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Estrogen cream recommended for prolapse, but ER+ Thoughts?

Posted by carolina8 @carolina8, Oct 12, 2023

Just came back from seeing my gynecologist about prolapse. She recommended using an estrogen crème. I have estrogen positive breast cancer. She said I should ask my oncologist about it since it’s a very small amount and because it’s a cream it works differently. Anyway I called oncologist and his nurse said it’s my decision but since I have estrogen positive cancer it could affect me. I felt she was most concerned that it was entirely my decision to take a risk. Has anyone used or thought about using estrogen crème to help prevent prolapse?

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carolina8 | @carolina8 | Oct 22, 2023
In reply to @triciaot "There is another hormonal therapy besides estrogen for vaginal atrophy - dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). My general practitioner..." + (show)
@triciaot

There is another hormonal therapy besides estrogen for vaginal atrophy - dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). My general practitioner said it might be an option I want to try instead of estradiol if I end up needing something.

Up until now, tamoxifen has actually provided an estrogenic response in my vaginal area and reversed the severe atrophy I had prior to taking it. My body just happens to be one that tamoxifen acts as an agonist in other parts of my body besides my breasts. I’m am 18 years post menopause, and I think that has a lot to do with it.

I did use a low dose topical estradiol before being diagnosed with DCIS. I found the cream that is inserted with an applicator into the vagina as too messy, and the tablet version inserted into the vagina did not provide the estrogen where I needed it most (to help the skin at the opening be stretchy enough, and thicken the skin a bit, and on the clitoris) Sorry for explaining so graphically, at least hope it’s helpful. The best solution was a very small amount of cream applied directly on the skin that needed it the most. It is a lot less than the amount inserted with an applicator- so surely less estrogen is being absorbed.

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Thank you for the information and for explaining it clearly. I was originally hesitant to ask questions about an area that i think we are sometimes uncomfortable talking about. Then I thought I can’t possibly be the only post menopausal women that this happened to. So many thanks for explaining what happened and suggestion from your doctor

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flowergal | @flowergal | Oct 22, 2023
In reply to @tapgirl "I was too afraid even to try the tiny amount of estrogen cream my doctor suggested,..." + (show)
@tapgirl

I was too afraid even to try the tiny amount of estrogen cream my doctor suggested, but I needed to prevent the inevitable UTIs . My urologist recommended taking Desert Harvest aloe vera capsules and applying a pea-sized amount Kirkland organic coconut oil ( it must be cooking compatible) to my vagina several times a day. His original recommendation for the aloe vera capsules was 6 perday, but I've since reduced it to 2 per day with no problems and I only need to apply the coconut oil once per day.

I've been doing this for several years. The burning is gone; I no longer even have occasional pink staining. And I don't have to worry about even tiny amounts of estrogen absorption.

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Where do you get the aloe vera capsules?

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tapgirl | @tapgirl | Oct 22, 2023

DesertHarvest.com
The capsules are somewhat pricey, but they offer discounts to women on Medicare and to first orders. Good luck!

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patclem | @patclem | Oct 26, 2023

The crème was never recommended to me. I opted for a pessary which helps a lot and no issues with it. Follow up is every 6 months unless I have any issues I need to be seen.

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mariecarder | @mariecarder | Oct 26, 2023
In reply to @carolina8 "It is a difficult journey. It never occurred to me that this would be an issue...." + (show)
@carolina8

It is a difficult journey. It never occurred to me that this would be an issue. I am using replens which is a moisturizer. Don’t know how much it can do but I don’t feel a burning sensation anymore so I guess that’s good. It’s all so crazy that we have to worry about so many things. Good luck and hugs to you

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Isn't that the truth! Who knew there would be so many lingering effects from all of this and ongoing! Hang in there!

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