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

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@dick61

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.

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

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@leesal123

@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!!

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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.

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@meme5

I have been using Clobetasol Propionate Cream .05% for 7 years now for outer vaginal atrophy. I also used a low dose estrogen cream for a while but no longer take because even it has some estrogen which my cancer feeds on.
The co pay is only a couple of dollars for the clobetasol and a little goes a long way. You need a prescription from your Dr. I get mine from my primary.
I tried many over the counter creams and nothing worked as well as clobetasol cream.
I developed vaginal atrophy shortly after starting letrozole.
Can’t function without it. Vaginal atrophy is so painful.

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@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!!

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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."

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@leesal123

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

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

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@healinhand

Coconut oil, Replense on occasion

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

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Coconut oil, Replense on occasion

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@leesal123 You are so right. When have we ever seen a commercial for vaginal dryness due to atrophy and a product that would helpful! I could say more about what the smiling man would be thinking in the background but I will desist.

I have a little basket with different types and kinds of moisturizers and lubricants. It's my little buffet and I select one for the occasion. 😏. Kind and gentle energy coming your way.

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@naturegirl5

@leesal123 I’m glad the discussion was helpful to you. I ordered a subscription for the Hyalo suppositories and received a break in cost and regular deliveries. I use them 2 to 3 times a week. They are so easy to use. I put some Good Clean Love lubricant on them to make them easier to insert. It’s all trial and error and sharing with one another, right?

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@naturegirl5 I think it's the trial and error part that bugs me! It just seems like there should be a simpler solution and this is also something that should be talked about more. I think of those commercials for ED and I wonder if the woman smiling in the background is actually thinking in her head about her vagina atrophying or the dryness. 😀 Positive thoughts your way!

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