So I was diagnosed back in 2014 with very positive oestrogen positive breast cancer.
Had mastectomy and all treatment but I seem to remember years back that topical oestrogen was a possibility. Been on Anastrole for 11 years but think stopping soon.
As I was so terrified of anything hormone related I didn’t find anything out but wonder now can anyone give advice and or thoughts please? i have atrophy and so sore but still scared of putting hormones in to my body.
@sunflower25 Hello, you have done well staying on AIs for this long. Please do not suffer atrophy-there has been so much research recently about topical application to the area not changing recurrence risk as the amount of hormone is so tiny but transformative for your localised health. Please speak to your Dr. I am about to start letrozole & have been told I can’t use it with that but if you’re coming to the end of your use of anastrozole explore this with your Dr & I believe from other ladies once you start using topical the relief is very fast. Sending you love & healing & do not stay quiet on this with your Dr xx
Hi Sunflower, I was diagnosed with ER+ in 2020 and am almost halfway through 10 years on Tamoxifen.
My oncologist prescribed me topical estrogen as he says there is no evidence that it increases risk. He said to only use the gel and not a pessary so that I can control the amount I use.
I haven’t used it, despite his reassurances I cannot bring myself to put it in my body.
I manage with Replens MD, it doesn’t contain estrogen.
Please speak to your GP/oncologist! If you haven’t already tried Replens give it a go. If you don’t get any relief from it, ask about the topical estrogen. There seem to have been lots of studies done that show no increased risk.
Don’t suffer the agony of atrophy in silence, I hope you get some relief soon xx
Hyalofemme is an effective treatment which is hormone free. Nothing will be quite as good as something with estriol or estradiol in it but vaginal atrophy is SO unpleasant, if the suggestions on here like Hyalofemme and Replens don’t work, I would definitely go for something like Ovestin as it only contains 1% estriol which, recent researched has shown, does not get absorbed sufficiently to cause issues. Please don’t suffer unnecessarily.
I’m was on Letrozole and changed to Exemestane and I have vaginal oestrogen. It’s the lowest dose (Imvaggis and Blissel) and was prescribed by a menopause specialist who I discussed the risks and benefits with my breast consultant. I also use Yes moisturiser and lubricant and recently started Olive and Bee as an oil based lubricant as recommended by a pelvic physio, who has also been very helpful. Things have improved but I am awaiting a gynae appointment to see if something else is going on.
I started this thread which has some links with studies and other areas of support.
VA is terrible. The good thing is it can be reversed. I’ve got there with trial and error. My saviours are estriol cream twice a week. Dilators a few times a week with yes yes yes water based lubricant. Issviva red light therapy rejuvenator. Pelvic floor exercises to relax the area properly.
After chemo in 2021 and ovaries removed in 2022 I am finally back to normal.
Like the other ladies say, do not suffer, keep going til, you find what works for you.
Topical estrogen is vaginal only and is not systemic.
Good luck with your search xxxx
Tried and failed with. Blissel gel, moisturisers, vagifem, sea buckthorn, health and her, lady prelox, ospemifene.
I had vaginal atrophy postmenopausally and was on vaginal oestrogen. On BC diagnosis 2 years ago I was told to stop and within a few weeks I could barely sit down let alone anything else! The breast care nurse referred me to a gynaecologist specialising in post BC atrophy. She said that there is much recent evidence that topical oestrogen is safe. The surgeon and oncologist are happy for me to have it. The gynaecologist also prescribed Dr Wolff’s V-san moisturising cream - available to buy but I get it prescribed by the GP - to use vaginally twice a week. The combination of that and oestrogen twice a week does the trick.
Hi Sunflower25, sorry you’re having those symptoms, they’re horrible. I’ve also always very aware of not taking any form of Oestrogen - ( DX 2008 Er+ PR+ in 2008, chemo , mastectomy, radio, tamoxifen 10+ yrs) However, I started localised oestrogen- inserted tablet pessary - after reading the new guidance ( I found the Louise Newson menopause site helpful) and sharing that with my GP, because of horrible genitourinary symptoms. She agreed I was ok to use after some discussion and it has transformed my day-to-day . I was quite miserable with the symptoms and feel so much better, but also very reassured by the guidance. May not be right for everyone but I think worth discussing with GP. I hope you find what works for you. X
