Vaginal Dryness Solutions

Posted by leesal123 @leesal123, Nov 25, 2022

Good Evening! Question for all, I was taking anastrozole for ADH diagnosis but had to stop because of side effects. I am left with extreme vaginal dryness and atrophy thanks to the med and menopause. What do people use to help? My doctor( GYN and breast surgeon in agreement) has prescribed a low dose vag estrogen cream( pea size 3 x a week), but I need something topical too for the in between days. I am overwhelmed by the choices on the market and the whole trial-and-error process. Also trying to find one that is paraben free and properly pH balanced. I wish there was a vitamin one could take to solve the discomfort! ugh. 🙂 Please know I am not looking for medical advice, just trying to find out what is out there and what has worked for some. I just stare at the aisle in the store and online pulls up so many options. I have been very frustrated. I figure women need to talk about this kind of stuff to get help.

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healinhand | @healinhand | Dec 22, 2022

Coconut oil, Replense on occasion

leesal123 | @leesal123 | Dec 23, 2022

In reply to @healinhand "Coconut oil, Replense on occasion" + (show)

@healinhand do/can you use both of these externally, internally, or both? I need something during the day that helps externally. Thanks!

healinhand | @healinhand | Dec 23, 2022

In reply to @leesal123 "@healinhand do/can you use both of these externally, internally, or both? I need something during the..." + (show)

Replense in the vagina. Coconut oil in, and on.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 23, 2022

This article offers some good information, the research, and cautions about:
- Can You Use Coconut Oil to Help Ease Vaginal Dryness? https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/coconut-oil-for-vaginal-dryness

Excerpt
"Researchers concluded that virgin coconut oil is a good treatment for dryness and related skin conditions due to its:
- function as a barrier
- moisturizing and antibacterial properties
- wide availability and safety
That said, there isn’t clinical data to support the use and safety of coconut oil in and around your vagina.

In general, it’s considered safe to apply coconut oil to external skin. Anecdotal accounts suggest that internal use may be beneficial, but you should discuss this with your doctor before use."

leesal123 | @leesal123 | Jan 2, 2023

In reply to @meme5 "I have been using Clobetasol Propionate Cream .05% for 7 years now for outer vaginal atrophy...." + (show)

@meme5 I did not realize a steroid could be prescribed for atrophy, for some reason I thought it was for lichen sclerosis. I will ask my dr about this as an option to help. It is so frustrating!!

dick61 | @dick61 | Jan 3, 2023

In reply to @leesal123 "@meme5 I did not realize a steroid could be prescribed for atrophy, for some reason I..." + (show)

My wife has Sjogren's disease and several other autoimmune problems and has used Premarin cream for years. She thinks it's the best for preventing vaginal dryness.

eku | @eku | Jan 4, 2023

In reply to @dick61 "My wife has Sjogren's disease and several other autoimmune problems and has used Premarin cream for..." + (show)

This one seems to contain estrogens and hence might be unsafe to use for those with estrogen positive (ER+) cancer.

dick61 | @dick61 | Jan 4, 2023

Almost no hormone is absorbed into the blood stream. That's why it's safe.

tc1 | @tc1 | Jan 5, 2023

I have used Replense, this seems to work for me. I have also used Vagisil. Both are Paraben free.

frogjumper | @frogjumper | Jan 5, 2023

There are wonderful Vitamin E suppositories I believe made by Carlson or Karlson? Not hugely expensive but you can put one in at night and wear a pad and wake up to a very moist area:)
Also there is a sexual lubricant called ID silicone that you can use on the outside and I promise you it will keep things moist all day, becareful though because it can stain panties. Not sure how comfortable you are about using silicone though but its good stuff!!! The Vitamin E suppositories also work well as sex lubricant.
I was on Vagifem 10mcg for over 10 years but since my breast cancer diagnosis i have stopped taking the vagifem. Will speak with my Dr. because I do miss using it!!!