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Estradiol for vaginal atrophy after breast cancer. Is it safe?
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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Thank you so much for the information! I will look into it further.
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2 Reactionstres77 @tres77
Thank you for post, I could of written, same situation. I have tried various over the counter products without success. I have gyn appt coming up and definitely going to ask about Estradiol vaginal cream.
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2 ReactionsPlease let me know what she says.thanks
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1 ReactionThank you for that info! That does make me feel better. Did you start off with more at first? My gyno wants me to start with once a day for a week. Then go down to once a week. You saying once every two weeks sounds good.
I tend to try the lowest dose first, and if necessary, then work my way up from there. That practice has served me well. I do that with all meds.
I started with 1/2 gram every 2 weeks, and that has worked fine for me.
My atrophy was SEVERE. Constant pelvic pain.
The other treatment worth looking into is the “ Mona Lisa”. ( mild intravaginal laser treatment)
My oncologist recommended it and I had it done, 7 years ago.
Results lasted for about 3-4 years. 🤷♀️ but everyone is different .
All the best 🙏🏻
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3 ReactionsYes I also like to try lowest dose with all things. My gyno also suggested the Mona Lisa. I am thinking of trying that also. Do you take the Estradiol at the same time you did the Mona Lisa or after the 4or 4 years were up? How many Mona Lisa treatments did you have? Thank you for your information.
I was afraid to use any estrogen-based products following my lumpectomy. My urologist recommended applying a pea-sized amount of Kirkland Organic Virgin Coconut Oil to my vagina several times a day as well as taking 6 Desert Harvest Aloe Vera capsules daily . That was several years ago. Since then I have modified both: I apply coconut oil each morning and take just 2 aloe vera capsules daily. I have no vaginal discomfort and haven’t even had a hint of a pink stain since that time. These products are game-changers
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3 ReactionsI started out trying coconut oil but Altho it felt better it did not help me with the atrophy on the inside. I was still not able to have intimacy without pain and bleeding. That is why the Estradiol was brought up to me by my gyno along with the Mona Lisa. I know everyone is different tho. So glad it’s working for you.
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3 ReactionsAltho I have not tried the aloe vera capsules. I will look into that. Thanks again!
Hey there!
The Mona Lisa treatment was done in 2 sessions. I did not need the Estradiol after the Mona Lisa treatment. For those 3 + years I was fine. The initial effects gradually wear off.
Something new…. Look into ““Tamoxifen Vaginal Suppositories”. Google it.
Manufactured by Dare-VVA1
( Daré Bioscience). It is a soft gelatin capsule containing tamoxifen to treat vulvovaginal atrophy without hormones. I have not been able to find a pharmacy that carries it. I don’t think it’s out on the market yet.
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