Do you need a referral for vaginal oestrogen therapy?

Vaginal oestrogen is local treatment used for symptoms such as dryness, irritation, or discomfort related to low oestrogen. A clinician will ask about bleeding, menstrual and menopause history, pregnancy possibility, breast or womb conditions, blood clots, medicines, and previous hormone treatment. This helps distinguish hormonal symptoms from infection or another condition that needs different care.

Ask your family doctor, women’s health clinician, or pharmacy whether a referral is required where you live. If referred, bring a list of medicines and describe when symptoms began, what worsens them, and whether there is pain with urination or sex. Use the prescribed product according to the instructions, and tell the clinician if symptoms do not improve or return quickly.

Arrange medical review for any vaginal bleeding after menopause, bleeding after sex, new pelvic pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, or blood in the urine. Seek urgent care for severe pain, heavy bleeding, faintness, or an allergic reaction such as facial swelling or trouble breathing.

Ask whether your symptoms are likely to respond, how to apply the treatment, when to review it, what side effects to watch for, and whether another product or examination is needed.