NHS GP and TV doctor Dr Amir Khan has encouraged millions of women to talk to their GP about using a specific cream to support their health as they age. He shared the advice on a recent episode of Which?'s podcast, The Health Reset, discussing 'how to thrive through mid-life and menopause'.
His comments come as there are currently around 13 million women who are perimenopausal or postmenopausal in the UK, according to data from Wellbeing of Women and the NHS. This is equivalent to one-third of the UK's female population.
Why Dr Khan recommends the cream
In the episode, Dr Khan highlights the benefits of oestrogen cream, which can be bought over the counter at pharmacies such as Boots. He recommends it for women going through perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause. He emphasises that women should check with a GP or doctor before starting any new treatment, as it may not be suitable for everyone. He also suggests consulting a specialist gynaecologist when considering broader HRT options.
Dr Khan said: "Girls, get yourself on topical vaginal oestrogen. The evidence is so, so strong for it. This is not the same as HRT or oestrogen through your skin. Topical vaginal oestrogen is generally thought to be safe for everyone because it's not absorbed systemically. It doesn't go everywhere else in the body. It just stays in that same area."
He added: "We have really strong evidence that it reduces [vaginal dryness and urinary tract infections] significantly, and actually don't wait. If you are in your mid-30s, I would say start it. We have quite good evidence to suggest not only can it reduce all of those things, but there was a huge study done earlier this year that looked at topical vaginal estrogen, and it reduced all causes of death in women as well. There was a signal, so it's an association, but sepsis was a big thing that it had a significant impact on too. I'm a huge fan, a huge fan of it. And I think more women should be on it."
Where to buy oestrogen cream
In the UK, various options are available. Some of the most common options include Ovestin and Ovesse. Ovestin requires a doctor's prescription, while Ovesse is available over the counter after a quick consultation with a pharmacist. Generic 0.01% estriol creams are also available.
For example, Boots sells Ovesse 1mg/g Vaginal Cream for £19.95. It is designed to relieve dryness, soreness, and pain during intercourse. It can be bought without a prescription by eligible women aged 50 and over who have not had a period for over a year, following a pharmacist review. Boots also offers non-hormonal options, such as Menopause and Me Vaginal Moisturising Gel for £9.99.
How menopause causes intimate symptoms
Common symptoms include vaginal dryness, pain or discomfort during sex, light spotting after intercourse, changes in vaginal discharge, changes in tissue appearance, urgent or frequent need to urinate, painful urination, more frequent UTIs, and light bladder leaks when coughing or sneezing. Lower hormone levels can lower sex drive, while mood changes like anxiety or fatigue can affect relationships. Dropping oestrogen makes vaginal tissue thinner, drier, and less flexible, making intercourse painful.
Other common symptoms include itching, burning, and tightness around the vagina. Hormonal shifts also increase the likelihood of urinary tract infections and general urinary discomfort. Body changes and poor sleep from night sweats can lead to fatigue, lower confidence, and reduced intimacy between partners.
Doctors can recommend suitable solutions, including over-the-counter moisturisers or prescription treatments such as topical oestrogen or systemic HRT. Counselling or therapy can also help manage emotional changes.
How oestrogen cream helps
Oestrogen cream treats vaginal dryness and irritation directly, making intercourse more comfortable and improving urinary symptoms like frequent urges or recurring UTIs. Because it stays localised, it carries fewer risks than oral or patch-based HRT. It can be used on its own for local symptoms or alongside standard HRT if you also experience hot flushes.
With regular use, the cream helps restore natural tissue structure, elasticity, and moisture. However, it does not treat general symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, or mood swings. Many symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes, fatigue, joint pain, and mood shifts, can also be caused by other health conditions like thyroid issues, infections, or diabetes. A GP can help identify the root cause of your symptoms and find the right treatment.
