vaginal atrophy

lzambito
lzambito Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had an estrogen driven tumor, am post menopausal and have been diagnosed with vaginal atrophy. can't use estrogen products, nothing very effective so far. anybody have experience with this and any advice?

Comments

  • Susan956
    Susan956 Member Posts: 510
    #2
    I have found that Replens works to help maintain vaginal comfort. I am ER/PR + and had been post menopausal for years and on HRT. As soon as I began to feel better after chemo, I asked the doctor if I could use estrogen cream.. but the answer was no. But I have found using Replens about every other day does a pretty good job. It took a few weeks to see much relief, but probably within about 2 weeks it was noticable..and now after about 4 months... I seem to be pretty much back to normal... except for wicked hot flashes occasionaly.
  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #3
    The reality of having survived cancer is that we are all too often faced with having to make choices that weigh the quantity of life after cancer with the quality of life after cancer. I hope Replens works for you. Estrogen products are definitely not recommended and there are studies that show a correlation between estrogen creams and estrogen positive cancers. The absorbtion rates, however, vary from one product to another. If Replens doesn't work, discuss with your oncologist which of the available products will keep you the safest and at the same time restore your quality of life. Good luck!
    terri
  • n2gr8books
    n2gr8books Member Posts: 8
    #4
    Susan956 said:

    I have found that Replens works to help maintain vaginal comfort. I am ER/PR + and had been post menopausal for years and on HRT. As soon as I began to feel better after chemo, I asked the doctor if I could use estrogen cream.. but the answer was no. But I have found using Replens about every other day does a pretty good job. It took a few weeks to see much relief, but probably within about 2 weeks it was noticable..and now after about 4 months... I seem to be pretty much back to normal... except for wicked hot flashes occasionaly.

    I have also been diagnosed w/vaginal atrophy & experience so much pain during intercourse that we have just about given up. I was ER+ also & stage 3 - diagnosed 9 years ago - so I don't want to rock the boat. All estrogen off the table for me as well. Is the Replens topical or a pill? thanks
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #5
    Hi, kathi here. My boyfriend is an infertility specialist (I know, don't need that) but he uses (and now me) a product that is called PRE-SEED. Vaginal applicator, so higher up delivery. I investigated before use, no estrogen. Very mild. www.ingfertility.com or (888-471-7333). Don't give up. I couldn't even look at him before, it was so painfully. I had total hyster with colon surgery, now at end of chemo for breast. Ask your onc about this. Also an external product. No, I'm NOT a salesman. This just works for me.

    Good luck, sweetie and don't give up.
  • Susan956
    Susan956 Member Posts: 510
    #6
    n2gr8books said:

    I have also been diagnosed w/vaginal atrophy & experience so much pain during intercourse that we have just about given up. I was ER+ also & stage 3 - diagnosed 9 years ago - so I don't want to rock the boat. All estrogen off the table for me as well. Is the Replens topical or a pill? thanks

    It is a topical cream in a one time use dispenser.
  • daisy1
    daisy1 Member Posts: 1
    #7
    Hi! Am gyn doc from Maine (and have breast cancer)and a lot of onc docs are allowing vaginal estrogen for maintenance of vaginal tissues, to allow intercourse. Not all women comfortable with this, but many come to the point of wanting to have lubricated, non-painful sex. Vaginal estrogen not absorbed significantly, so ask again!
  • jdubious
    jdubious Member Posts: 113
    #8
    daisy1 said:

    Hi! Am gyn doc from Maine (and have breast cancer)and a lot of onc docs are allowing vaginal estrogen for maintenance of vaginal tissues, to allow intercourse. Not all women comfortable with this, but many come to the point of wanting to have lubricated, non-painful sex. Vaginal estrogen not absorbed significantly, so ask again!

    After reading everyone's comments, I tried the Replens - but it BURNS! Has anyone else had this experience? What else can I try? thanks!
    jill
  • EC62444
    EC62444 Member Posts: 1
    #9
    jdubious said:

    After reading everyone's comments, I tried the Replens - but it BURNS! Has anyone else had this experience? What else can I try? thanks!
    jill

    I am on a low dose of Vagifem (vaginal estrogen) and have used Replens, but not consistently. Never had burning with Replens - main issue is it's expensive. Both are helpful, but not enough. Am also taking an anti-depressant that probably reduces libido. It's a complex matter with astonishingly little information and help "out there." Thanks for this thread.
  • ciara711
    ciara711 Member Posts: 1
    #10
    jdubious said:

    After reading everyone's comments, I tried the Replens - but it BURNS! Has anyone else had this experience? What else can I try? thanks!
    jill

    vaginal atrophy

    yes, I did, I've had burning with most products I've tried. I did find Carlson Key E Natural Vitamin E suppositories; but I'm so dry once a day is not enough, and I think they're $8-10 a box for 24; I have to mail order them. I'm pretty raw up there, and my gynocologist is looking into other options; was on low dose of estrogen cream, but can't say it  helped much. I had estrogen positive tumor stage 3 breast cancer over 10 years ago. I'm grateful I'm alive. Really wish I could solve this end of it though, its pretty devastating. 

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