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

@mariam58, I moved your question about estradiol vaginal inserts while on an aromatase inhibitor (Letrozole) to this active discussion so you can connect with others.
- Estradiol for vaginal atrophy after breast cancer. Is it safe? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/estradiol-for-vaginal-atrophy-after-breast-cancer-is-it-safe/

Weighing the pros and cons, understanding risk vs quality of life make decisions hard. Reading how other women have informed themselves, the criteria they used to decide can be helpful. I hope that this discussion will give you more information to have a well-informed discussion with your oncologist.

I get the one where there are individual applicators for each use. So 6 in a box. You could actually squeeze just a little bit out of the applicator and spread it around the thip and further to make it slide right in. I tell the oncologist that the worst of anastrazole is the vajayjay - swollen, inflamed, sore, painful. But this Replens has worked great for me over the last two years! Hope you can make it work for you.

I’ve used estradial in the past, cream and oral. And then I got cancer. Yes, i’ve read the new thought on it but for me. I’m not going back to it. And my medical oncologist agrees . I’m still looking for a substitute. It’s a very personal decision. I figure i want to avoid anything might trigger a recurrence.

@marshgirl24 same experience for me. I had infiltrating lobular breast cancer in 2011. Had double mastectomies, lat flap reconstruction, eventual implants. Had 6 treatments iv chemo then tamoxifen until hysterectomy. Then on to letrozole for 8 years. Used estradiol suppositories for 1-1 1/2 years and had a recurrence of same exact cell type in original location …. Except since there was no breast tissue, it was in skin and chest wall. Following this conversation to see how many others had recurrence with estradiol use. And also, to learn if there is something to try that is 100% safe. Best wishes to you!!🤗

@lorrainepink please do ask your medical team and pharmacist for something 100% safe. That would be the best source for you to find something backed by good science. So sorry you had all those issues. Best to you.

@lorrainepink please do ask your medical team and pharmacist for something 100% safe. That would be the best source for you to find something backed by good science. So sorry you had all those issues. Best to you.

@lynnn Thank you. I had consulted with my gym oncologist and regular oncologist before trying estradiol. Both said would be fine. Both were very upset when I had a true recurrence. Of course, they told me to never use it again. Which is sad because it was very beneficial.