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[Miss Lemon]

I am just wondering if any of you lovely ladies has had experience of the side effects of Vagifem?

I've been having urinary tract issues and burning/itching/painful vulva and urethra for a while on and off but recently it's been on more than off and the doctor has recently prescribed Vagifem after diagnosing VA. I have used it for three nights and my VA symptoms have eased significantly and (TMI warning!) I feel all 'plumped up' down there again, which is great. However, since yesterday I have had horrendous abdominal cramps, severe nausea, bloating and wind and am generally feeling a bit poo. I have read the side effects and think that the Vagifem is causing this but am not sure whether to discontinue use or stick it out and hope it eases.

Has anyone experienced these side effects and, if so, how long did they last? Are they continuous with use or do they ease after a transitional period? I am sensitive to meds and do often experience side effects but I can't live with this which would be a shame as the Vagifem really seems to be helping. Aargh! 

[Halfpint]

"I have had horrendous abdominal cramps, severe nausea, bloating and wind and am generally feeling a bit poo"

This is what I keep getting just before my period. Do you have IBS as they sound similar to IBS symptoms. Mine has got worse in peri.

[CLKD]

Apparently it's a 'common' side effect of Vagifem which is why I stick with Ovestin1mg.  Have you tried taking a pain relief?  You need to do a 2 week 'load' and symptoms should be relieved.

[Tinkerbell]

I haven't had any side effects with Vagifem, only the good ones! and I use it every day.
Side effects sometimes settle, so if you can put up with it I would continue and see if it improves.
Ovestin is another one you could try, may suit you.

[Miss Lemon]

I do have IBS Halfpint so now I'm all confused again. I have been taking a probiotic, which has really helped my IBS and I haven't had any problems for a while. Maybe be this could be just my IBS. All are listed side effects of the Vagifem though. I'm back at work on Tuesday and can't be chained to the loo all day from then. Confused of the West Midlands!

CLKD what do I need a 2 week 'load' of? Vagifem? I have tried pain relief for the VA to no avail.

I want off this merry go round!

[Tinkerbell]

When you start Vagifem or Ovestin you use it every night for 2 weeks and then go on a maintenance dose of twice a week. Although many, me included, need to use it more than that.
Do you think your IBS has flared up by coincidence? Mine was bad the other week and my son is suffering with his this weekend 

[Dancinggirl]

Hi Miss Lemon - the symptoms you are experiencing are quite common and it's basically everything down there waking up and welcoming the oestrogen.  The initial 2 week load is about plumping everything up so the oestrogen won't be absorbed systemically - although it's such a low dose this is unlikely anyway. Definitely continue as these symptoms should settle quite quickly - I find the oestrogen creams make me burn around my vaginal area but if after a month of use you find the Vagifem isn't working well for you then do try the creams as an alternative.
Do remember that the reason you are getting the VA and bladder issues is because everything around that area has been starved of oestrogen so there will naturally be a reaction at first - try to look on it as positive and remember once you have finished the 2 week daily dose you then use it only 2-3 times a week so there is less being pumped in and possibly causing side effects.  Some of us find we need to do the 2 week load once or twice a year or I sometimes just do it every other day for a couple of weeks just the get things plumped up again - Vagifem used to be 25mg but they dropped it down to 10mg which for many is too low a dose - The Estring gives a higher dose and some do well with this.  Once things are fully better, don't let the doctors make you stop using the local oestrogen as the VA will simply come back - the 2 year cut off is a nonsense.  Dg x

[CLKD]

Who prescribed the Vagifem Miss Lemon  - the instructions in the packet will confirm what DG has said, about using it every night for 2 weeks but this should have been discussed B4 you were given the prescription 

If pain relief doesn't help then speak to your GP! 

[Miss Lemon]

Thank you so much CLKD and Dancinggirl, you're both so helpful! My GP prescribed the Vagifem. She is very clued up on menopause matters and she did tell me to use it daily for two weeks then reduce to twice a week. Sorry, I'm not thinking straight today!

I think that maybe my IBS has flared coincidentally as, I have to say I don't understand why a local oestrogen that isn't absorbed systemically should cause nausea? This is part of the nightmare, isn't it; identifying peri from actual illness etc.

I will continue and see how it goes. I am really enjoying not feeling desperate to pee 24/7. 

Thank you all for your replies. I will let you know how I get on. X

[CLKD]

Hormones can cause gut upheavals    - 10 mins. before a bleed I would get 'the runs' so it stands to reason that HRT even used localised, might upset the bowel

[linz57]

Hopefully you will feel less sensations once you go from a Vagifem everyday to twice a week, or however many times a week you need them. I'm currently doing a 14 day reload and am feeling a few sensations in the pelvic area. Fingers crossed things settle for you Miss Lemon  🙂