Evening ladies. I had hormone positive cancer left breast in 2016. Chemo, herceptin, mastectomy and been on tamoxifen for nearly 9 years. For years I’ve suffered with vaginal dryness and VERY painful sex. GP and oncology team have always told me i cant have any form of HRT. Been at my wits end recently so went to GP who referred me back to oncology clinic. A lovely female oncologist called me on Tuesday and after a lengthy discussion she assured me that i would be ok to start vaginal oestrogen. After years of being told no it feels a bit scary but i picked up prescription today. Just read the leaflet and it says do not take this medicine if you have or have ever had breast cancer. Can anyone reassure me that its safe and that it works???
Thanks
I believe there’s been recent research to say vaginal oestrogen is safe due to the very small amount absorbed but doctors are still uneasy about prescribing - hopefully someone will be able to post you the link to the research to reassure you - @naughty_boob -do you have link to that that info ?
https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(24)01126-8/abstract
This is from the American Association of Obstetrics and Gynaecology that my Menopause Specialist quoted to me a few weeks ago.
Here’s the linked to Jama Network published in December 2023
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2811413
Menopause and Cancer charity have loads of information on their Podcasts with many experts
Including Dr Liz O’Riordan who says she uses it.
I had ER+ HER2+ bilateral invasive carcinoma in 2023 and had been on HRT with vaginal oestrogen which all stopped at diagnosis. I pushed for months after stopping that I needed help, it took seeing a menopause specialist to get the prescription for vaginal oestrogen in June 2024. I have found it has made a big difference, it’s not sorted everything but I can sit on a bike without too much discomfort now. I also use moisturisers and lubricants from Yes which you can get on prescription. I’m on Aromatase Inhibitors and for a long time they would only allow vaginal oestrogen on Tamoxifen, mainly be there was little research on AI’s with risk of recurrence and mortality. Now it’s deemed ok but it’s always the decision of the patient and medical professional.
I was told the leaflets are just to cover their backs and are based on old data but it takes years for them to be amended. Also our risk of recurrence or spread is based on many factors the same as having a diagnosis in the beginning.
I hope this helps.
@helen1971 sorry no link but I read this really interesting study the other day. Not directly answering your question but very relevant to your concerns.
Annals of Oncology
Oestrogens and breast cancer
Volume 36, Issue 2, February 2025, Pages 134-148
Hi
I’m 56, I had the mirena coil which was removed when I was diagnosed with stage 1 ER + in my left breast in 2020. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy, radiotherapy and been on Tamoxifen since May 2020. I was recommended Sylks lubricant which I can no longer find to buy and Replens which didn’t really help with severe vaginal atrophy. My GP was able to prescribe YES lubricant and moisturisers. After some research I came across Dr Louise Newson and Naomi Potter who both have published books on menopause. Both insist that topical vaginal oestrogen is safe to use as the amount absorbed is so minimal. My oncologist was happy for my GP to prescribe the lowest dose Estriol 0.01% vaginal cream which I have been using since January which has greatly helped my symptoms. I had to use it every day for 2 weeks and then twice weekly.
I really hope it helps with your symptoms.
Helen x
Hi Helen…
I had estrogen sensitive cancer ,they let me have a small does 1 percent
I was aloud to use for one week ,then twice a week.
In a cream .
The dr wrote to my urologist and breast clinic consultant.
The breast cancer consultant made the call .
I looked into this lots and started vaginal oestrogen about a year from my diagnosis. It’s been a game changer for me. If I remember rightly doing this is equivalent to taking 1 hrt tablet a year .
I was using oestrogen cream but stopped when I got breast cancer again. I was told it was OK to use. I am considering restarting it again when I finish radiotherapy soon.