Estrace Cream, Vit E, Estriol cream, what is safe?

lemon68
lemon68 Member Posts: 684
edited June 2014 in ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)

Hi

Surely I am not the only one struggling with issues after a total hysterectomy. Vaginal dryness, tenderness, the list goes on and on. Just one more 'joy' of BC..

My OBGYN suggested Estrace cream but told me to talk to my oncologist. I did this week and he said it was fine to use, that it didn't pass into the blood. Well Google says it does.. I also read that some women use Vitamin E suppositories made with coconut oil, he said not to use them. I also bought Smoky Mountain all natural paraben free Estroil cream, he thought that a pea size amount on the wrist a few times a week was fine but didn't feel that it really was something that would work.

I am now unsure what to do. Any advice, anything you have tried you feel is safe?

Thanks in advance.

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  • Lucybell
    Lucybell Member Posts: 20
    edited April 2014

    I also had a hysterectomy and I am 4 year BC survivor. I totally understand what you are experiencing.

    I have consulted my Onco, my surgeon, my gyno and a womens health expert and they all told me to stay away from the estrogen based products for the first 5 years. I have tried a few nonhormonal moisturizers like Vagisil Feminine Moisturizer and a product called "Me Again". Almond Oil works great too.The Almond Oil is the only totally natural product I have found. I would recommend these 3 products and they were approved my drs.

    Good luck

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  • lemon68
    lemon68 Member Posts: 684
    edited April 2014

    thanks so much Lucybell, I am going to look into them. I appreciate your post.

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  • Hipline
    Hipline Member Posts: 195
    edited April 2014

    I asked my gynecologist the same thing just yesterday.  She recommended Replens and mentioned that some of her patients take a vaginal suppository but she couldn't remember the name and I have googled and not been able to find out what it is.  Any ideas?  Thanks. 

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  • BayouBabe
    BayouBabe Member Posts: 2,221
    edited April 2014

    On Amazon - Carlson Key-E suppositories - you can cut the tablets in half or thirds. Check for the "I want my mojo back" thread here for more things to try.  

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  • gemini4
    gemini4 Member Posts: 532
    edited April 2014

    hi Lemon!  Why no coconut oil?  It's quite nice. :-)  Better than any commercial lube we've used.  Only downside is it's messy, but they don't call it "the dirty deed" for nothing! If it's yet another estrogenic substance, then I give up. If there's so much estrogen out there, why aren't humans a kinder, gentler species?  ;-)   (I've read quite a bit about coconut oil and haven't seen anything that suggests it's estrogenic ... So don't want to cause any panic.)

    I'm thinking (hoping) your doc said no to coconut oil because he/she doesn't know anything about it, and saying no is the safest answer, even if it's wrong.  Years ago, I read in "Our Bodies Our Selves" a quote 'never put anything in your vagina that you wouldn't put in your mouth.'  I'd much prefer coconut oil over silicone!

    Edited to add -- I use organic virgin coconut oil. It's solid and in a jar.  The jar is only for this use.  ;-)  you scoop out a tsp or so size hunk of it, insert and it melts with body temp. 

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  • lemon68
    lemon68 Member Posts: 684
    edited April 2014

    Hi Gemini! He only said no to the coconut oil because he hadn't heard of it, he even made a face.. lol  I like your thinking Gemini, are you sure we are not long lost sisters? Way too much in common!

    Bayou Babe I did buy the ones you are talking about on Amazon but haven't opened them.

    The Estrace cream was pricey, over $200 a tube, I only paid $35 but still, if you don't have good insurance don't get it. I tried it, did it before  went to bed, in the morning it all came out! A bit pricey to have it fall back down. Don't want to be too graphic but shouldn't it absorb into the tissue up there?

    Hipline- My onco did ask me if I wanted to try Replens, I said no because I heard from many they didn't like it. The suppositories that I bought are the ones mentioned by Bayou Babe. They are inexpensive and have good reviews on Amazon.

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  • corky60
    corky60 Member Posts: 726
    edited April 2014

    Aura Cacia Nourishing Cocoa Butter Organic -- 4 fl oz. works well too.

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  • momand2kids
    momand2kids Member Posts: 1,508
    edited April 2014

    An issue near and dear to my heart.   No one was willing to sign on to estrogen products for me... so I had to  work on my own---I do use replens---buy it from amazon--I get a regular delivery each month because I found it was never available at the 3 local CVS stores (tells you how many people need this assistance).. I actually use replens on a very regular basis--just to keep things lubricated.  I also use natural coconut in the jar--- it is indeed messy, but I like that it is natural.  I still suffer from some dryness even with all that, but I find if I am very regular with it, things get better and better.... I will say that intercourse can still sometimes be painful and that has been an ongoing concern.  I am hopeful, when I go of femara in June that perhaps things may get a little better naturally..... 

    I think I will also try some of your suggestions--- early on, I went to the sexual health clinic at Dana Farber and they told me that women with breast cancer tended to be very motivated in solving these issues becuase, unlike menopause, these come on so fast for us..... I have to agree- I have tried many things over the past 5 years--and I will be researching estrogen possibilities for me at my next onc visit in May...... 

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