Hi all. Just after some advice and reassurance from others who have been in the same boat. I am 45 and 2 years post treatment for Er/Pr +ive breast cancer. I am on tamoxifen for another 2 1/2 years. Since last September I started having vaginal atrophy symptoms. Moisturisers are helping a bit but sex is still painful and I am in a bit of discomfort most of the time. I have been to see a private gynae doctor who has liaised with my breast care team and said vaginal oestrogen is safe whilst I am taking tamoxifen. I have now got a 3 month course of 10 mcg ready to go….but now worrying. Anyone else used it and had good results? Any more advice on safety? My cancer was Grade 1 and local but I am still anxious to avoid doing anything risky. I can’t imagine being this sore for the rest of my life though 
Yes had it prescribed and it’s helped a lot . My GP liaised with Breast Team they said very low risk from vaginal oestrogen latest research evidences this .Very low amounts absorbed into the body .
Hi @blue80 . I had post menopausal vaginal atrophy for several years before diagnosis 2 years ago, and was using Vagifem 10mg successfully. On diagnosis I was advised to stop the Vagifem and within a month I could barely sit down! The breast care nurses referred me to a gynaecologist with a special interest in menopause following cancer and she, with the oncologist’s agreement, started me back on Vagifem and also on Dr. Wolff’s V-san moisturising cream vaginal moisturiser. They can both be prescribed by the GP.
There is now plenty of research evidence to show that the amount of oestrogen absorbed vaginally is negligible and that it is safe to have after a breast cancer diagnosis. In addition to the vaginal moisturiser, that I use 2-3 times a week, it’s a good idea to use some sort of lube for sex.
The Vagifem, or whatever you’ve been prescribed, will take a little while to work fully. I think I started having one every day then it tailed off to a couple of times a week. So please don’t be scared. You’re young. You can’t spend the rest of your life sitting on pins and not having sex. Start the vaginal oestrogen, get the moisturiser and stock up on lube!!
@blue80
I struggle the same as you - I feel your pain! My oncologist said that she would have been happy to prescribe vaginal oestrogen if I switched from letrozole to tamoxifen. I’m post menopausal (just), and can’t bring myself to change from letrozole - especially as I’ve been told my stats and risk of recurrence indicate letrozole is very beneficial to me. If I were in your position, I’d absolutely go for it. Please don’t suffer unnecessarily xx
Hi , if your oncologist is happy then go for it!
I had horrendous problems after the menopause with vaginal atrophy but my oncologist told me to stop my vaginal oestrogen. I’m managing with daily Replens vaginal moisturiser and Sylk for intimate moments. Not perfect but mangeable. He did say there was one type of vaginal oestrogen with a miniscule dose of oestrogen which could be considered, if I was really desperate.
Good luck. I hope you get some relief soon.
I have used my first pessary tonight. Fingers crossed!
Let us know how you get on! Good luck and lots of love! xx 