ESTRADIOL Vaginal Cream

Fayard
Fayard Member Posts: 438 Member
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1

I saw my oncologist yesterday for a checkup. I am having a chest and abdomen CT scan in June.

I told him I was getting very dry down there, and he recommended me a vaginal cream ESTRACE (Estradiol vaginal cream, USP, 0.01%). He gave me a sample and a prescription. When I got home, I started to read the information and side effects, and the first thing I saw was DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE OR HAVE HAD BREAST OR UTERINE CANCER, among other things.

I am shocked that my oncologist recommended this cream. I even asked him if that was going to be an issue given my history. It may be OK, but I was wondering if anyone has ever used this cream before. It is basically to moisturize the vagina.

Gracias!

Comments

  • Alexandra
    Alexandra Member Posts: 1,308
    #2
    Estrogen

    Hello Fayard.

    If you had your ovaries removed during hysterectomy or if you were kicked into menopause by chemo - vaginal dryness is one of unpleasant symptoms of menopause. Topical estrogen is supposed to increase moisure down there and fight vaginal atrophy. Using HRT in cancer survivors is a controversial subject. There were many studies done that prove that estrogen does no affect their overall survival. However it slightly increases risk of estrogen dependent breast and ovarian cancers in general population.

    Personally since my hysterectomy in September 2012 I have been on daily oral estrogen Premarin 0.625 and also vaginal Premarin cream 0.5 gr twice a week. I am very satisfied with the results. But if using estrogen cream causes you anxiety - over-the-counter Replens 3 times a week do the same thing. Also use a lot of lube with intercourse (Astroglide or KY jelly).

    Hope that helps,

  • NorahS
    NorahS Member Posts: 92
    #3
    I would wait until all my questions were answered...

    My presumption is that you will have a follow-up in June or July with your oncologist - and can ask your specific questions then.  However, remember that sometimes doctors do prescribe medications that seem contraindicated given a patient's history.

    If you decide that you will wait to use the sample/fill the prescription until you can ask your oncologist more questions, there are short-term 'natural' treatments for vaginal dryness that are available without a prescription.

    Here's an article that I googled quickly (scroll to near the end) you may be able to find others: http://www.womentowomen.com/menopause/treatmentsforvaginaldryness.aspx

     

    ETA (Edited To Add) : Waving "Hello" to Alexandra (we were posting at the same time). I've seen many of your posts here and on the Ovarian Cancer Board - just wanted to say "Hello"  

     

     

     

     

     

  • Alexandra
    Alexandra Member Posts: 1,308
    #4
    NorahS said:

    I would wait until all my questions were answered...

    My presumption is that you will have a follow-up in June or July with your oncologist - and can ask your specific questions then.  However, remember that sometimes doctors do prescribe medications that seem contraindicated given a patient's history.

    If you decide that you will wait to use the sample/fill the prescription until you can ask your oncologist more questions, there are short-term 'natural' treatments for vaginal dryness that are available without a prescription.

    Here's an article that I googled quickly (scroll to near the end) you may be able to find others: http://www.womentowomen.com/menopause/treatmentsforvaginaldryness.aspx

     

    ETA (Edited To Add) : Waving "Hello" to Alexandra (we were posting at the same time). I've seen many of your posts here and on the Ovarian Cancer Board - just wanted to say "Hello"  

     

     

     

     

     

    Hello NorahS

    Nice meeting you! Ovarian or uterine, we gyno gals have a lot in common and should stick together Smile

  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    #5
    Too much estrogen causes cancer

    I attend regular educational retreats put on by my naturopath where she teaches the attendees what causes cancer.  Every process and chemical in our bodies is linked to the others.  If you impact one, you impact others.  Only 2 % of the population is actually estrogen deficient.  If you supplement estrogen, whether orally or topically, in a body that does not require it, you elevate cortisol and insulin growth factor, both of which contribute to cancer growth.  Our adrenal glands start to make estrogen when we go through menopause, whether surgical or natural.  Adding estrodiol to a body that is trying to accomadate for the loss of estrogen production from the ovaries is a recipe for disaster.

    I've found great success using coconut oil as a lubricant.  And the product "Women's Replenishing Oil" sold by Dancing Willow Herbs is 100% effective at restoring atrophied vaginal tissues, just by using it nightly for one month.  After that the body takes over. 

  • soromer
    soromer Member Posts: 130
    #6
    I'd be shocked too--but maybe your cancer cells

    are not estrogen-receptive?

    Mine are, and my oncologist has told me to avoid any topical creams or any other medications containing estrogen.

    Obviously, not all oncos are on the same page. But I'd be wary.

    I haven't found any great solution for the dryness, and it is really unpleasant--as are the other post-menopausal symptoms I have. Huh, I thought that being post-menopausal would be a GOOD thing. Little did I know.

  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
    #7
    soromer said:

    I'd be shocked too--but maybe your cancer cells

    are not estrogen-receptive?

    Mine are, and my oncologist has told me to avoid any topical creams or any other medications containing estrogen.

    Obviously, not all oncos are on the same page. But I'd be wary.

    I haven't found any great solution for the dryness, and it is really unpleasant--as are the other post-menopausal symptoms I have. Huh, I thought that being post-menopausal would be a GOOD thing. Little did I know.

    Avoid any creams containing estrogen

    I was given this firm guidance via my oncologist.  So...I'm with Tethys, go a different route to be safe.  I've been using either olive or coconut oils, but will be trying this new suggestion from Tethy's naturopath.

     

    Best to be safe vs. sorry...don't ya thinK??

    Jan

  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    #8
    soromer said:

    I'd be shocked too--but maybe your cancer cells

    are not estrogen-receptive?

    Mine are, and my oncologist has told me to avoid any topical creams or any other medications containing estrogen.

    Obviously, not all oncos are on the same page. But I'd be wary.

    I haven't found any great solution for the dryness, and it is really unpleasant--as are the other post-menopausal symptoms I have. Huh, I thought that being post-menopausal would be a GOOD thing. Little did I know.

    Estrogen receptive

    My tumors were NOT estrogen receptive, and my medical oncologist recommended estrodiol patches.  My gyn/onc, however, nixed that, saying that he had an ovarian cancer patient, who's tumors were not estrogen receptive and who was in remission for 17 years.  Her medical oncologist prescribed estrodiol patches and 6 months later, her cancer returned. 

  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
    #9
    Tethys41 said:

    Estrogen receptive

    My tumors were NOT estrogen receptive, and my medical oncologist recommended estrodiol patches.  My gyn/onc, however, nixed that, saying that he had an ovarian cancer patient, who's tumors were not estrogen receptive and who was in remission for 17 years.  Her medical oncologist prescribed estrodiol patches and 6 months later, her cancer returned. 

    Tethys

    Same with my tumors -- not estrogen receptive, but oncolgist wanted to be safe...avoid estrogen as best I can.  This cancer stuff can be scary and sneaky.

    Jan

     

  • Fayard
    Fayard Member Posts: 438 Member
    #10
    jazzy1 said:

    Avoid any creams containing estrogen

    I was given this firm guidance via my oncologist.  So...I'm with Tethys, go a different route to be safe.  I've been using either olive or coconut oils, but will be trying this new suggestion from Tethy's naturopath.

     

    Best to be safe vs. sorry...don't ya thinK??

    Jan

    Thank you for your inputs. I

    Thank you for your inputs. I went aheead and order the Replenishing Oil Tethy suggested. Smile

  • Fayard
    Fayard Member Posts: 438 Member
    #11
    jazzy1 said:

    Avoid any creams containing estrogen

    I was given this firm guidance via my oncologist.  So...I'm with Tethys, go a different route to be safe.  I've been using either olive or coconut oils, but will be trying this new suggestion from Tethy's naturopath.

     

    Best to be safe vs. sorry...don't ya thinK??

    Jan

    Thank you for your inputs. I

    Thank you for your inputs. I went aheead and order the Replenishing Oil Tethy suggested. Smile

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