Vaginal burning

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hope70
hope70 Member Posts: 47
edited December 2017 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

I have been on Tamoxifen for 1.5 years and was switched to ovarian suppression plus aromotase inhibitor (Exemestane) later. It has been over 2 years since I am taking Exemestane ( generic Aromasin). Over a year ago I had a surgery to remove my ovaries. I had mild joint pain, recently DEXA scan showed osteopenia and just a few weeks ago I started feeling vaginal burning ( over 2 years after being menopausal) . My OBGYN confirmed that I have vaginal atrophy(dryness) now. He gave me Metrogel vaginal cream , since he noticed some bacterial overgrowth. During Metrogel use and a few days after , the burning disappeared and I was relieved and happy. Now the burning is back! It is so uncomfortable, annoying, unpleasant and making me very sad. OBGYN suggested vaginal estrogen, but I am so afraid to use it ( ER+, PR+). Bought Replens to try. I did not have any issues with sex. No painful intercourse. But the stinging and burning is present day and night now. Please help! Dis anyone had same side effect? . What did you do? I need to continue Exemestane for 2.5 more years. I need to find a solution to this. I am also puzzled how did I developed this now, but not a year or two years ago... Please advise if you know how to deal with this. Thanks.

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  • bc101
    bc101 Member Posts: 1,108
    edited December 2017

    I too, started to experience severe itching and burning about my 3rd year on Exemestane and was diagnosed with atrophy and vulvodynia. I'm sure it doesn't help that I haven't been sexually active. I tried Replens, various moisturizing creams and balms, but nothing worked. I was so miserable! My OBGYN prescribed DHEA suppositories, which is also known as Intrarosa. My lady parts feel better already and I haven't finished the full course. The drug was just newly approved by the FDA and my oncologist gave the go ahead, but you should know it hasn't been studied in women with cancer. I was told that it doesn't release estrogen systemically throughout the body, but still .... it's kind of scary because like you I am ER+. Check out the "I want my mojo back" thread - there are women there who are taking various forms of estrogen creams. Some women are able to get by with just using coconut oil. As always, talk to your team and see what they can do for you. There seem to be a lot of great options nowadays.

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  • GKL
    GKL Member Posts: 15
    edited April 2018

    I had issues with dry vagina and had some issues with a rash. I had used replens but had not continued and that's when the issues came up. AI's cause dry vagina and vaginal atrophy. I went to an OB/GYN because my PCP was of the opinion that because I'm over 70 I don't need GYN care.( That was before the BC diagnosis, but he seemed relieved to not deal with it) . I went back on the replens and also picked up some organic coconut oil which I use in between the replens and also apply to the " outer area " after my daily shower. I have found it really helps.


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  • Almosthere
    Almosthere Member Posts: 197
    edited December 2017

    Please do not suffer! Use Rypagyn (ask you pharmacist for it as it’s behind the counter) for a few days and then twice a week you will feel great. It will heal those tissues and you will be good as new

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  • Almosthere
    Almosthere Member Posts: 197
    edited December 2017

    Replens was not strong enough for me. Gynatrof and Rypagyn have hydroponic acidic which actually moisterises and heals those tissues


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