ESTRADIOL Vaginal Cream

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 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"  

 

 

 

 

 

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

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.

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.

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.