Topical Estrogen

I am writing in response to a discussion I read concerning topical treatments for fragile, dry vaginal tissue.  I am post breast cancer and post menopause (age 59).  My oncologist and my GP doc both have told me that using PREMARIN cream is okay and safe for me to use.  I find I need it almost daily on my outer area of the vaginal opening.  Sometimes it hurts just to use toilet paper.  I must say, however, that it just worries me to use a cream with chemical estrogen since my tumor was estrogen positive.  Do any of you out there have an opinion?  (I go see my doc, who feels that I am safe, in a couple of weeks and want some info to carry in).  I will try the flax seed oil recommended by Tre.  However, I do question adding in vaseline.  When I have used Vaseline to get some relief, I have ended up with a bladder infection.  I know a lot of women have this problem--and it is SO frustrating.  Yes, it can be painful to sit and walk, and it has been at times excrutiating to have intimacy w. my husband.  I don't want to give up the "intimate" side of my life.

I share your concerns. I am still in chemo until June and I am using "Replens" a non-estrogen vaginal cream, but my chemo is giving me so much skin sensitivity that just the leaking out has given me a rash, so I have had to stop that also. You could have your doctor run a blood estrogen level to see if even a small amount of estrogent cream is making a difference. Unlikely. Have they told you about "estring"? It is a ring that you insert into the vagina and gives very low dose estrogen. It stays in place for 3 months. You should not be able to feel it, nor should he. Goggle it! Also you may try GENTLE vibration to increase the blood supply to that area. Good Luck, Blessings, Bonnie

Hi Kittycath,

If the vaseline bothers you, you can mix the flax oil with something like Replens, or even KY jelly.  Just make sure to start with a brand new container that hasn't been contaminated by handling, and protect the opening of the container thereafter from sources of bacteria. Always wash your hands before mixing, and then again before applying.  And close the mixture up tightly after using.  

I also wonder if your skin environment is too acidic - this can cause extreme brittleness of those delicate tissues, as well as bladder/urethral pain and a bladder that is VERY prone to infection.

White mulberry is an excellent remedy to alkalinize the urinary and reproductive tracts.  This herb has been used by practitioners of traditional chinese medicine for hundreds of years - it is very safe and very effective. Some health food stores sell mulberry tea - but you have to make sure it is white mulberry, as the other varieties do not offer the same benefit.  I get my white mulberry in supplement form: http://www.swansonvitamins.com/SW1060/ItemDetail?n=429496719

I take 500 mg twice a day - within just 4 or 5 days after I started taking it, my bladder and vulvar symptoms subsided tremendously. 

Also important to stay well hydrated.

Take care,

Tre

 

On 2/20/2009 Kittycath wrote:

I am writing in response to a discussion I read concerning topical treatments for fragile, dry vaginal tissue.  I am post breast cancer and post menopause (age 59).  My oncologist and my GP doc both have told me that using PREMARIN cream is okay and safe for me to use.  I find I need it almost daily on my outer area of the vaginal opening.  Sometimes it hurts just to use toilet paper.  I must say, however, that it just worries me to use a cream with chemical estrogen since my tumor was estrogen positive.  Do any of you out there have an opinion?  (I go see my doc, who feels that I am safe, in a couple of weeks and want some info to carry in).  I will try the flax seed oil recommended by Tre.  However, I do question adding in vaseline.  When I have used Vaseline to get some relief, I have ended up with a bladder infection.  I know a lot of women have this problem--and it is SO frustrating.  Yes, it can be painful to sit and walk, and it has been at times excrutiating to have intimacy w. my husband.  I don't want to give up the "intimate" side of my life.

Kitty:

I am glad that this subject is finally being addressed here, and among other women who are having similar concerns and problems.  Not glad to hear though that we are all having the same breast cancer fight with this problem.  This is something that we as menopausal women dont seem to hear enough about and it can alter our lives so much.  I have thought about asking my gyn about this cream or the ester-ring thing, but was affraid that I would hear the deal about the estrogen content and that they suggest cancer victims  not take this type of hormone therapy.  I am not hormone positive with my br. cancer I am her2post. and I have always wondered if that should make a differance in being offered this type of medical and much needed relief.  Besides the fact that I am stage lV and so whats the point in worrying about extra hormones now?  I should try to just achieve quality of life now, right?  I too, have tried the over the counter inserts and lotions, but they are such a drag on a persons love life..  and I also experience some sensitivity and irritation while using these differant things.  So I am giving it serious consideration to visit my gyn and see what might be available.  I am tired of suffering in silence.. like I said this seems to be a problem all of us women have who have gone through menopause..although missing the monthly periods has not been an issue for me, it is the best time in my life as far as that goes..I dont miss them at all!!  But I wasnt prepared nor did I even know about the vaginal dryness that comes when the periods go!  I guess our generation is finding better ways to deal with this problem, but hopefully they can do even better for future generations of women.. 

thankyou for courageously addressing this topic here..and I hope other women can add their experience in what they have found to be helpful for them.  I have always thought that vasaline was always a NONO for that area of the body..?  I dont think it would be a good idea for me to try that one..I have a sensitivity to almost everything..

 Take care ladies..and Thanks again for opening up this topic that so often stays unmentioned even by gyn dr's and healthcare professionals.  I dont think they like to even discuss it..

Victoria