Hi I’ve been taking Tamoxifen for 3 years after breast cancer. I recently bleed during intercourse and my consultant said it would be down to the Tamoxifen. I’ve been told to use a vaginal moisturiser called Hyalofemme and use a lubricant. Does anyone else have this and have they found other treatments that work? Thanks.
I’m on letrozole for 10 years and get hyalofemme on prescription from GP. I find it helps a lot.
It’s seems to be quite common with those on Tamoxifen or Aromatase inhibitors. I’m taking Letrozole and wrote this
As far as lubricants the wonderful Sam at Jo Divine is such an advocate for vaginal health. They stock Yes (which you can get on prescription and recommended by the Breast Care Nurse) and Sutil which is a great lubricant. She warns about some moisturisers and lubricants having nasty in them that can cause other problems. Having said that I’ve read some other ladies using Hylaofemme and having good reviews. For some moisturiser and lubricants are enough. For me I needed Imvaggis a very low dose vaginal oestrogen, as well as Yes and Sutil, and I discussed with a menopause specialist the risks and benefits with my Predict score and diagnosis.
There is a great charity called Menopause and Cancer who advocate for women who are having menopausal issues after a cancer diagnosis. They have lots of information on their website, podcast and YouTube.
I use Hyalofemme happily. I found the moisturizers like Yes didn’t do much and certain ones like Replens contain parabens which is not good for er+ BC. I am on Letrazole so my oncologist wouldn’t prescribe a low estriol or estradiol product for me unless I swapped to Tamoxifen (which I didn’t want to do) so I’m surprised you haven’t been offered Vagifemme or similar. Hyalofemme may sting to start with but once the tissue starts to heal that wears off.
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My oncology team were ok with me having vaginal oestrogen with Letrozole. It was the clinical nurse specialist that said it was ok first. It’s the lowest dose you can have. Maggie’s do a menopause course which also now states it’s ok since new research came out in December 2023.
The menopause specialist explained that a small amount of oestrogen can pass onto the blood stream in the first 6 weeks especially if you have any splits or cuts in the area. After 6 weeks none is supposed to pass into the blood stream. This was found within the trials by taking blood and testing for the presence of oestrogen. I suffered badly with vaginal atrophy even with systemic HRT so needed vaginal oestrogen as well, which I stopped with my diagnosis, after 6 months I struggled with lots of discomfort. Before the study was released, it was normally said you need to change to Tamoxifen but that has changed now.
For me it’s about quality of life, I can now exercise on a bike, wear whatever clothing I like and sit comfortably.
Replens caused UTIs and lots of itching.
Yes absolutely it’s safe. My oncologist was just sticking by the NICE guidelines which are behind the times. In my case it was more dryness than atrophy - and that was bad enough. If a woman is suffering with VA and there is a solution, then she should be allowed to take it as the evidence is now there. The UK seems to be behind the US in this regard.
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Hello, I had VA while on Letrozole and tried Replens. Even the applicator caused bleeding. I changed from Letrozole to Exemestane because of side effects and the VA is no longer a problem.
Hi Deb_21
Thank you for your post.
We commonly get questions about vaginal products and which ones to use safety whilst taking tamoxifen This type of breast cancer treatment blocks the effect of the hormone oestrogen in the body. Oestrogen helps keep the vagina moisture and elasticity. A lack of it can cause the vagina and the surrounding tissues to become dry and less supple affecting intercourse. This can make sex or intimacy difficult.
There are a variety of non-hormonal treatments that can help with vaginal dryness and intercourse these include vaginal moisturisers and lubricants. Information can be found in in our booklet on managing menopausal symptoms, it describes the commonly used vaginal moisturisers including hyalofemme @lynnc123 find helps a lot. She suggests you could have it prescribed by your GP. For best effect should be used regularly, every few days for best effect.
Moisturisers can be used alongside lubricants, information again about the different ones can be found in the link above. It’s important to find a vaginal moisturiser and lubricant that works for you. Some vaginal moisturisers contain ingredients that can cause irritation, so it’s a good idea to do a skin test on the inner and outer lips of your vagina before using any products.
You may not find a product that suits you straight away so it’s worth trying different products. You can search the manufacturer’s web site for their range of products. Manufacturers will often have several different options so it’s worth reading about how the product works, what they contain and the product reviews. Some manufacturers can provide free samples to try.
@naughty_boob suggests looking at information produced by the charity Menopause and Cancer which is for women having menopausal issues after a cancer diagnosis
Pelvic floor exercises can also help improve vaginal dryness by increasing blood flow to the area. The links above to our information give suggestions which may help.
If you continue to have problems with intercourse any vaginal dryness, irritation and cannot find a product that suits you or bleeding, do talk to your consultant, breast care nurse or treatment team. They may be able to refer you to a specialist menopause clinic.
You may find our Breast Cancer Now YouTube chat on menopause and cancer helpful to.
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