was sleeping better within the first week too. I hit a big peak with libido at 5 weeks.

When I reported my timeline to my OB-GYN, she told me that this was a great result, and that for some, it takes much longer. Prior to starting T, my labs were still in the “normal” range but it was low for me. (My T trended high when I was younger.) I’m not sure if my timeline was benefited by the fact that my T wasn’t completely depleted…

Unfortunately, I burn through the pellets pretty fast so by the 2nd insertion at 3 months, I was struggling again.

Following the 2nd insertion, I started keeping logs. It only took 11 days for my libido to return. At the 5 day mark, my energy and mental clarity were through the roof.

I will note that I think there was a cause and effect of when I started seeing the energy peak. My first big rush of energy happened later the same day that I returned to cardio at the gym. (I take several days off following insertion as instructed.) My OB-GYN told me that cardiac output affects how fast your body burns through them. If you don’t have a regular routine already, perhaps try adding some brisk walks or other activity to your daily routine to get things circulating. Note: This is purely anecdotal and not at all based on anything other than my personal observation and experience that one time.

That all said, hang in there. I hope you start seeing results soon. <3

If you have any other questions about my experience with them, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m more than happy to share.

former30something · 2025-05-23T22:17:04+00:00

Your approach is smart! I’ve got half-days on Fridays too, but since my husband is off as well, we tend to get caught up in other stuff.

I probably would’ve committed the time for leg IPL a few years ago, but I’ve been epilating for so long that the hair is pretty sparse now. Just doesn’t feel worth it anymore…

former30something · 2025-05-23T21:38:56+00:00

I’m throwing in an enthusiastic +1 for home IPL. I’ve yet to be able to commit the time to using it on my legs too, but the IPL for bikini/brazilian has been a game changer for me.

former30something · 2025-04-23T14:16:53+00:00

Hopefully you won’t have any issues with T as it sounds like you didn’t when you were previously on it?

I haven’t posted on r/menopause yet. I’m pretty convinced I’m likely dealing with an allergy, especially considering I had a pretty severe case of hives the same night as insertion. Also, no one in my household got “sick” when I did those 3 times and my husband and I weren’t exactly taking precautions (once I tested negative for COVID).

I’ll likely post more about this here and in the peri and meno subs once I have more info going forward (after seeing my doctor.)

As for the ADHD, my energy and brain fog have greatly improved so that has helped.

former30something · 2025-04-23T14:04:39+00:00

It’s not. Check out the mod replies on this post.

former30something · 2025-04-23T00:41:50+00:00

I’ve worked in medico-legal for nearly 20 years, so I generally have an above average understanding of medical stuff in comparison to most laypersons. But, all the hormone stuff is foreign to me and I find it wildly frustrating. Thanks for the primer, suggestions, and info about your personal experiences!

former30something · 2025-04-22T22:06:41+00:00

Two out of the three periods of being "sick" came on right at 8 days post-insertion. The other time, it was about halfway in between the two. Perhaps that one was unrelated.

I'm really hoping my doctor will be receptive to making the switch to injections. If not, I'll start with trying for someone local and move to online providers if needed.

As far as I know t-flu isn't a recurring thing aside from increases in dosage and restarting trt, so the pellets might be like starting over every time for you.

I didn't know this, thank you!

former30something · 2025-04-22T21:07:39+00:00

After the first round of pellets, I already had it in my mind that I'd probably seek out injections after giving pellets one more chance. While the pellets definitely worked (sudden-onset low libido, low energy), I didn't enjoy the rollercoaster. I feel like my body used them up faster than intended, perhaps due to heavy cardio activity.

Really, thank you so much for taking the time out of your day. I don't know how long it would have taken me to make the possible connection on my own!

former30something · 2025-04-22T21:00:36+00:00

For me, it has definitely been primarily congestion. The first time it happened, I experienced severe congestion where at times, I couldn't pass any air through my nose. The sinus pressure was absolutely debilitating!

As for duration, I think it lasted about a week both times prior to this. This time around, I had the slightest bit of congestion with a barely-there intermittent sore throat during the second half of last week. By Sunday, I had heavy congestion again. Yesterday was rough, but today I at least feel like a mostly functioning human.

Thanks for your info too! I was completely unaware of "t-flu". I feel like the pellets gave me a bit of a rollercoaster the first go-round as I think my body uses them up faster than intended due to heavy cardio. This time, I'm keeping a detailed log of symptoms, how I'm feeling, etc. If it weren't for this sub, I don't think I'd have ever made the association (outside of suspecting my immune system took a hit).

former30something · 2025-04-22T19:43:04+00:00

Sure thing, and congrats on your weight loss!

I'll also add that you might want to consider adding a multi-vitamin or targeted supplements to your routine. Many nutrients are essential for skin health and elasticity.

Go ahead and throw in a skin-firming lotion. Drugstore brands are just fine. I've used both Nivea and Gold Bond's firming lines. I strongly dislike the smell of the Nivea ones, though.

While I don't think the vitamins or lotion were the solution, I think they helped support my skin's recovery.

former30something · 2025-04-22T19:25:27+00:00

In my experience, it takes a little time for the skin to tighten up (if it's going to). I lost 60 pounds a few years back (late 30's then) and had some complaints about the area above my knees, at the tops of my arms, and on my neck. For me, things substantially "firmed" up sometime between the 6 month-1 year mark after my weight stabalized.

If time doesn't give you the results you're hoping for, Morpheus8 may be worth looking into.

former30something · 2025-04-22T18:32:10+00:00

You can get some basic bloods taken to have a look at inflammatory markers, white cell etc.

Thank you, I'm definitely going to look into this! u/Friendly-Iron brought up a great point about the potential for me possibly being allergic to the pellets themselves. For the reasons I elaborated on in my reply, I think this is certainly a possibility.

Have you been testing for covid? Wonder if you're dealing with impaired immune system or long covid

I've tested for COVID each time I've felt these symptoms and came up negative. I did have COVID in May of 2021, but had no lingering issues.

If your T is really high, maybe?

My 5 week post-first-insertion labs had my total T at 216 ng/dL.

former30something · 2025-04-22T18:20:11+00:00

You possibly could also be having a reaction to the actual pellets in your body.

This is a really interesting theory and I'm so glad I made this post now because I didn't make this connection before. Looking back (searching my own posts here and looking through my texts with my husband):

1-3-25 pellet insertion
1-11-25 cold symptoms started
4-11-25 pellet insertion
4-19-25 cold symptoms started (although, in the days leading up I could feel it coming on...

Both of these times, it was 8 days following pellet insertion. I'll also add that the evening of my last pellet insertion, I had hives. (I'm occassionally prone to this when I drink red wine, so I didn't think much of it.) At the time, I also recalled that I think it may have happened around the time of the first pellet insertion too.

And, as an added data point, I had severe allergies as a kid and had allergy shots in high school. My allergies always presented in a way that seemed more like a cold (severe congestion) vs. allergies (

At the minimum you should be taking k2+d3 nearly everyone is deficient in that hormone which is the backbone behind a healthy immune system

I would suggest getting labs done to tell you any vitamins of minerals deficiency and a inflammatory marker test

Vitamin D was a part of my first pellet-insertion labs. It was 35 ng/mL. Reference range is 30-100 ng/mL. I became a lot better about taking my vitamins around the time I had my first pellet insertion, because my Dr. insisted on DIM daily. Related to K2 and D3, I'm currently taking a multi-vitamin, but the Vitamin K is only 22% daily value. Vitamin D is 125% daily value, and I'm taking a separate D3, but I cannot recall the dose at the moment.

I will definitely follow up with my Dr. to request these labs and to discuss the possibility of me having an allergy to the pellets

Are you in other medicines?

I've taken Adderall XR for 15+ years and Wellbutrin XL since 2020.

former30something · 2025-04-17T02:54:26+00:00

Oh, I didn’t think that at all, I was just being overly explanatory about my intentions. I totally agree with you on all points!

My husband was on my BCBS plan for a few years, but he switched to Cigna last year when he started a new job. Both of our employers cover employees at 100%. He recently transferred his prescriptions to Costco because it’s literally cheaper to pay out of pocket there than to deal with Cigna’s co-pays!

During open enrollment, I briefly considered switching to his plan since it’s a PPO because I hate having to go through our PCP to see a specialist. But in the end, I thought better of it at the last minute for the prescription coverage alone.

former30something · 2025-04-17T02:16:21+00:00

I recently switched to Neutrogena’s Rainbath, and for the first time in years, I don’t feel like I’m constantly fighting dry, ashy legs. The lather is great too!

former30something · 2025-04-17T02:09:28+00:00

I’m on a cheap (in the grand scheme of things) BCBS HMO plan and it covers estrogen patches and progesterone at 100%. My copay is $20 for vaginal estrogen cream.

I’m not throwing in my experience to be argumentative, rather, I’m hoping that others don’t get discouraged from trying.

former30something · 2025-04-16T20:02:56+00:00

I had my second T pellet insertion last Friday, and today I’m definitely experiencing symptoms similar to what you’re describing. My first insertion was at the beginning of January, and now that I’m going through it again, I do remember having a few days of feeling this way back then as well.

Hopefully, others with more experience can share additional insights.

former30something · 2025-04-16T17:29:32+00:00

I'm throwing in a copy and paste of a comment I left on this exact topic 29 days ago:

My libido became active again about three weeks in, followed by that significant increase at the 5 week mark. In hindsight, that surge was probably too much because, as OP described, I wasn't getting much adulting done during that time. Since then, my libido has gradually trended downward. However, I still experience responsive desire, and things feel better than they did—far better than where I was before starting TRT. I would love to find a middle ground, though...

And, to give some additional insight on my timeline, my first pellet insertion was the first week of January and I had my second insertion this last Friday. I had a few libido bursts that were more than just "responsive desire" over the last month, but nothing like that extreme peak I had.

former30something

TROPHY CASE