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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@tc1

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

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My Dr. recommended Replens, and coconut oil for the outside skin.

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@frogjumper

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!!!

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I tried the Carlson Vitamin E suppositories. I had a reaction to whatever else is in them unfortunately. ugh

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@kathyomaha55

My Dr. recommended Replens, and coconut oil for the outside skin.

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This works very well.

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I have been using products by a company-AH! YES. Their organic Vaginal Moisturizer is a water based natural silky gel that replenishes moisture and lubricates vaginal tissues. They also have water based organic personal lubricant. Their products are described as being free of parabens, glycerine, hormones, and gluten. I use the VM every 2-3 days. I have been pleased with the results. I had a mastectomy in 2017. have been on Letrozole for 5 years and am 75. My daughter told me about the products and she has a gluten sensitivity. Check it out. The web site is. ahyes.org

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I can’t seem to locate the thread where a personal lubricant was part silicone and part something else…they named it….if anyone recalls, could you remind me? Thanks.

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When I went through menopause I had vaginal dryness. I tried everything I could get my hands on. I tried a product called Yes !
I even used their vaginal soap , it helps.
It's messy, but they all are. I have just started this IDC journey so I will be ordering more
Yes just in case. I'm sorry your dealing with this. It is painful uncomfortable situation. I will say no matter what you try it will take time. Adding a link for you.
https://www.ahyes.org/pages/our-ingredients
Hope this helps and Blessings
situation

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Thanks for the referral! I haven’t actually noticed vaginal dryness, however from everything I read online, I’m told to use lubricant for sex. It’s like mandatory. I haven’t before, but all these warnings make me nervous. Everything seems to say it will be painful. Hmmm…

This may sound crazy, but how would I know if I have vaginal dryness? Do you have sex to see? It seems normal to me. I do use estradiol twice a week, but even before doing that, it seemed ok. Just wondering.

I am anticipating I will have sex soon for the first time in a long time and I’m nervous. You know what I mean?

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@celia16

Thanks for the referral! I haven’t actually noticed vaginal dryness, however from everything I read online, I’m told to use lubricant for sex. It’s like mandatory. I haven’t before, but all these warnings make me nervous. Everything seems to say it will be painful. Hmmm…

This may sound crazy, but how would I know if I have vaginal dryness? Do you have sex to see? It seems normal to me. I do use estradiol twice a week, but even before doing that, it seemed ok. Just wondering.

I am anticipating I will have sex soon for the first time in a long time and I’m nervous. You know what I mean?

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First of all if you have vaginal dryness you will know it ! Constand burning and irritation. I would definitely use some sort of lubricant. Stay away from purfumes and paraffin . If it were me and you don't have the dryness now, I would buy the lube without chemicals. I know your nervous, just be prepared

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Isdin has an non hormonal vaginal moisturizer called Woman ISDIN (R) Vaginal Moisturizer. You apply one monodose 3 times a week, preferably on alternating days.

Premarin Vaginal Cream is conjugated estrogens and helps make the vaginal tissue more elastic. Check with your doctor if it's an option for you.

Outside of the US, you can ask your doctor if tibolone (here sold under the brand Livial) is an option in your case.

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Thanks ya’ll. I’ll check them out. I looked at some options at the pharmacy today and omg! That stuff is pricey! I wish there were more options in small containers or individual size packets.

And, no, I don’t have any burning or stinging. I haven’t had a yeast in at least 5 years. But, I want to make sure I don’t damage anything. Hoping for the best.

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