Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Defeated]

Hi - I'm a newby to this site and have searched for Vagifem but not found the answer to my query. I'm post menopausal and have had 3 bouts of UTI's this year and 4 lots of antibiotics! My GP has suggested I try Vagifem and I'm on day 12 of the two week daily regime before going on to twice a week. Question? How long before these dreadful side effects start to ease off? Nausea, dizziness, bloating, headaches (not bad) and IBS. I'm not a wuss and I need to persevere but would like to know others' experiences.

[Taz2]

Hi Defeated - welcome to the forum.

How miserable for you. I didn't have any of the side effects you mention with Vagifem. The side effects listed on the leaflet are the same as those listed for full HRT - I think that's what we discovered some time ago but the dose is so small that it is unusual to suffer as you are. Are you sensitive to medications normally? I did get some period type cramping for the first week or so but that was all. I am sure that others will be along soon with their own advice.

Taz x 

[Annie0710]

I didn't/don't get any side effects from vagifem that I've ever noticed either.  I'm not sure how long they would last for, there's other alternatives, estring or ovestin of the side effects don't go

[CLKD]

Your GP should have sent a urine sample to a Lab. for testing   

However: use the Vagifem as instructed, i.e. 2 weeks of loading every night followed by a bit of Trial and Error.  Some ladies find that they need it every night to keep symptoms at bay, others can do OK with alternative nights, or several times a month. 

I don't think that your symptoms are related to this product.  Maybe do a search on here and see if anyone else has mentioned it.  Occasionally ladies can be sensitive to the fillers or coatings of medications etc.. 

IBS can be influenced by hormonal upheaval anyway and as this product is localised, it is unlikely for it to be influencing the digestive tract.

[Defeated]

Hi again, Yes samples have been sent and the bacteria identified and dealt with. It's a result of atrophy - I know this and it's been an issue for a while as I'm 65 now. My GP has suggested this regime as its recommended to help to improve the situation for people who get regular UIT's. The side effects are listed in the info leaflet - all of them - I just wondered how long I might have to put up with them. 😀

[CLKD]

You might find it useful to read some of the associated threads here, of course, memo-brained me can't remember the names 

The Burning Club - bumped for you

[Annie0710]

Hi again, Yes samples have been sent and the bacteria identified and dealt with. It's a result of atrophy - I know this and it's been an issue for a while as I'm 65 now. My GP has suggested this regime as its recommended to help to improve the situation for people who get regular UIT's. The side effects are listed in the info leaflet - all of them - I just wondered how long I might have to put up with them. 😀

I was the same , repeated UTIs, showed as infection on testing and always on antibiotics, vagifem stopped it all but then the VA came on the outside too so I use ovestin for that area.  I guess the only way you'll know if it is vagifem side effects would be if you swapped vagifem for another type

[Taz2]

Although the side effects are listed in the leaflet it seems that the list of side effects and risks are shown as exactly
the same as for full HRT but Vagifem is not considered to carry the same risks or side effects as the dose of oestrogen is so small. Confusing I know! Have you used any type of HRT I'm the past as, if not, then the sudden addition of hormone may well be a shock to your body as you have probably been post Meno for sometime?

Taz x

[Defeated]

It's MANY MANY years since I did HRT and shortly afterwards the HRT scare meant we all stopped taking it immediately. GP's were scared. Vagifem is definitely helping my bladder issues - about 50% better already, less hot, less frequent, more comfortable - it's just these yucky feelings. Anyway, I'll persevere and report back in when I'm on the maintenance dose.  Fingers crossed it'll settle then.

[Taz2]

It's such a shame you had to stop due to the scare if it was working for you. Let us know how you feel once on the maintenance dose. It's great that you are already feeling the benefits of the treatment. Don't let your GP tell you that you can stop once you feel better because things will just return to how they were.

Taz x 

[Defeated]

I have a fab GP who says if it suits me I'm on it forever. She says when I stop the symptoms will come back. A friend has just suggested that perhaps the severity of my side effects are because I've been post menopausal for 10-15 years - it's like giving a glass of sherry to someone who's been teetotal for 10-15 years! Good point.

[CLKD]

Those symptoms can occur when the body is hungry 

[Taz2]

Yes your GP is right - there are no reasons to stop topical HRT due to age as it is a small dose. Smaller than it used to be sadly!

Taz x

[CLKD]

Which may be part of the problem!

[Hurdity]

Hi Defeated

Yes I agree that you may be experiencing more side effects than is usual (the oestrogen dose in Vagifem is tiny) because you have been post-menopausal for so long and your own body's oestrogen levels are likely to be very low (depending on your body fat to some extent) and your vaginal tissues are very thin. Any systemic absorption that occurs during the first couple of weeks will be reduced once the tissues plump up - but it might take more than the usual priming daily dose for a fortnight in your case. I think I would be tempted to do another week of daily use before going to the twice week maintenance dosage.

Hurdity x