Active ingredient
Conjugated Oestrogens
Conjugated oestrogens are a prescription-grade form of hormone (oestrogen) therapy. As a vaginal cream, such as Premarin cream, they are used in women to relieve local symptoms of vaginal and vulval tissue thinning (atrophy) that can occur around and after the menopause, such as dryness, irritation and discomfort. This is a women's product containing active female hormones and should only be used under the direction of a doctor.
Reviewed by the Kam4eu Pharmacy Team on 21 June 2026 · Next review June 2027
How it works
Conjugated oestrogens replace some of the oestrogen that the body produces in lower amounts after the menopause. Oestrogen helps keep the tissues of the vagina and vulva supple, well-supplied with blood and lubricated. When applied locally as a cream, it acts mainly on these tissues to help restore their thickness and moisture, easing dryness and irritation. Because it is a hormone, even a locally applied cream can be absorbed to some degree into the body.
How it is taken
Use conjugated oestrogens cream exactly as advised by your doctor and as set out in the patient information leaflet. It is usually applied to the vaginal area, often with a supplied applicator, for a limited period and at the lowest effective amount and frequency. Your doctor will generally aim to use it for the shortest time needed to control symptoms and may review treatment regularly.
Side effects
Common (usually mild and temporary):
- Local irritation, itching or discomfort at the application site
- Vaginal discharge
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fluid retention or bloating
Stop and seek medical help if you experience:
- Signs of a blood clot such as pain, swelling or warmth in a leg, sudden chest pain, breathlessness or coughing up blood — seek emergency care
- Sudden severe headache, vision changes, weakness or numbness on one side, or difficulty speaking (possible stroke) — call emergency services
- A new breast lump, or unusual or unexpected vaginal bleeding — seek prompt assessment
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) or severe abdominal pain
- Severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips or throat or difficulty breathing
Safety & who should not take it
- A prescription-grade hormone therapy — use only under medical supervision, at the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time.
- Tell your doctor about any personal or family history of blood clots, stroke or heart disease, as oestrogen can increase clotting risk.
- Tell your doctor about any history of breast, womb or other hormone-sensitive cancers, as oestrogen therapy may not be suitable.
- Report any unexpected or unusual vaginal bleeding to your doctor promptly, as this needs to be investigated.
- This is a women's product; it is not for use by men or children, and should be kept out of their reach.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver or gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, migraines, diabetes, fibroids or endometriosis before use.
- Attend any recommended check-ups, including breast and gynaecological reviews, while using hormone therapy.
Storage
Store the cream in its original packaging at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture, out of the sight and reach of children. Keep the tube tightly closed and do not use after the expiry date.
Frequently asked questions
Is conjugated oestrogens cream the same as HRT tablets?+
It is a form of hormone therapy, but applied locally to the vaginal area rather than taken as a tablet, mainly to relieve local menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness. Your doctor can explain how it differs from systemic HRT.
Can men use conjugated oestrogens cream?+
No. This is a women's product containing female hormones, intended only for women as prescribed by a doctor, and should be kept out of the reach of men and children.
What should I do if I notice unusual vaginal bleeding?+
Report any unexpected or unusual vaginal bleeding to your doctor promptly. While using oestrogen therapy, such bleeding should always be checked so the cause can be assessed.
Important: This information is general and not a substitute for medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine and consult a doctor or pharmacist before use — especially if you have existing health conditions or take other medication.