Ovestin® is used predominantly for the relief of symptoms caused by atrophy of the lower urogenital tract following the menopause. These include general vaginal/urinary symptoms, recurrent infections of the vagina and lower urinary tract, and mild urinary incontinence.

Ovestin contains the natural hormone estriol, which is a weak estrogen. It treats urogenital symptoms without causing adverse changes to the endometrium, which means that it can be used without a progestogen in women with an intact uterus (with estrogen therapies containing estradiol, progestogens are given every month to induce a necessary protective shedding of the endometrial tissue, causing a monthly "withdrawal bleed"). The absence of progestogen-induced withdrawal bleeds with Ovestin makes it highly acceptable to women.

As well as treating symptoms, the treatment has a preventive effect, having been shown to increase resistance to vaginal infection and inflammation.

Ovestin is provided in a choice of three formulations—tablets, cream and pessaries—allowing patients to select the most appropriate form. A marked therapeutic effect typically occurs within several weeks of administration.