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[Chrissyjo]

Hello I’ve tried this twice now and both times the next day I’ve suffered a headache that gets worse as the day goes on. I’m not a headache person either
Are they related ??
I’m at my wits end with my dry angry vagina. My sex life is gone and I’m really depressed. I can’t deal with constant headaches everyday. I’m too frightened to take hrt as well. I suffer hot flushes all
day everyday plus heart palpitations too which has caused so much anxiety

[CLKD]

Morning.  What does it say in the leaflet in the box?  Some ladies do have headaches but the amount of active ingredient is very small.  How long did you persevere for?

I use 'ovestin'.  Works to ease vaginal atrophy symptoms which 4 me, were like razor blades  up there.

Perhaps ask your GP to swap?

[Chrissyjo]

I’ve tried it twice and both times awful headaches. Maybe I’ll try something else. Does the ovestin have the same ingredients

I agree on the razor blades. It feels like your having sex with a stainless steel scourer

[CLKD]

That's a good description.  There aren't many products specifically to target VA., I believe there may be a new one but me, can't remember the name.   . Sorry.

U may find that 'sylc' or 'yes' products give some relief but they won't replace the lost oestrogen .

[Chrissyjo]

Yes I tried silk and a couple of other lubes. I’ve also tried replens but nothing has helped. Still feels like I’m being stabbed
 

[Joaniepat]

Hi Chrissyjo. What is it about HRT that frightens you? Perhaps start a separate thread? It is only replacing the hormones you no longer produce, and the scare stories are based on old, discredited research. Many women get on fine with it.
For vulval and vaginal problems, plus general info on hormone replacement (or not!) the private Vaginal Atrophy Facebook support group is a great resource. Louise Newson's website My Menopause Doctor is also excellent for all meno symptoms and topics.
JP x

[CLKD]

People forget that it is Hormone Replacement Therapy 

[C.C.]

I don't know too much about Vagifem, my doctor gave me Premarin twice a week.  It's a conjugated estrogen cream and so far it's been good for me. I haven't had much in the way of side effects. 

[CLKD]

? vaginally ? C.C.?

[C.C.]

Yes. My gynecologist said it was completely safe for me, as I have a strong family history of breast cancer.  The estrogen does not enter the bloodstream, it's topical.

[CLKD]

That's good!

[Chrissyjo]

I’m scared of all medication and I’m a hypercondriac too so every symptom I get is causing me stress. Plus I smoke so that makes me scared. I don’t smoke much anymore, less then 10 a day.
I had to cut back on chocolate as it was upsetting my stomach. It’s just depressing, all these changes and giving up stuff. Can’t have sex anymore. The nasty headaches I got both days I took the vagifem has put me off and I feel like I’ve no options anymore 

[Postmeno3]

It certainly mentions in the patient leaflet that headaches are common in 1:10, but maybe something to stick at and work through a bit longer? What do you think?

[Haydo]

When I started with vagifem I did suffer with headaches, although I am a headachy person, but I stuck with it (with the help of painkillers) and they started easing off after about a week. 

[Wrensong]

Hi Chrissyjo, I also had headaches every afternoon during the 2 week nightly loading phase with Vagifem, but they were tolerable.  Can you take a painkiller to get you through the first few days?  The vaginal symptoms you describe are distressing I know, but sadly common & I would urge you to continue with the Vagifem as the tiny dose of oestrogen will in time help to repair the deterioration that results from the deficiency we suffer at this time of our lives.  With regular use you should find that sex becomes comfortable again, but treatment is likely to be necessary long term, so please don't give up.  Many, many women use Vagifem & other vaginal oestrogens & they are considered extremely safe.  Please don't be afraid as it really is magical stuff & as others have said is simply replacing what your body can no longer produce naturally by itself.