1. < Breast Cancer

Estradiol For vaginal atrophy after breast cancer. Is it safe?

Posted by tres77 @tres77, Mar 10 8:51pm

I have developed severe atrophy 25 years after estrogen receptive breast cancer. Did chemo, radiation and 5 years of Tamoxifen. I was always told NO estrogen. I am experiencing extreme pain and bleeding so sexual intimacy is impossible. I also have been diagnosed with Lichen sclerosus. I am 65 years old. My gyno has prescribed Estradiol vaginal cream 0.01%. I am told the new view and trials say is it is safe for breast cancer survivors. Anyone been down this route or had their gynecologist say this? I really want to try this for quality of life with my husband but I am also very scared.

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tres77 | @tres77 | Jun 13 6:22pm
In reply to @roch "@tres77 I saw my gyn provider Friday (at Mayo) and she was eager to talk about..." + (show)
@roch

@tres77
I saw my gyn provider Friday (at Mayo) and she was eager to talk about this subject.

Here is JAMA article about study:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2811413
She wrote a prescription and I will be starting. Also mentioned Mona Lisa treatment. I said will try Estrogen Therapy first. Mona Lisa is not covered my insurance.

Tress77, I scan the comments and can not tell if tried the Estradiol, if so did it help?

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Yes I finally started it. I am using only a pea size amount every two weeks because I am so leery. Just that much has helped tho. After coming back and reading all the comments I will start once a week. I am hopeful. I’ll let you know after a month if every week if I see a big difference.

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sequoia | @sequoia | Jun 13 6:30pm
In reply to @kstar077 "I had the Mona Lisa for vaginally dryness. It only lasted a month or two. I..." + (show)
@kstar077

I had the Mona Lisa for vaginally dryness. It only lasted a month or two. I use replens now and it works well. It is clear and it does not come out as white on underwear. It has no hormones in it and since I had endometrial cancer. Had hysterectomy almost two years ago. I do not expect a return. Also I had ILC in left breast and am greatful that that it was small and did not have to have radiation nor hormonal block medication. I am happy the replenz works and has no hormones in it.

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I’ve tried Replens. I got a start of a UTI and thought that was the culprit. 🤷‍♀️. How often do you apply?

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sequoia | @sequoia | Jun 13 6:46pm

@roch. Did your gyno prescribe estradiol cream. How is it working. I’m like all these ladies - tried So Many OTC things and nothing works well. Thanks

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1 reply
kstar077 | @kstar077 | Jun 13 7:18pm
In reply to @chaya242424 "Reopens doesn't rebuild anything. Doesn't really help the edge of the uterus. Also, one has to..." + (show)
@chaya242424

Reopens doesn't rebuild anything. Doesn't really help the edge of the uterus. Also, one has to watch the type of condom used if applicable.

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Ok the alpha hydroxide one probably better but expensive and you have to join the club...

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1 reply
kstar077 | @kstar077 | Jun 13 7:57pm
In reply to @kstar077 "Ok the alpha hydroxide one probably better but expensive and you have to join the club..." + (show)
@kstar077

Ok the alpha hydroxide one probably better but expensive and you have to join the club...

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I gues you have to try the alpha hydroxyzine one
Let me know

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kstar077 | @kstar077 | Jun 14 8:27am
In reply to @chaya242424 "Reopens doesn't rebuild anything. Doesn't really help the edge of the uterus. Also, one has to..." + (show)
@chaya242424

Reopens doesn't rebuild anything. Doesn't really help the edge of the uterus. Also, one has to watch the type of condom used if applicable.

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What about revaree? I have bot tried yet but my doctor recommends. I use replens and it seems to work. Revaree is more expensive and has alphahydroxy in it. Anyone try it to see if it works?

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1 reply
tres77 | @tres77 | Jun 14 8:29am
In reply to @kstar077 "What about revaree? I have bot tried yet but my doctor recommends. I use replens and..." + (show)
@kstar077

What about revaree? I have bot tried yet but my doctor recommends. I use replens and it seems to work. Revaree is more expensive and has alphahydroxy in it. Anyone try it to see if it works?

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I tried it for a few months and it did not work for me. Unfortunately.

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Mentor
Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Jun 16 10:37am
In reply to @sequoia "@roch. Did your gyno prescribe estradiol cream. How is it working. I’m like all these ladies..." + (show)
@sequoia

@roch. Did your gyno prescribe estradiol cream. How is it working. I’m like all these ladies - tried So Many OTC things and nothing works well. Thanks

Jump to this post

@sequoia
I went on vacation right after picking up prescription and decided to wait till got back home to try. Now I need to start using as part of my routine, I think right before I go to bed. I will let you know how goes.

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Sue Ellen Murrey | @semurrey | Jun 20 8:45am

I use Replens every other day (moisturizer insert) but honestly not great and not cheap. Both my onco and GI doc approved the estrogen cream. I am to get it started using every day for 5 consecutive days (pea size - rub around and at opening) and then twice a week going forward. I'll report back - I' m 58yrs old, letrozole for a year.

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