I toughed out going thru menopause around 57-58 yrs w/no help other than various herbal supplements. However about a year & 1/2 ago my Doctor started me on estradiol tablets inserted vaginally twice a week for extreme dryness. I use a very low dose & at less than $8.00/year, it's VERY inexpensive. Those e-rings can cost well over $400/yr. Big Pharma at work making massive amounts of money from the same product, just different delivery systems. grrrrrrrr

Just that small amount of estradiol gradually helped w/a number of other minor issues due to little to no estrogen in my system. Reduced hot flashes (still having the occasional one at 66 yr) & helped my digestion among other things. Well worth it IMO and because the dose is topical & low, it's pretty darn safe. It is perscription only so please ask your doc about it.

Neith, thank you! The estradiol creme is so expensive, I wanted it but on my insurance it's the highest formulary.

@ brizo I was shocked when I found out the extreme differences in cost for various estradiol delivery systems. The e-ring was far & away the most expensive, the creams are second (around $75/three month supply) and tablets the cheapest. The doc has to insert the e-ring every 3 months & it's definitely the easiest on the patient. No muss, no fuss or having to remember to do it. For the cost savings I'm willing to accept the responsibility & slight inconvenience . . . *grin*

Women's International Pharmacy in AZ--800 279-5708. Your Dr will have to call in the script. The estradiol creme is $27 for a tube. The first tube will be gone through more quickly because you'll need to use every day for a week or two to get yourself "plumped up", afterwards it will be used 2-3 times a week, and the tube should last 2-3 months.

Here's the website: www.womensinternational.com

: - D

You ladies rock!