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Has anyone used vaginal estrogen during radiation?
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Oct 22, 2011 - 10:51 pm
I talked to my radiation oncologist about using vaginal estrogen during radiation to try to minimize the vaginal side effects from radiation. She thought it would be a good idea but a letter today from my medical oncologist instructs me to stop hormone replacement therapy during chemo to minimize the risk of blood clots. I am unsure until I speak with him if I only have to stop the pills or if I have to stop all hormones. Has anyone had any experience using vaginal estrogen during radiation? |
Joined: Jan 2010
I don't really know anything about this, but you want to make absolutely sure that anything, and I mean anything, does not interefere with the effectiveness or the chemo and radiation. I have never heard of anyone doing this. I do, however, know that MD Anderson uses a protocol that includes inserting a vaginal dilator during radiation treatment to minimize vaginal stenosis. As far as I know, that's the only facility using that protocol. I was given a vaginal dilator on the last day of my treatment and have been diligent in using it since (3 years now). I can't say that it has helped with my sexual function but it has kept my vaginal canal open. Perhaps you should consult a gyno-oncologist about this issue. The main thing is to not do anything that will effect the outcome of the treatment. I wish you all the best.
Joined: Oct 2011
Hi MP,
Thanks so much for your reply. Have briefly discussed using dilators with my radiation oncologist and when we get down to discussing protocol (this Wednesday) I will definitely ask about using it during radiation.
Carol