A 54-year-old woman on continuous combined HRT for 3 years attends the GP reporting vaginal dryness despite systemic HRT. She asks whether topical vag...

Question

A 54-year-old woman on continuous combined HRT for 3 years attends the GP reporting vaginal dryness despite systemic HRT. She asks whether topical vaginal oestrogen can be added. Which is the most appropriate advice?

Accepted Answer

Topical vaginal oestrogen (e.g., oestradiol pessaries or oestriol cream) can be added to systemic HRT for persistent vaginal symptoms - the additional systemic absorption is minimal and safe

Answer

Topical vaginal oestrogen cannot be used alongside systemic HRT

Answer

She should switch entirely to vaginal oestrogen

Answer

Doubling her systemic HRT dose would be more appropriate

Answer

Vaginal moisturisers are the only additional option

uk-drcog MCQ (SBA): Adding Vaginal Oestrogen to Systemic HRT

A 54-year-old woman on continuous combined HRT for 3 years attends the GP reporting vaginal dryness despite systemic HRT. She asks whether topical vaginal oestrogen can be added. Which is the most appropriate advice?