Ovestin is widely used in urological and gynecological practice. This hormone-containing drug is available in three forms: oral tablets, vaginal suppositories and vaginal cream. Consider in what cases the cream of Ovestin is prescribed, how it works, and when it is not recommended to use it.
Ovestin cream - composition
This drug is a cream with a homogeneous texture, white, with a specific odor. Ovestin, the composition of which contains estriol as an active ingredient, contains a number of additional components:
- cetyl palmitate;
- cetyl alcohol;
- octyldodecanol;
- Stearyl alcohol;
- glycerol;
- sorbitan stearate;
- chlorhexidine hydrochloride;
- polysorbate;
- lactic acid;
- sodium hydroxide;
- water.
The main component of estriol is a female sex steroid hormone, which plays a secondary role and has relatively low activity. In the female body, it is mainly produced by the ovaries and partly by the adrenal cortex. The main role of this hormone is to improve blood circulation in the vessels of the uterus during pregnancy, which is necessary for its normal growth and development.
In addition, this estrogen, which is part of the drug Ovestin, is necessary for the development of the ducts of the mammary glands during the ripening of the fetus. Out of pregnancy, estriol is produced in a lower concentration. With the deficiency of this hormone in the female body, its replenishment contributes to the following:
- normalization of the functional state of the epithelial tissues of the mucous membranes of the urogenital system, restoration of the level of moistening;
- normalization of the balance of microflora in the vagina ;
- stabilization of acid-base balance of the environment in the vagina;
- increase the resistance of the tissues of the urinary and reproductive systems to infections, inflammatory reactions, etc.
Ovestin - indications for use
The preparation in the form of an ovest cream, the indication for an appointment has the following:
- atrophic vaginitis ;
- excessive dryness of the mucosa in the vagina, itching;
- atrophic changes in the tissues of the vaginal mucosa, associated with a lack of sex hormones;
- infertility associated with cervical factor;
- prevention of exacerbation of inflammatory processes of the urogenital system in the presence of chronic gynecological diseases and diseases of the lower urinary tract;
- prevention of complications after surgical interventions;
- need for diagnosis in case of unclear results of cytological analysis of cervical smear;
- preparation of genitourinary tract for surgical intervention;
- urinary incontinence, urination disorder.
How to apply Ovestin cream?
The drug Ovestin, whose use is intravaginal, is evenly distributed in problem tissues, having optimal bioavailability. Estriol is absorbed into the systemic blood stream, however, having a short period of therapeutic effect, is quickly excreted. Due to local administration, limited duration of treatment, the hormonal component does not accumulate, and systemic effect is unlikely. Most Ovestin cream is used according to the testimony of a gynecologist, but some women found him another, not a standard way of using - for the face skin.
Ovestin in gynecology
The drug should be injected deep into the vagina with the attached applicator with a piston having a calibration. For one application, 0.5 g of cream is used. Multiplicity of application is often once a day, with Ovestin recommended to use in the evening before bedtime. After the administration of the drug, the applicator should be thoroughly rinsed in warm water with soap and dried.
Ovestin during the menstruation should not be used, it is required to take a break in the treatment for this period. In case of missing the next dose of the drug, it should be used immediately, as it will be recalled, and continue using the prescribed scheme. During the course of treatment, patients should be observed periodically with the doctor, since it is not excluded the occurrence of negative side reactions.
Ovestin in cosmetology
According to reviews on the Internet, Ovestin cream for the face is useful as a means of rejuvenating the skin and smoothing wrinkles . It is mixed with a basic face cream and eyelid skin, applying daily a course of several days, or used once a week as a face mask. It is difficult to say how effective and safe this use of a hormone-containing drug is, since experts do not consider this method of applying Ovestin cream.
How long can Ovestin be used?
Ovestin cream, the use of which is recommended for solving the problems of the genitourinary system, is used according to the individually prescribed scheme. The duration of the course of therapy depends on the severity of the clinical picture, often does not exceed 14 days. At the same time, when the condition improves, Ovestin, the dosage of which is once a day, is often prescribed to be used twice a week as a maintenance dose.
Ovestin cream - side effects
During or after application of the drug in the form of Ovestin cream, side effects are possible as follows:
- itching, irritation, tenderness of tissues in the area of administration of the agent;
- allergic reactions;
- soreness, discomfort in the mammary glands;
- bloody discharge from the vagina;
- digestive disorders;
- nausea;
- swelling;
- headache;
- increased blood pressure, etc.
With prolonged use of estrogens as hormone replacement therapy, especially in combination with progesterone, the risk of the following consequences is not excluded:
- formation of hormone-dependent benign and malignant neoplasms;
- vascular thrombosis;
- cholelithiasis;
- hyperpigmentation of the skin;
- hemorrhagic purpura;
- ischemic heart disease, etc.
Ovestin cream - contraindications
The drug Ovestin contraindications and temporary restrictions to use is as follows:
- individual intolerance to the ingredients of the cream;
- vascular thrombosis;
- uterine bleeding of unknown origin;
- severe liver disease;
- hormone-dependent oncological tumors, suspicion of them;
- endometrial hyperplasia;
- suffered in the near future myocardial infarction;
- pregnancy;
- lactation period.
With caution, under strict control, the drug is prescribed if the patient has such diagnosed pathologies:
- arterial hypertension;
- cholelithiasis;
- pancreatitis;
- diabetes;
- liver failure;
- migraine;
- otosclerosis;
- systemic lupus erythematosus;
- epilepsy;
- endometriosis and others.
Ovestin cream - analogues
If necessary, and when agreed with a doctor, the drug in question can be replaced by similar drugs, also containing estriol as the main substance. Ovestin analogues has the following:
- Estriol;
- Elvagin;
- Estrokad.