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[roseview]

I started on Vagifem end of Feb, after a gynaecology visit and exam when the gynaecologist couldn't do a smear test due to tightness. About 6 weeks after I started using it, I got a weird taste in my mouth, lips that feel dehydrated and thick saliva. I've had this ever since and it's driving me nuts. I have spoken to my GP several times and been to the dentist but nobody has been able to decide what the issue is. I've been given a nasal spray to help with the saliva/sinus issue which has helped a little but hasn't addressed the lip/mouth problem. I've now been referred to a consultant but the waiting list is almost 12 months!!
GP says that it might be Sjorgens Syndrome. I've googled (!!) and also seen that it might be dry mouth/burning mouth perhaps. I asked if it could be linked to the Vagifem and was told that it could not. However, I see on RXlist that Estradiol can cause dry mouth.
Has anybody else had a problem like this after starting on Vagifem? I'm now thinking of stopping it to see if the symptoms go away.

[CLKD]

Hi!  MayB stop 'vagifem' for 5 nights to see if the symptoms ease?  If they do then perhaps try 'ovestin'; same idea, 2 weeks loading and regular use.  It mayB the fillers in the product rather than the active ingredients.

What support does the GP suggest with his ? Sjorgens Syndrome?

 

[roseview]

No support offered at all. I was sent away with the comment that he would discuss it with a colleague and decide who to refer me to. I've heard nothing since and that was two weeks ago! I only know from the online system that I have been referred to ENT and Oral Maxifacial. I would have thought that the GP could do further tests themselves. I had blood tests a few weeks back which he was happy with, albeit there were a few readings outside of the expected margins.

[Taz2]

Hi Roseview. There is a condition called Silent Reflux which gives rise to thick catarrh/saliva and nasty taste in the mouth. It is caused by acid reflux but doesn't give any heartburn or indigestion symptoms. Has this been mentioned to you?

Taz x   

[roseview]

GP didn't mention that and hasn't referred me to gastro. I will have a look into that.
The odd thing is that this all began after I started the vagifem. Maybe coincidence, maybe not.

[CLKD]

Did U decide to give it up to see if symptoms stop?  It could be sensitivity to the fillers ............ but do find something to use instead as VA often returns without treatment.

[roseview]

Trying to decide whether to stop, dose due tonight. I've also contacted GP to ask if Reflux is a likelihood.

[CLKD]

Let us know how you get on!

[dangermouse]

I tried the Ovestin and even the 0.01% oestrogen creams and they both gave me a really dry mouth after a couple of days. I had to keep necking lots of water in the night but the dry feeling never went away. I thought it odd but must be due to the mucus membranes absorbing the oestrogen. I've just used the moisturisers since and they've been enough.

[roseview]

Well, I was prescribed Lansoprazole to try for 4 weeks, for silent reflux. I would say that I felt somewhat better (although my symptoms do seem to change at times) but not totally better. GP said that if it was silent reflux 4 weeks would sort it so I finished the prescription. 5 days on, my dry lips have worsened and I have thicker saliva again. I believe that there can be some rebound when coming off PPI so maybe that's the issue.
So now what do I do?

[Sage 🍃]

I'm sorry I can't help roseview! Very interested in the outcome though, as I'm having similar issues. Keep us posted and good luck, sweetie! 

[roseview]

Not much to report. GP put me back on Lansoprazole, although specialist has said that it won't have been causing any withdrawal problems. Due to Covid can't actually see consultant for at least three months, just had a 10 min call from Oral surgeon. I've yet to hear anything from the ENT department.

Still got the same very dry feeling lips and thicker saliva. It's the lips that are doing me in as they seem to rub against my teeth all the time.

I'm still thinking about coming off the Vagifem if only to rule that out as a cause.

[roseview]

Well, after having no signs of Sjogrens, and a visit to the dentist, I decided to stop all medication, including Vagifem. I stopped one thing at a time with vagifem being the last. That was 5 weeks ago.
At the moment, I've only got the dehydrated lip problem rather than the excessive saliva. However, I've started getting horrid night sweats in the past week. I used to get them a lot but can't remember whether that was only pre-vagifem or not! I can't remember when I last had them and whether vagifem stopped them!

[CLKD]

MayB keep a mood/food/symptom diary?

How is your vagina?  As oestrogen levels drop the body may become dry: inside and out. 

[Joaniepat]

Vagifem would not have had any effect on hot flushes, it is a miniscule dose of oestrogen and only used to treat VA. Only systemic oestrogen will treat hot flushes.

JP x