Hello yesnik,
Thank you for posting.
It sounds like you are having a difficult time with vaginal dryness and genitourinary symptoms. These can be distressing symptoms which can impact on quality of life and sexual intimacy..
We often hear from women who have had breast cancer and have been offered a course of hormonal treatment such as Ovestin to reduce and alleviate the symptoms they are experiencing. As you said it can be confusing and scary when reading the patient information.
The type of hormonal treatment you have been advised to use is a vaginal oestrogen. It contains a very low dose of oestrogen which is absorbed locally into the vaginal wall which is absorbed where it is applied. It can be considered if non hormonal treatments, such as vaginal lubricants and moisturisers, have not been helpful. Although 18 years ago your oncologist told you to avoid oestrogen creams, opinions have changed since then and as your gynaecologist explained the current use of vagina creams is evidence based.
Most importantly you are under the care of a specialist who knows you have had oestrogen receptor breast cancer and is familiar with recent guidance on vaginal hormone treatments and it sounds like they are treating you as an individual and that you have a plan going forward with your doctor. If you are still in any doubt, do contact your treatment team who cared for you or speak to your GP.
As @senga66 mentions in her post a recent the social media link on the use of vaginal oestrogens could provide you with some reassurance https://twitter.com/Liz_ORiordan/status/1712051727489245454
You may also find some of the question and answer presentations that we have on the Breast Cancer Now YouTube channels about menopausal symptoms useful.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK - prefix 18001).
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am - 1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Helen
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.