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[lucinda]

hi, my doctor gave me Gynest Cream, Estriol 0.01%, but when I used it eternally and externally, I had pains so I stopped it (I didn't realize it can cause cancer),  then the doctor gave me Vagifem 10 micrograms but when I read the leaflet, it says it can give cancer too and it had Estadiol in it.   So , I started using Replens, which is a moisture , the last 4-6 weeks.    The last 2 days ive had slight cramps.   Would the Replens have done this?      i hope someone can help as i don't really want to take anything with hrt .

[Limpy]

Hi Lucinda

Welcome to MM   

It extremely unlikely that Replens could have caused the cramps. It doesn't contain any medication, it's just water based, a moisturiser.

Gynest cream has a very low level of hormone, 0.01%, it is so so low. My GP gave it to me, when I questioned the levels of hormone it contained, ending up with, will it give my husband boobs? she fell around laughing. Then assured me no it wouldn't and that it was aimed at sorting things out in the vaginal region.

The patient information leaflet that comes with the products (Gynest and Vagifem) has to give every potential side effect, no matter how unlikely they are.

[Taz2]

Hi Lucinda - welcome to the forum.

The amount of oestrogen contained in both products is very small but, as Limpy says, every side effect and potential has to be mentioned but it is the same advice as is given for full HRT.

The cramping you experienced can be quite common during the first few weeks of using the cream or the vagifem. It can give rise to period type pain but these usually subside. It doesn't mean that you are developing a cancerous condition. Replens is a moisturiser but wont work in the same way as the other two products.

The oestrogen in both the cream and the pessary will plump up your vaginal tissues which can become thin and easily damaged. You need to use the vagifem every night for two weeks and then only twice a week to keep things nice and plumped up. It is not something that you use for a while and then stop because the vaginal dryness (or atrophy as it's also called) can return. It's important to keep the vaginal tissue healthy if you can. As you go further into meno dryness can be a real problem and cause lots of different problems including cystitis like symptoms.

Hope this is helpful. I would say that if your doc thinks you need one of the hormonal products then you would be wise to use it. What is it about low dose HRT which you are  not keen on if you don't mind me asking.

Taz x 

[Hurdity]

Hi Lucinda

  from me too

I agree with the others! Nothing to worry about re local oestrogen. It won't give you cancer - there is no evidence that it does so. The information on the leaflets is the standard information which applies to all HRT as Taz says!

Hurdity x

[babyjane]

Hello, if it is any help to put your mind at rest when I started to use Vagifem I had some tummy discomfort for the first 3 weeks until my system got used to it.  That was 4 years ago.  Nowadays I use vagifem internally and estriol cream externally and I am fine