Vagifem

Katiejane

Vagifem

Katiejane

I'm not sure if this is the correct thread to post on but I was wondering if any of you ladies out there have been put on Vagifem for post menopausal vaginal dryness/atrophy.  I was peri-menopausal before chemo and immediately was slammed into full blown menopause during treatment. I have read and been told by my Gyn. and Onc. that this is a safe, non-systemic way to add estrogen directly to the vaginal area to prevent dryness and atrophy.  Has anyone heard otherwise?   Thanks!  Chattie

AnneW

I use the FemRing, which is similar, but stays in the vagina for three months at a time. I swear, I couldn't live without it. There's no systemic absorption to speak of, but it sure keeps the vagina moister.

Anne

Anonymous

Chattie...there has been plenty of discussion about all of the alternatives for preventing vaginal dryness under the Mojo thread, but since it's about 3-4 years long, it might take some searching to find all of it. Maybe a search?

~Marin

Pharmmom

I use Vagifem and Premarin.  Actually I alternate.  I am er positive and I don't use large amts of Premarin.  Just usually on the outside.  It helps somewhat.  Better than nothing at all.  I tried the nonestrogen alternatives but they did not help me.  You should try them (replens being one there are others).  Good luck. 

Katiejane

Pharmmom,  I have tried the over the counter alternatives-they didn't help me either!!!  I must admit that it makes me a bit nervous using even a localized estrogen (vagifem) being I'm ER/PR positive.

Anne & Marin,   Thanks for the feedback.  I will try to locate the Mojo thread!    Chattie

Pharmmom

Chattie

I know.  I had to use it because I could not take the alternative.  I think this whole mess had just about destroyed my sex life and drive.  Its very depressing.  Its like its a job now.  Working on making sure I am lubricated enough yadda yadda yadda.  I remember the good old days when it was all just natural.  Makes me angry and depressed.

Barb

Katiejane

Barb,

My sex life wasn't very active before BC.  You can just imagine where we are now!  It hasn't been quite a year since DX for me and to be honest, sex is not even in my thought process at this time!  Luckily, I have an extremely understanding and patient husband.  There is no pressure and we address it as something that may or may not happen again.  BC has taken many things from me and I guess I'm just glad to be here and cancer free! 

Chattie

Member_of_the_Club

I was using estrace ( an estrogen cream) for a skin condition before bc. I was diagnosed with breast cancer about a year after going on it, and was told to immediately stop using it. I have since read that it actually releases quite a bit of estrogen into your system, and that the ring is safer. I know my experience is anecdotal and may not mean anything, but i will never use an estrogen cream again.

Anonymous

My onc told me to never use any estrogen cream.  He said that a gyn may tell me it's okay.  But he emphasized NO.  I was HIGHLY ER/PR+.  It has to ultimately be your decision.

Shirley

Katiejane

The Vagifem is not an estrogen cream.  It is a tablet inserted with an applicator 1x daily for 2 weeks then one every 3-4 days.  I will have blood work in 4 weeks to make sure none has gotten into my system.  I'm still on the fence about this one.  Maybe I should stop using it.  Chattie

Member_of_the_Club

Not sure this would be different from a cream, but maybe. Interesting about the bloodwork, I was never offered that option when I was on estrace, but then I hadn't yet been diagnosed with breast cancer. if the blood test can really tell if its getting into your system, that sounds like a good option.