Vagifem/Estring for high risk people?

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momoschki
momoschki Member Posts: 682
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

Wondering whether others can weigh in on this question.  My gyno suggested Estring for dryness, discomfort during sex, etc.  I was Dx'ed with ADH 2/11, so high risk for BC. I will be 55 in a month and haven't had a period for 7 months.  Not taking any meds like Tamoxifen or Evista.  My gyno adamantly claims that the amount of estrogen  that is absorbed systemically is miniscule and that using this will not increase my risk.

 Then I consulted with my MO, who concurred with the gyno and said that another alternative was Vagifem, which delivers an even lower dosage  than the Estring.  He felt strongly that one of these was a good idea in terms of preventing future atrophy and bladder prolapse.

Despite these reassurances, I am still uneasy about adding additional estrogen to my system when I thought the whole objective was to lower it as much as possible.

Anyone else?  How did you solve this dilemma? 

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  • JayeGA
    JayeGA Member Posts: 82
    edited June 2012

    Great question. Sending you a PM.

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  • 1openheart
    1openheart Member Posts: 765
    edited June 2012

    My MO and gyn. are both supportive of me using vagefem.  After the first couple of weeks of use, very, very little is absorbed into the blood steam.  During the first week or two when your tissues are thin and fragile, more is absorbed.  But after the tissues plump up some, nearly all of the estrogen stays local....according to my docs.  I am about 83% Estrogen positive and 53 % Progesterone positive.

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  • Delilahbear
    Delilahbear Member Posts: 466
    edited June 2012

    My BS prescribes Vagifem for me. They discontinued the higher dose and now only have a lower dosage available.

    It does make a difference. I had prophylactic BMX for ADH and very profuse papillomatosis and BS discontinued my HRT 7 years ago when I first had to have BX for lump that was ADH. Since then I have used Vagifem.

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  • momoschki
    momoschki Member Posts: 682
    edited June 2012

    Thanks for everyone's responses.  Just to follow up:  I now have a consensus among my gyno, MO, and a naturopath with whom I occasionally consult.  All 3 agree that the amount of estrogen absorbed systemically is insignificant and the MO and ND think the best option is the Vagifem, used 2X week.  Both the MO and ND also think this is good prevention against potential atrophy and prolapse.  So why do I still feel so wary about going ahead?  As I understand it, the issue is not merely increasing lubrication, but also help in plumping up tissues and improving elasticity (which olive oil will not do, not other OTC lubricants.)

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