My Experience with Ovestin Cream: A Rollercoaster of Hormonal Changes

I've always been skeptical of hormonal medications, thank goodness my health has held up until now. Or at least, it did until a certain point. But age catches up with you eventually, and that's exactly what happened. Before menopause even set in, I had to get a Mirena hormonal therapeutic system implanted, as prescribed by my doctor. That's when everything started to go downhill. The Mirena is a hormonal spiral that contains a progesterone analogue. And let me tell you, continuous progesterone, even in small doses, seriously suppresses ovarian function. Which, in turn, gradually lowers estrogen levels - the very hormones causing all sorts of issues like hyperplasia, endometriosis, cysts, and other female problems. I've managed to get my hyperplasia under control, but somehow, about 1.5 years into the treatment, I started experiencing cyystitis.

Well, you know how it is. I didn't get too worked up at first. I just upped my water intake and started taking some antiseptics, and then I even got myself prescribed antibiotics. It was the middle of lockdown, so getting to the doctor wasn't exactly an option. But this cystitis wasn't going anywhere. And the usual remedies that had always worked for me before just weren't doing the trick. So I suffered for a while. And as soon as I had the chance, I high-tailed it to the doctor. After taking a look at my gynecological ultrasound and crystal-clear urine test, the doc immediately said that the problem was with my hormones. It turns out that hormonal cystitis is a pretty common thing for women in postmenopause. And it's not just cystitis - there's also dryness, burning, frequent urination. And down the line, it can even lead to incontinence. Great. All these terrible things are caused by a sharp drop in estrogen levels in the body. And for me, this nightmare started way before my time thanks to 'Mirena'. And the doc recommended I try 'Ovestin'.

Ovestin cream Aspen used packaging'Ovestin' is what I started using in December 2020 - that's almost a year of this estrogen replacement therapy. In that time, I've gone through three packs, and I'm currently using the fourth. As you can see, the cost is pretty reasonable. One 15g tube (that's 30 doses) lasts me around four months in normal circumstances. But the first tube, of course, goes a lot faster. Aspen Westin cream sometimes changes the design of the packaging Because they start by following a schedule - every day, then every other day, and only then do they switch to a maintenance mode, twice a week. My doctor recommended doing three days a day, then another two weeks every other day. She said that after a two-week course, I could try quitting. At least, try to quit. I'm not in menopause yet, so I figured the cystitis and discomfort should have passed by then. And they did. I saw an improvement in my condition right after the first application. And by the end of the week, everything was just great. Plus, my joints and back started hurting less, my mood improved, my head cleared up, and my productivity increased. In short, estriol worked like a breath of fresh air for my exhausted body. Aspen Westin brought me back to normal life quickly, without any side effects. Aspen cream expiration dates I gave up on it after a while. For a week, it seemed fine. But 10 days after stopping it, things took a dark turn. On top of the usual cystitis, frequent urges, burning, and cramping, I was hit with a whole lot more. I was feeling pretty down, and my energy levels were through the floor. But the real kicker was the chest pains. Out of nowhere, I was experiencing a heart attack-like sensation - that 'pressure under the left shoulder blade' feeling. It was intense, and it felt like someone had slapped a hot iron on my back, right under my left shoulder blade, and just left it there. Breathing got tough... I opened the window, even though it was freezing outside. I drank some water and took 40 drops of valerian root tincture that I had at home. It seemed to help. My doctor told me that if I'm reacting this way to stopping, I should be taking it at least once a week, and really just finding a comfortable dose. The main thing is not to exceed the recommended dose. I can decrease it if needed, and then increase it to twice a week if necessary - but not more than that.

Aspen Овестин крем штрих-код I'll be honest, putting theory into practice is a whole different story. I was plagued by cystitis and burning sensations nonstop. After another couple of weeks of struggling, I decided to give up and redo the initial plan again - after all, it had worked wonders for me before. So, I started doing it every day, then every other day. But about five days in, my breasts swelled up so much they wouldn't even fit in my bra. And it wasn't just the swelling - it was also painful. It was like PMS on steroids. I guess I overdid it. A little. So, I stopped using Aspen Ovestin again, out of fear. A week went by without any issues, no heart palpitations, no low mood. But then, it all started again. My Experience with Aspen Овестин Cream - A Rollercoaster of Hormonal Changes I ended up having to apply it twice a week. By the time I was around a month and a half into breastfeeding, things had mostly leveled out. I thought to myself, 'Finally, my body has adjusted to these hormones.' But nope. Somewhere around a month later, my breasts were at it again. I started to notice swelling, and it wasn't just on my feet - it was also on my face. Meanwhile, summer was in full swing, and I was back to applying Овестин once a week. These hormonal ups and downs were definitely not something I was thrilled about. But what really got my goat was the fact that I couldn't establish a consistent application schedule over the entire time I used the product. That's the part that really has me scratching my head.

Aspen Estradiol Cream Instructions I think the effectiveness of estradiol also depends on my own hormonal background at the moment. And at my age, it's already super unstable. So, I try to adjust accordingly. Based on how I feel. If I'm feeling normal, I can do it once a week. But if I start getting up at night to use the bathroom - that's the first sign that I need to switch to twice a week. If I ignore that sign and wait a bit longer, within the next three days, I'll definitely start feeling burning, discomfort, and all that. Also, within a day or two of a drop in estrogen levels, my skin gets noticeably drier, all the fine lines on my face start to show, and my foot skin starts to be a problem, even with regular care. I've also noticed that in the summer, when it's hot, I need a lower dose than in the winter when it's cold. But that's just my observations based on how I'm feeling.

All my tubes of Ovestin

Estradiol Cream Composition is clearly listed in the instructions, so I won't repeat it. I did want to add that I looked up additional information on estradiol. I learned that it's 20 times weaker than estradiol, and therefore works much more gently and doesn't cause most of the side effects associated with the main estrogen - estradiol.

I've used 'Ovestin' for 11 months now, and I'm glad to say that the bleeding, which was kind of like my period with 'Miren', has been minimal - just two times. It's hard to link these instances to the estradiol, but it's definitely a plus that I've experienced this. It's clear that estradiol is a game-changer.

Another benefit of estradiol is that it doesn't undergo chemical changes in the body and can't be converted into other hormones. For example, some types of estradiol that are synthesized from testosterone can actually convert back into testosterone in the body, making it harder to manage.

I've also learned that estradiol is a natural hormone produced during pregnancy, both by the placenta and the fetus. In fact, the level of estradiol is at its highest during pregnancy. But I'm still unsure about whether estradiol should be present in non-pregnant women - it's either present in tiny amounts or not at all. Other forms of estrogen seem to be the norm.

Incidentally, I've been trying to find out where the estradiol in 'Ovestin' comes from, but it's a mystery. I haven't been able to find any information on whether it's synthetic or biologically derived. It's a question that's left unanswered, and it would be interesting to know the answer.

I've got to say, I was a bit disappointed to find that there's no information on how estradiol can positively impact bone density. That's a minus, because bone loss is a major concern during menopause. Estradiol definitely helps with that, but it's unclear how estradiol works. I couldn't find any mention of this in articles or guides on hormone replacement therapy.

I've been looking at the instructions for 'Ovestin' and it seems like the application schedule is pretty detailed. Now that I think about it, this schedule is probably the best and most effective way to do things. It's a tried-and-true approach that's been developed over decades. After all, 'Ovestin' has been around for over 60 years, and it's not just used in Russia. The fact that it's an imported product, made in France, Germany, and the Netherlands, is a good thing. There are different forms available, including creams, tablets, and suppositories. For me, the cream is the most convenient and cost-effective option. It's also the most affordable, with a price range of 1300-1800 rubles per pack in different pharmacies. Plus, it's considered one of the safest options. Hormone tablets can have a negative impact on the liver, whereas topical or mucosal administration is considered a more gentle approach. To give you an idea, one tablet of 'Ovestin' contains 2mg of estradiol, while one dose of cream or suppository contains only 0.5mg. These doses are considered equivalent in terms of their effect.

You can use the Ovostin tube until the last drop The packaging design has changed a bit over the year, but only from the outside. The tubes and applicators for the Ovostin cream are still the same as they used to be. I like that the tubes are made of soft metal, so you can use the cream right until the end. To be honest, I didn't bother counting the number of doses, but I'm pretty sure it's accurate even without doing so. The instructions are massive, so I'm not going to quote them, but it's definitely worth reading through before use. You can also find some interesting info about the product on its official website. By the way, that's where they recommend applying it, for example, on Wednesday and Saturday, or Thursday and Sunday. Essentially, you need to choose two fixed days to avoid forgetting and missing doses. It's a great idea, even if the intervals between Wednesday and Saturday, and Saturday and Wednesday aren't equal. At first, I had trouble understanding it, but it makes sense once you get the hang of it. Controlling the regularity of application is much more convenient, and you'll definitely remember to do it, as it'll eventually become a habit. By the way, Ovostin is officially approved for long-term use – in other words, for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, that's not something you can say about many tablet-based medications for ZGT during menopause.

I'll be the first to admit it: 'Ovestin' isn't for everyone, and there are some potential downsides to consider. But that's exactly why you need to weigh the pros and cons carefully before starting treatment. With your doctor's help, of course. And that means trusting their expertise and experience above all else. Not letting fear of hormone replacement therapy cloud your judgment and dismissing the whole thing out of hand. Sounds silly, I know. But that's exactly how I used to be. My doctor and I had a tough time communicating, and now I realize that. It was all tied up with outdated notions about hormones being the enemy. Same old same old as the idea that I'd never yell at my kids when they're old enough. It's time to update those notions, especially when menopause hits and your body starts going through some major changes. I'm not exactly thrilled about the prospect of incontinence, especially when it's linked to hormone deficiency – something that can and should be managed properly. Let's face it: hard facts and personal experience speak louder than any brochure. No question about it.

Used up tubes and applicatorsApplicators, which look like long syringes, freaked me out at first. I even tried applying the cream without one – and that was a real hassle. With the applicator, the process is so much easier and more accurate. But there are some interesting aspects to consider, aside from the application method, of course. I'll leave that for now. Aspen Ovestin cream: the right way to apply it, according to the instructions It's clear that without an applicator, you won't be able to get the cream in correctly. But even with an applicator, you need to apply it while lying down. The procedure isn't exactly for an audience, so that's understandable. And that also creates some awkwardness if you're not living alone, of course.

What's inside the Aspen Ovestin cream packaging So, it's really important to note that you shouldn't divide the recommended dose in any way, even if you apply it multiple times a day - that's strictly forbidden. This could lead to unwanted endometrial growth. Just one dose a day, at night, and stick to the schedule. But, considering how much 'Ovestin' improves your overall well-being, you might get used to that kind of routine.

The new Aspen Ovestin cream tube is sealed The new tube, of course, is sealed. It opens with a standard lid. No issues at all.

Aspen Ovestin cream applicator with measuring The applicator is made of plastic and consists of a piston and a cylinder. The piston inside is secured with a ring, so you can't accidentally get more than the recommended dose.

Aspen Ovestin cream applicator with measuring The piston only goes up to the mark on the cylinder, but if you press a bit harder, you can move it further. And actually, you can even pull it out. You do need to be careful here.

Here's how you get one dose of Ovestin cream Both the tube and the applicator have threading, so when you screw them together, they fit tightly. You just press the tube, and the right dose is dispensed. It's all very well thought out.

Nothing extra ever comes out of the tube I also appreciate that the cream doesn't spill out of the tube after you've dispensed the dose. That's not always the case with other tubes, where you press down and then you're not sure when it's going to stop pouring out. Here, nothing is wasted - it's all very efficient. This is what one dose of Ovostin cream looks likeI decided to ruin one dose of the cream for the review, just so you can see what it looks like. It's roughly 1 cm in diameter, about the size of the nozzle on the tube. The amount of cream is pretty small, as you can see. It's actually less than a vaginal suppository. And that's kind of nice - it's easy to apply just the right amount. Right after applying the cream, I don't feel anything at all, but within 30 minutes, I start to feel a warmth in my legs. I think the estriol in the cream must be increasing blood flow or something, but this effect doesn't last long after application and wears off quickly.

The color and texture of Ovostin cream from GermanyThe texture of Ovostin cream is really well thought out - it's a thick, white cream that looks dense, but it's actually pretty light and easy to apply. It's not too runny, it doesn't drip, and it sticks to the skin really well.

I've gotta say, the Aspen Ovestin cream is basically scent-free.Thanks to the special formula with an antiseptic (it's not in the candles, for example, and the base is different too), the cream is pretty pleasant to use. At least, I didn't experience any discomfort during or after application. If you follow the instructions (lying down after application!), nothing leaks or falls out. Yeah, the cream does stain your clothes a bit in the morning. But all those stains come out easily and without a trace. Using it with daily applicators is also no problem if it's convenient for you. To be honest, I don't even notice a scent. At least, I'm not picking up on anything, even when I sniff it. But the instructions do say the scent is 'characteristic'. Old applicator that I left unwashed with cream residue and stuck in the boxApplicator needs to be thoroughly washed with warm water and soap after use, then dried. I left one of the old applicators unwashed, just stuck it in the box, and it sat there for a couple of months. Despite the antiseptic in the formula, something still managed to grow. There are still tiny bits of cream left on the applicator after washing But unfortunately, I was never able to fully clean the applicator. There are always some leftover cream particles, no matter how small, stuck in the threads. This isn't a problem, though - even if I rinse it thoroughly and dry it out in pieces, it's still good enough to be hygienic. During my time using the Ovostin cream, I had to take other medications at the same time. I had an unexpected herniated disk between my vertebrae over the summer. I took a bunch of NSAIDs (diclofenac, meloxicam, ksefokam, and nimisil) on an alternating basis, and they all mixed fine with the Ovostin. We also took dexamethasone with magnesium and an analgesic once, and that was okay too. I took siridalud (regular and prolonged-release) with estradiol without any issues. But gabapentin with estradiol just doesn't mix. I'm not sure why - there's no indication of this in any medical guide. It was just one 1mg gabapentin tablet per day, taken in the evening. The next morning, after taking gabapentin with estradiol, I felt like a total zombie. My head felt heavy and soggy, and I could barely muster the energy to get out of bed because the back pain was so much worse and wouldn't go away, even with extra pain meds. This effect lasted for about a day, then things would start to get better, and the swelling would go down, and the back pain would decrease. But each time I took gabapentin with estradiol, the bad feeling would last longer and come on faster. Luckily, they stopped giving me gabapentin after 10 days, and things went back to normal.>

I have to say, I've gotten used to taking Габапентин by now...

I was taking it in massive doses along with B vitamins (Milgamma, Neurobiotin) because they somehow complement the estrogen's effect. But in a gentle way, you know? This month, I was only taking Овестин once a week, and that dose was sufficient. I eventually had to take it twice a day, which was a bit of a shame because I loved taking B vitamins in such high doses.

I didn't experience any issues with antibiotics (amoxicillin) or cough medicines. And I've found that I can take collagen, chondroprotectors, multivitamins, vitamin D, and omega-3 from a well-known American website with Овестин without any problems. Of course, I don't take all of these supplements at the same time, but rather in courses. I do take collagen and vitamin D regularly, just like I'm still taking estradiol.

If you're interested in learning more about the cheapest domestic alternative to Овестин, you can read about it here. To be honest, I'm not going to play these games anymore. I've made my point, and you can draw your own conclusions...

I'm not about to give up on 'Ovestin' anytime soon. Overall, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, and thankfully, the drawbacks haven't been serious so far. It's hard to predict what the future holds, but after 11 months, I think it's safe to say that any potential issues could have already surfaced – especially considering I'm a seasoned smoker. I still smoke to this day, and I'm not proud of it. I didn't want to mention it, but it's relevant because hormone replacement therapy isn't usually recommended – and sometimes even forbidden – for smokers like me. Luckily, I haven't experienced anything catastrophic yet, and I hope it stays that way.

To everyone, I wish you good health – that's the most important thing. To my fellow women, I'd like to say that when approaching hormone replacement therapy during menopause, it's essential to take a rational, evidence-based approach rather than letting your fears and misconceptions get the better of you. By doing so, you might be able to significantly improve your overall well-being, health, and mental state – something I wish for everyone, of course.

xa0

P.S.: yeah, and I totally forgot to mention another super important thing. After getting Mirrena, I gained 5 kg pretty quickly, and I already had some extra weight. I just couldn't seem to lose those extra kilos. Until I started using Ovestin on estradiol. Over the past few months, I've somehow lost around 8 kg of excess weight smoothly and without any issues, without changing my diet or eating habits. I've been following a low-carb diet for about 5 years now, and I've minimized sugar to a minimum. But the weight kept piling on because progesterone (and its analogs) causes weight gain. Estradiol, in my opinion, has improved my metabolism, and that's helped me lose weight comfortably and smoothly without any food restrictions or intense workouts. That's a pretty cool side effect.