Women's health · €25 GP review
Menopausal vaginal dryness treatment online in Ireland
Local oestrogen cream, pessary or ring for genitourinary symptoms of menopause. Reviewed by an Irish-registered GP — no appointment needed. A prescription is issued only if clinically appropriate.
A question about menopausal vaginal dryness (topical oestrogen)? Ask our team
Vaginal dryness after the menopause is very common and very treatable. Local oestrogen cream, pessaries or a ring can help, and an Irish-registered GP can review you online.
What it costs
€25 per request, refunded in full if the GP decides it is not safe to prescribe online.
How quickly
Reviewed the same working day for requests submitted before 5pm, Monday to Friday. Weekend requests are reviewed the next working day.
Who this is suitable for
- You are post-menopausal or going through the menopause
- You have dryness, soreness or discomfort
- You have had no bleeding since your periods stopped
- Any bleeding after the menopause or after sex — this needs to be checked
- A history of breast, ovarian or womb cancer
- Fever or severe pain
What your €25 covers
- Short clinical questionnaire you can finish on your phone
- Review by an Irish-registered, IMC-listed GP
- Prescription sent securely to the pharmacy you choose
- A written note in your patient record you can download any time
What we'll ask you
11 short questions, most of them yes or no. Your answers go straight to the reviewing GP.
- Describe your symptoms — dryness, soreness, pain with sex, urinary symptoms
- Where are you in the menopause?
- What have you already tried (lubricants, moisturisers, previous oestrogen)?
- Have you used topical vaginal oestrogen before?
- Any vaginal bleeding since the menopause, or bleeding after sex?
- Any history of breast, ovarian or endometrial cancer?
- Are you up to date with CervicalCheck screening?
- Are you on systemic HRT (tablets, patch or gel)?
- Do you have any of: high fever, severe pain, breathlessness, confusion, or symptoms getting rapidly worse?
- List any drug allergies (or type 'none')
- Medicines you currently take (or type 'none')
When we'll say no
These answers stop the request and route you to a consultation instead.
- Postmenopausal bleeding must be assessed and referred — it cannot be treated by questionnaire.
- Hormone treatment after a hormone-sensitive cancer needs specialist input.
- These symptoms need to be assessed by a doctor directly.
When to get seen in person or urgently
- Get seen in person for any bleeding after the menopause (12 months or more since your last period) or after sex — this needs examination.
- Get seen in person for a lump, persistent pain, or discharge that smells or is bloodstained.
Common questions
- Is vaginal oestrogen the same as HRT?
- It works locally with very little absorbed into the body, so it is different from tablets or patches.
- How long until it helps?
- Most people notice a difference within a few weeks, with full benefit after about 3 months.
- How much does an online vaginal oestrogen prescription cost in Ireland?
- €25 for the GP review and prescription. Your pharmacy charges separately for the medicine. If the GP decides it is not safe to prescribe, the €25 is refunded in full.
- What happens if the GP cannot prescribe from my answers?
- You get a full refund of the €25, and the GP explains why. If a conversation would help, you can book a €39 video or phone consultation with an Irish-registered GP, usually the same day.
- Are lubricants and moisturisers worth trying?
- Yes. Vaginal moisturisers used regularly and lubricants during sex help many people and can be used with vaginal oestrogen.
Related guides and treatments
Sources
- Menopause symptomsHSE (Health Service Executive) — HSE health A–Z
- Menopause — Clinical Knowledge SummaryNICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) — NICE CKS
Start your menopausal vaginal dryness (topical oestrogen) request
€25, reviewed by an Irish-registered GP. If it isn't clinically appropriate, the GP declines and you are refunded in full.