Hi all. I have been taking tamoxifen for nearly two years now. I bought YES lubricant early on but haven’t had any issues with vaginal dryness…but the last month I have had itching externally which is now actually quite sore and tender. I used canesten which did nothing but not convinced it ever was thrush. The weird thing is though, I still don’t feel like I have dryness internally (still get normal discharge everyday) but the external vulva area is where the soreness is. Could this be due to tamoxifen? Has anyone else had soreness externally but not internally? Xx
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Hi @blue80
I am on letrozole and been on it over 2 years
I had vaginal atrophy which is what it sound like you’re suffering from. I’d get a gp to check it out for you to dismiss any other issues.
Seems weird that it’s only just started to be a problem. Not changed any washing powder or shower gel etc??
Mine began after stopping HRT and a couple of months of using letrozole.
I like you are using YES VM and YES WB for the intimacy side.
I find it flares up more if I’ve been wearing tight clothing, jeans etc. also have to be careful to wear cotton underwear. It’s extremely uncomfortable and at times downright depressing so I know what you’re going through.
Hopefully you can find out what’s causing it.
I had a little fight on my hands but I now have vagifem pessaries which I am allowed to use twice a week. Doesn’t cure it all but it helps
I also use hydromol ointment which is basically a water based emollient to wash ‘the lady garden’ area with and this has been a godsend
Keep us posted and hope you manage to get some relief
Lynn x
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I’m not on an AI now but I’m post - menopausal and I hear what you’re saying . I occasionally use Hyalofemme or Bio Activ menopause pessaries internally but like you the external symptoms are worse - the skin feels thinner and delicate . I’ve been trying the Dr. Wolff pessaries and cream - don’t much like the pessaries but the cream can also be used externally and I’ve found that it helps . Xx
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Thank you. I will get the lady garden wash stuff you recommend! I am having a call with breast care nurse and will book in to see gp. As I say they have treated as just waterworks issues so far but I think it is more than that xxx
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Thank you. I will look at that cream too. I am trying to be v gentle when I go to the loo and using the Yes stuff morning and night. It does feel a tiny bit better today.
I definitely think it’s issues with the vulva and even toilet tissue you have to be aware that you don’t use any fragrances ones. I use Andrex and when I’ve used other brands I notice probs.
The hydromol is so soothing. I don’t use a cloth to wash with just hands so being gentle as you say.
It’s well known for UTIs to become problematic when you are taking hormone blockers and also sometimes you can get misdiagnosed as it being one when in fact it’s not.
Just a case of baby steps so you can rule things out
I have flare ups with soreness towards the bottom and I use a little Vaseline ( original) and that manages to calm down the problem as well.
Good luck
Lynn x
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Hi blue80
I’m on Letrozole & was having a lot of trouble with vaginal thrush which was always on the outside. I used Canestan but when that didn’t clear it, I was prescribed Fluconazole tablets. These always cleared it quickly.
I wasn’t convinced it was thrush. Oncologist suggested Yes Vaginal Moisturiser, whcih I use every other morning. If I do get sore occasionally, I resort to Canestan which usually clears it within 24 hours.
My feeling is that for me, it is more to do with vaginal dryness than thrush.
Hope you get it sorted soon 
Hello @blue80
What you are describing is much like me. At Easter I was convinced I had thrush first time in forever, so I bought a tablet, a week later it was back I bought another tablet just before heading to Germany for a short break.
I was in agony walking round and popped into a pharmacy who sold me a thrush cream with an applicator it was instant relief, but after a trip to the GP for the “constant thrush” I realised it was vaginal dryness. I don’t get it all the time but I’ve found using the Canestan meno gel which comes with an applicator helps
I’m on year 4 of tamoxifen and not sure if it’s caused by the tamoxifen or is just my age!
AM xxx
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Thank you. Sorry if too personal a question but did you experience dryness internally? The only thing puzzling me is I assumed vaginal dryness would mean ‘inside’ was involved but I have a normal level of ‘normal’ discharge. It is is just the outer parts that are irritated. Thanks again for replying.
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Hi @blue80
Now you come to mention it yes that is what I experience
I’ve recently taken part in a couple of “challenges” requiring me to on my feet on and active for prolonged periods so I’ve used the meno gel by way of precaution but tbh it doesn’t compare to the relief the internal cream gave.
I was examined and swabbed at the GP for thrush and in passing she mentioned dryness so I put two & two together that the discomfort is down to dryness not thrush
AM xxx
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Nothing too personal on here 
I am post menopausal so needed lubrication for those very personal moments, even before the Letrozole. I have never suffered with thrush before. The soreness is only on the outside but I still think this is down to dryness rather than thrush.
Hope this helps - any other questions - ask away
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I think the lack of useable oestrogen makes the skin thinner and more fragile so friction will cause irritation or little tears . The outside “ bits “ are more likely to get friction just from every day activities .A joyful side effect ! @adoptedmanc does then menogel sting when you put it on ?
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Ovestin cream - im on exemestane and my onco has prescribed this - its a game changer
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I’ve been on Anastrozole for 12 months now and 6 months ago started with terrible itching, pain and bleeding on my outer vaginal area. I have been given thrush treatments from my GP but relief only came from Yes VM. I keep mine in the fridge which makes it extra cooling. Can be got on prescription. Always wear cotton knickers and non perfumed soaps and washing liquid and ensure you’re thoroughly dry in the vulval area after showering. It’s truly horrible but these things should bring relief. G x
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Welcome to the forum @benji .Glad you’ve got a bit of relief , it’s a miserable side effect / consequence of having breast cancer .
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My oncologist prescribed Ovestin cream - might be worth having a chat to your specialist team about it
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Hi - I’m also on Anastrozole but only a few weeks now. Oh my goodness itching, dryness and pain in our delicate areas - something else we’re gifted alongside breast cancer ! Thanks for the warning so I’ll now be prepared and not confuse it with Thrush. What a great idea keeping the creams in the fridge ! x
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I can actually now feel a sore/bumpy patch down below (vulval/edge of vagina) which is where the itching is coming from. Have contacted GP who has booked me in in a couple of weeks. Now spiralling about vulval cancer 
Health anxiety post a cancer diagnosis is the gift that keeps on giving!
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It’s easy to get very anxious about any changes once your body’s let you down in such a scary way. Most things will not be cancer it’s just that our minds often go there first .
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Qaà