vaginal physical therapy and estrogen

momand2kids

Hi

wondering if anyone has done this?  My gyn says I will need to as my lower regions are "shrinking" as a result of chemo, AI's etc.  She recommended a therapist who she says is great--- would love to hear if anyone else has done this work?

I am also thinking about asking my onc to allow some sort of estrogen to be reintroduced--it seems that maybe vagifem is the lowest dose kind?  Any thoughts about that?  I am off the AI and was ER +... but the dryness and the shrinkage really make intercourse almost impossible.  Have been working with coconut oil, olive oil and bought some of the items I saw in another thread.... but still need help!!!

ladyboss1997

I use Replens. I use it 3 times a week, and lots of lubricant during sex. It has worked wonders.

momand2kids

Thanks Lady-I use it too- almost every day---- probably need to "practice" more.....

rgiuff

My oncologist was 100% in favor of the idea of using vaginal estrogen.  My GYN prescribed a compounded mix if estriol, estradiol,  and testosterone.  He explained that this combo is the closest to what was being produced naturally in that area prior to menopause. Bad thing about it is that it's only partially covered by insurance (costs me about $25 for a 3 month supply)  I do find that it works well and seems to help sensation too, without any side effects. I  had previously tried the estrace cream, which was almost completely covered by insurance,  but was also messier and gave me gas pains.

 . That o

Keryl

I use Estring ring; my onco and gyno said it's localized and not to worry. It works well but take some time to kick in (Like weeks) It is covered by insurance but pricey and not generic, so you still pay a chunk. I use replens also, which has no hormone properties but makes things feel better. I will ask my onco on 9/9 about some of your suggestions to ensure I am on the lowest possible. Anyone know anything about Estring? 

glennie19

momand2kids:

I haven't had that type of PT, but the PT I go to for a different problem actually specializes in the nether regions.  Urinary and vaginal problems. I would give the PT a try. A lot of muscles down there!

brady

Anyone with "vaginal atrophy" caused by Femara (for estrogen positive breast cancer) tried using Osphena??

glennie19

Don't know anyone who has used Osphena, but this is what Clinical Pharmacology has to say:

Ospemifene has not been adequately studied in women with breast cancer; therefore, it should not be used in women with known or suspected breast cancer or with a history of breast cancer. Unopposed estrogen therapy increases the risk of endometrial cancer in women with a uterus.

bevin

I use vaginal estrogen suppositories approved by my Oncologist and GYN who stated the estrogen is limited and localized. They were both comfortable with the low levels in this prescription. For the first two weeks you use it 5 days a week, then after twice a week. It is expensive, insurance covers, but its a high co-pay.

gale1525

I have used Vagifem for  3 years I am not sure how much it has helped. I did go to a P.T. for urine control and it helped  a lot. I would highly recommend it.