Vaginal Estrogen

Thank you for the article. I’ve had DCIS in left breast 19 yrs ago & mastectomy on right 6 yrs ago. . Been very hesitant to do anything w/ estrogen, but suffer from vaginal dryness. I’m 72. I’m going to discuss with my drs. Thanks again.

@rylee2019
I was diagnosed and treated for estrogen positive breast cancer about 6 years ago. Initially my gynecologist said no to estrogen cream. But about a year ago she advised that guidelines had changed and it was OK to take in my situation. I am 69 and went into menopause at 40 after hysterectomy.

Of course, talk to your provider about pros and cons.

If you do get a prescription and your insurance coverage does not cover, check out GoodRx or similar drug programs to help with cost. I use a GoodRx coupon.

My stats are very similar . DCIS in left breast estrogen positive last year at 72. I had double mastectomy . My PCP said there is hope and recommended seeking advice from a local menopause doc who isn’t covered by insurance but it maybe worth the cost. I’m not ready to give up intercourse if there is another solution. Thanks for your post.

@roch , Laurie, I am definitely going to discuss w: my oncologist & thank you for the information. If I may, what brand of estrogen cream were you prescribed? Is there a percentage of estrogen or compound? I don’t know anything about this, but k is o need something to help. TIA

Hi Sequoia. I have not started on vaginal estrogen yet - just researching as much as I can, but prior to my breast cancer diagnosis last year, I was on Estrace cream as well as a generic estrogen patch. From my research, and there's actually a number of videos and articles, it's definitely worth looking into. It's not for every breast cancer patient, but talk to your PCP and read as much as you can online before talking to her/him.

Dx with DCIS (I)at age 73. Have been using estradiol for several years before dx and continued using afterwards per my DFCC oncologist. It has helped relieve some of the above symptoms.

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 a coconut oil each morning and take just 1 aloe vera capsule daily. I have no vaginal discomfort and haven’t even had a hint of a pink stain since that time. UTIs are a thing of the past.
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I don’t know what role the aloe vera capsules play in vaginal dryness. They are pricey, for sure. My internist is skeptical, saying there is no proof of their value. Even though I’m taking a reduced amount than was originally recommended, I’ve been reluctant to eliminate them completely because I’m so happy with the results. Certainly coconut oil is the major player.

@sequoia
I just picked up new prescription, Estradiol 0.1mg Cream, Unscented. There are different size tubes, I got 1.5 oz. with ability to refill 5 times this for 1 year. Suppose to use twice a week.

I think mine is a generic brand - Hamptom Laine, so you may get different brand based on pharmacy.

Definitely have a frank and honest discussion with oncologist.

@rylee2019
It is shame that the menopause provider is not covered by your insurance. Is there a gynecologist that you can see that is covered by insurance. By gynecologist is well informed on treating patient with menopause symptoms.

Have you been using for a bit of time? My issue is vaginal dryness. Does it/ will it help with that issue? Thank you @roch