I have read that D-Mannose is effective in reducing the frequency of UTI’s. Does anyone know if it safe to take after a diagnosis of ER + BC? And will it interact with Letrozole?
I’ve asked both my GP and Pharmacist but neither of them know!
TIA
1 Like
Hi @Hevs I started Letrozole, obviously for Er+ BC, in October 2022 and the first SE (I really haven’t had that many) was vaginal dryness and an issue with my water works. I could have been given treatment with estradiol or estriol in it if I swapped to Tamoxifen* which I didn’t want to do so was recommended Hyalofemme for vaginal relief and d-mannose for UTIs by my oncologist. I am aware of quite a few women on the forum who use d-mannose. As always, I would recommend checking with your BC nurse who should be able to advise you according to your specific circumstances but you should be fine to use it.
- NB I have to say that oncologists are much more inclined to consider topical oestrogen treatments for vaginal issues these days, as so little is absorbed, but three years ago, mine still stuck to the old protocols.
Hi @Tigress
I was having monthly UTI’s which were agony. I have been on Letrozole for 6 years and previously took Tamoxifen for 5 years 28 years ago, so not much Oestrogen left! I also have Lichen Schlerosis which affects the vulva and makes the dryness worse.
I have started using Estriol 0.01% although I know there’s a tiny risk. I haven’t had a UTI since I started using it, which is amazing!
My GP informed me that I have antibiotic resistance so I won’t be prescribed antiobiotics unless I have a really serious UTI. I’m very keen to do all I can to prevent getting them, so I do want to give D-Mannose a try if it’s safe.
1 Like
I’m so pleased you’re ok to use the estriol, which was denied to me (my choice really as I was doing ok on Letrozole and didn’t want to jigger around swapping to Tam which isn’t as effective for post-menopausal women). It really does seem to be common sense to allow it following recent research. All I can say is I was given the ok to use d-mannose by the “authorities” and if you use the search facility on the forum by putting d-mannose in, you’ll get other positive stories about it.
1 Like
I buy my D- Mannose from SC Nutria and asked them about interactions with drugs etc. and they said they weren’t aware of any. D-Mannose is something which we all have naturally in our bodies some people have naturally lower levels of it than others . I was taking it when I was still on Anastrozole and prefer to try to control an infection that way rather than taking antibiotics as they seem to stop working as soon as they are finished . It’s good that you are getting a good result with the Estriol . I have found the Bio Activ Menopause pessaries and Hyalofemne to be helpful .xx
1 Like