Pre-emptive vaginal moisturiser when starting hormone therapy?

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1

Hi, this might be a daft question but I’m trying to be as prepared as possible for dealing with side effects.

I started taking Tamoxifen 2 days ago. I understand that vaginal dryness is a common side effect and that vaginal moisturiser is recommended but can take up to 3 months to fully ease symptoms.

So I’m wondering if it’s worth starting to use vaginal moisturiser now, to hopefully pre-empt any dryness and discomfort I might experience?

I’m feeling quite apprehensive about potential side effects and just looking for ways to be as proactive as possible in minimising and mitigating them. (E.g. regular exercise, eating healthily, pelvic floor exercises.)

I’m 45, recently had successful lumpectomy to remove 6mm grade 1 IDC. Pre menopausal and generally in good health otherwise.

Thank you.

2

Hi

I was prescribed Cetraben cream to wash my face with when I started chemo. I had chemo acne and my face was dry and peeling. My skin has been fantastic since, no spots, much softer and less lines so I’ve continued to use it for washing.

I commenced Letrozole after surgery and within a few weeks had cystitis then a UTI. Was aware that it felt different down there so decided to try Cetraben as an alternative to wash with than usual shower gel. It’s so much better. It’s about £13 for 500g. So far my container has lasted 8 months.

1 Like
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Thank you @mrsjelly, that’s a great tip! I hadn’t thought about shower gel so that’s definitely something I’ll try.

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Hi beachfox,

Good idea to start early with this. Highly recommend YES products. My BC nurse got me onto them, they’re brilliant and you can also get them on prescription.

The early days on Tamoxifen and the AI’s can be tough but for the majority of people side affects do settle after a few months when your system gets used to it. You sound very positive and it’s a great idea to have a plan to keep moving and staying active. It really helps with early joint pain and stiffness.

Wishing you all the best.

Frances

5

Hi @beachfox

Many people, myself included, take tamoxifen with no problems at all (I’m 47 and been on it for about 1.5 years) so I wonder if it may be an idea to wait and see? If you start using something regularly which turns out not to have been needed, could your body become reliant on that and cause issues if/when you stop using it? Don’t know, just a thought. x

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Hi beachfox,

Thank you for posting. It is understandable that you have concerns and questions about the possible side effects you may experience from tamoxifen.

As @Frances55 and @southwest123 mention side effects of hormone therapy and their severity can vary from person to person.

Although vaginal dryness, and other menopausal symptoms, are common in women who have had or are having treatment for breast cancer, it is difficult to predict how much these particular side effects will impact you, and therefore it is not suggested that you use pre-emptive vaginal moisturisers.

If you find that you begin to experience side effects such as vaginal dryness that impact your quality of life or make sex or intimacy difficult, it is important to talk to your treatment team or GP as soon as possible.

They can talk to you about non-hormonal treatments that can help with vaginal dryness, including the vaginal moisturisers and lubricants mentioned by @Frances55. Pelvic floor exercises as you mention, can also help improve vaginal dryness by increasing blood flow to the area.

If you require further support in the future with these side effects, you can also ask for a referral to a specialist menopause clinic or a physiotherapist specialising in pelvic problems.

We offer a range of free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

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 additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

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Best wishes

Katy

Breast Care Nurse

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