Vagirux is considered safe for long-term use when prescribed appropriately. Because it delivers oestrogen locally with minimal systemic absorption, it does not carry the same risks as systemic HRT such as an increased risk of blood clots and is often suitable even for women who cannot take systemic HRT. If you have a history of breast cancer, blood clots, or other medical concerns, it is important to discuss this with your clinician before starting treatment.

Vagirux is suitable for postmenopausal women whose main symptoms are genitourinary, such as vaginal dryness, soreness, painful sex, recurrent UTIs, or urinary urgency rather than systemic symptoms like hot flushes or night sweats. It can be used as a standalone treatment or alongside systemic HRT. Women who prefer to avoid systemic oestrogen, or who have reasons to limit it, may find this local route especially appropriate.

The estradiol in Vagirux is chemically and biologically identical to the oestrogen naturally produced by your ovaries. It is derived from plant-based starting materials and processed to produce a molecule your body recognises and handles exactly as it would its own oestrogen, which is why it is referred to as body identical.

Vagirux and Vagifem contain the same active ingredient at the same dose, estradiol 10 micrograms and are considered clinically equivalent. The difference lies in the applicator design, and some women find they prefer one over the other based on ease of use. Both are equally effective; the choice between them is largely a matter of preference or availability.

Yes, Vagirux is available through Voy Menopause. During your consultation, your clinician will review your symptoms and medical history to confirm it is the right option for you, and can prescribe it as a standalone treatment or alongside other HRT if needed.

Most women experience little to no adjustment symptoms with Vagirux, given its localised, low-dose delivery. Any initial irritation typically settles within the first few weeks of use. This is your body adapting to having different hormone levels in the vaginal tissue than it has recently been accustomed to. These effects typically diminish noticeably within the first month and should largely resolve by your three-month review.

The first three months are considered an adjustment period, and many women find that any initial local effects settle without needing to change treatment. Improvement in vaginal comfort and tissue health often continues to build gradually, clinical trial data shows significant improvements in vaginal symptoms at 12 weeks of consistent use, so it is worth persisting through any early sensitivity before drawing conclusions about how well the treatment is working for you.

Contact your Voy clinician if you experience:

• Side effects that have not improved or resolved by your three-month review
• Unusual or persistent vaginal bleeding - this should always be assessed to rule out other causes
• Persistent or severe pelvic pain
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing
• Any symptom that is causing you concern or feels out of the ordinary

Seek urgent medical attention if you develop symptoms of a serious reaction, such as difficulty breathing or severe swelling.