Print

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

[Madmum]

Hi everyone. Thank you for adding me to the forum. I am 58 years, two children (normal deliveries). Last period around 10 years ago. Was on combined hrt (climagest) for 5 years, but taken off because of family history postmenopausal breast cancer (mother and her 2 sisters).
Used gynest then low dose vagifem for around 3 years for symptoms dryness, spotting after sex. Never advised to go back to gp for check ups.....just prescription on repeat.
Had a couple of episodes pinky spotting in this time. Thought this was a side effect. However heavier on inserting a pessary last week - a little red spotting which soon stopped. Saw a very unsympathetic female gp today.....felt my abdomen said nothing unusual, and referred me to rapid access gynae clinic! Her words were "if it is endometrial cancer it's best to know about it". Haven't had any bleeding since.
Must admit to not using the vagifem per schedule twice  week....can this cause spotting.
I am beside myself with anxiety thanks to Google and imagining the worst!!! Haven't felt so low in ages and have developed every symptom under the sun 😦

[Joaniepat]

Hi Madmum, welcome to the forum.

The spotting sounds to me like a result of not keeping up with the Vagifem, as you experienced it on inserting the applicator. Your vaginal tissues have probably become more fragile over time, as twice a week with the 10 mcg pessaries is not enough for many women. The pessaries used to contain 25 mcg estradiol until a few years ago. Quite a lot of us need more than two a week. I suggest you use it every day for the next couple of weeks, then drop down to every other day. This ought to plump up the tissues. Perhaps you could use a vaginal moisturiser as well, if you don't already. Yes VM works a treat so perhaps Google the Yes website (far less frightening!). There are plenty of threads on here about VA, so have a good browse round.

Incidentally, having close relatives who have had breast cancer does not necessarily preclude your taking systemic HRT. However, others on here will know more about this than I do, if you want to consider using it again.

I despair of GPs, many seem to know sweet fanny adams about menopausal issues.

JP x

[Madmum]

Thank you Joaniepat. I've ordered some vaginal moisturizer, but gp says no vagifem until I've been seen at the hospital. I'm so glad I found this forum ❤️

[CLKD]

Your GP is talking rot!  If you stop your symptoms will worsen  ........ do you know which Clinic you have been referred to, if so, ring and see what they recommend.  If it's months and months B4 getting an appt. you will be lacking localised oestrogen which may be un-necessary.

Vaginal moisturiser may help, particularly as suggested 'yes' or 'sylc' products.  Do read the vaginal atrophy thread/s for more info..  Ring your GP and ask when the appt. is likely to be, as she insists that you don't use medication until then!! She obviously has never had VA   

 

[Tc]

Mad mum. 
I know it's easy to say but try not to worry. As joaniepat says spotting can be caused when the vaginal tissues are fragile   Your doc has referred you to rule anything else out, just to be on the safe side  which is good. Try to think of it as a precaution 
Glad you have found us. Please keep posting and dont be worried about asking any questions you want to. There is a lot of support and experience on here
All the best.

[Madmum]

Thank you everyone. I should be seen within 2 weeks. Trying to hold it together but scared by all the talk of cancer...gp even going on about ovarian cancer. Came out of the appointment really upset. Having to have CA125 test tomorrow. Wish I'd found this forum years ago!