What Is Gina Used For?
Gina is a locally acting vaginal tablet used as a form of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). Gina is used to treat the vaginal symptoms of menopause, including:
- vaginal dryness
- itchiness/irritation
- pain during sex
- discomfort upon urinating.
Unlike other HRTs, Gina is available over-the-counter as a low-dose oestrogen replacement vaginal tablet. Since Gina only has localised effects, it effectively relieves vaginal symptoms but doesn’t treat systemic symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, altered mood and disturbed sleep.
During menopause, your oestrogen levels begin to decline, causing a condition called “vaginal atrophy”. This essentially leads to the thinning, drying and irritation of the vaginal walls.
These symptoms can impact the quality of life, comfort and self-esteem of menopausal women.
By taking Gina, an oestrogen HRT, it helps restore the natural environment of the vagina, promotes healing and relieves discomfort.
How Do Gina Vaginal Pessaries Work?
One Gina tablet contains 10 micrograms of a synthetic form of oestrogen. Gina is administered vaginally to directly deliver a low dose of oestrogen.
By mimicking your body’s natural hormone, the gina vaginal pessary helps restore a healthy environment for the vagina and relieve the symptoms caused by menopause.
These symptoms are due to the lowered levels of oestrogen in menopause and they include:
- Vaginal dryness
- Itchiness/irritation
- Painful sex
- Pain upon urinating
By restoring the balance of oestrogen levels in the vaginal environment, Gina helps to relieve inflammation and irritation and improve the moisture and thickness of the vaginal tissue lining.
Since Gina provides localised action on vaginal tissues, it can be a lower-risk option for menopausal women who want to manage their vaginal symptoms but want to avoid full-body HRT. Unlike systemic HRTs, where hormones circulate the entire the body, a single Gina pessary has minimal absorption into the bloodstream, and it works directly within the vaginal environment where it is needed most.
Who Can Use Gina?
Gina is intended for women experiencing menopausal symptoms who haven’t had a menstrual period for over 12 months (usually aged 45 and over). Gina is specifically for treating vaginal symptoms of menopause.
Gina may be suitable for women who:
- Prefer a lower-dose, localised option
- Do not require or want systemic HRT
- Want to relieve vaginal dryness, irritation, or discomfort caused by menopause
However, Gina may not be suitable for everyone. You should avoid using Gina if you:
- Have or have had breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer
- Are allergic to estradiol or other ingredients in Gina tablets
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Have or have had blood clots or a stroke
- Have liver problems
- Are pregnant
- Experience severe headaches or migraines
As always, consult a pharmacist or healthcare professional to determine if Gina is right for you.
How to Use Gina Tablets
Dosage Instructions:
Initially, take one tablet a day for the first two weeks.
Thereafter, take one tablet twice a week (e.g., Monday and Thursday), with at least 3 days between doses
How to Insert Gina:
- Wash your hands and place yourself in a comfortable position. Either standing up or lying down is fine.
- Open and remove one applicator from the pack. It should already be loaded with one tablet.
- With one finger over the applicator plunger, gently insert the applicator into the vagina. Try to place around half of the applicator in, or as far as is comfortable for you. You can do this while lying down or standing up.
- Once appropriately inserted, press the plunger until you hear a click to release the tablet. The tablet will then adhere to the vaginal wall.
- Carefully remove and dispose of the applicator (single-use only).
Carefully read the medication’s leaflet and instructions before your first use. If you are still uncertain about anything or how to use Gina, reach out to us, and we will happily advise you.
Side Effects of Gina
Gina is generally well tolerated, but as with any medication, side effects may occur. Common side effects can usually occur within the first week of using Gina as your body adjusts to it, but they should subside. If side effects persist or get worse, contact your doctor, as you may need to change your dose or medication.
Common side effects may include:
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal irritation or discomfort
- Slight vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
Since gina hrt acts as a local therapy, it has a low risk of systemic side effects.
Seek medical advice if you experience:
- Heavy or unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Signs of an allergic reaction (e.g. rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Sudden breathlessness with chest pain (this could be a blood clot- pulmonary embolism)
- Pain, swelling and redness in your lower limb (this could be a deep vein thrombosis)
- New or worsening symptoms
If you’re concerned about side effects or unsure if what you’re experiencing is normal, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Gina Safety Information & Precautions
When starting Gina, it’s important to have a medical consultation to confirm it is suitable for you and your individual needs.
It is important to note that as an oestrogen HRT, oestrogen medications can increase the risk of certain cancers (breast, ovarian and womb cancer). Oestrogen medications can also increase the risk of blood clots and stroke.
Do not use Gina if you:
- Have a history of or have any type of cancer (especially breast or womb cancer)
- Are allergic to oestrogen or other ingredients in the tablet
- Experience unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Have liver problems
- Have a blood clotting disorder or a history of blood clots
- Have diabetes or hypertension
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is advised to attend regular check-ups while using Gina. You also shouldn’t take other vaginal hormone treatments (such as alternative low-estrogen vaginal cream treatments) unless advised by your doctor.
This isn’t a complete list of all safety precautions for taking Gina. Refer to the medication leaflet, and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further concerns.
Gina Price & Cost in the UK
So how much will Gina cost you?
For a single pack of 24 Gina vaginal tablets, prices start from around £26.99. If you were hoping to buy Gina online UK, at Meds For Less we can offer you the best Gina price UK. Especially if you purchase as a repeat prescription.
Each pack should last you about 12 weeks once you’ve already started the maintenance dose (two tablets a week).
Where to Buy Gina Online
Gina is a low-dose oestrogen HRT which is available over-the-counter or you can easily order Gina online at Meds For Less.
By purchasing Gina tablets online UK, we can offer a quick and easy consultation, and swift delivery to your doorstep.
