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[Jules]

I've just finished an 8 weeks cycle of vagifem. It's been a game changer, noticed a difference fairly quickly. My doctor wants me to take a break and start again if symptoms return. I don't really want to have to let symptoms return but I'm also concerned about the associated risks. Has anyone got a different experience?

[Joaniepat]

Vagifem should be used forever, otherwise symptoms will return. The minimum maintenance dose is twice a week once you have done the two week loadind dose. The dose is extremely low, is only absorbed locally and there are no risks. No endometrial protection is required for local oestrogen. Your GP has some very odd ideas. If he/she denies you  further supplies, see another who is more up to date. Resource documents and support are available on the private Vaginal Atrophy Facebook support group.
JP x
 

[CLKD]

Your GP is wrong.  .  Another 1 who has little idea of the effect of VA.  It is a small amount of HRT applied locally so he/she needed even thing about using too much!!!

Give the Practice a ring and ask for the prescription to be put onto repeat.  I've had no problems, my GP recognised my symptoms and told me to pick up the prescription!

[hereandthere]

You haven’t said why your GP wanted you to try stopping. Do you have any particular risk factors?
I would disagree with the ladies who say there is NO risk.
Studies have shown that some estrogen is absorbed systemically and the estrogen only product is unopposed by progesterone. However only a very small amount is absorbed and for increased breast cancer risk people like me it is generally considered safer. Some studies have found no increase in cancer, while others have found an increase in cancer.  Safest is said to be when younger like you and for a few years.
If you have had estrogen dependent cancer, you can take it, but it won’t be the first line of recommendation.
Due to having had a precursor to breast cancer I’ve gone off systemic HRT but am using vagifem.

[Jules]

She said it's the usual cycle. Break after the 8 weeks. She has prescribed more to start again if symptoms return. I was having some pelvic discomfort and this last week have had what I thought was thrush but it wasn't then a uti but now don't think it is.  Taken antibiotics to no avail and just have frequent trips to the loo and irritation in my uretha which I've never had so now wondering whether the vagifem has caused it. It's driving me mad.

[Hurdity]

As the others have said. If you have no medical reason not to take it then you take it for ever. You don't want to get a return of the symptoms - that's the whole point of Vagifem!

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

hereandthere - could you quote the sources you have found that information from?

I had treatment for oestrogen dominant breast disease and my GP never hesitated in precripting VA treatment. Quality of Life is important.

Jules - did U restart the treatment?  A drop of oestrogen levels may cause the body to become dry, inside and out.

[CLKD]

Morning Huridty!

[Jules]

hereandthere - could you quote the sources you have found that information from?

I had treatment for oestrogen dominant breast disease and my GP never hesitated in precripting VA treatment. Quality of Life is important.

Jules - did U restart the treatment?  A drop of oestrogen levels may cause the body to become dry, inside and out.

No I finished the course last week. The doctor didn't know whether vagifem was causing the pelvic pain and the bladder irritation so advised me to stop for a break. I didn't suffer from either of these symptoms before I started on vagifem

[CLKD]

What is the GP suggesting might be causation, have you been referred to a Specialist ?  Pelvic pain should be investigated, bladder irritation is typical of atrophy.  There isn't a 'usual cycle' for vaginal atrophy treatment  .

How is your bladder overall?

[pepperminty]

The risks are more with drinking alcohol etc / For most women the risks do not outweigh the benefits. There is risk  to everything, being over weight, any drug you take etc

Local estrogen can cause irritation etc , as the tissues wake up.  You can lower the dose and increase slowly to a level that suits. It is such a low dose. You can try estriol which is even lower and some ladies find this works for them . Or Ovestin works for some.

Maybe Join the vaginal atrophy group on FB . It is private . 

See below fact sheet.

https://balance-website-prod.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/09/Family-history-of-breast-cancer-Should-I-take-HRT.pdf


PM xx

[Jules]

Thanks everyone.  Seeing the doc next week. It's odd that this is a new thing that I haven't had before. It could be coincidence but at first it felt like general irritation down below. Now it's definitely the urethra and driving me mad. Im going to the loo often and bladder was fine before. Only got UTI linked with sex and took prophylactic tabs for that which worked great.  I thought I'd cracked it with the vagifem sex wise but now I'm troubled with this.

[pepperminty]

Hi,

the link below may be of interest

https://liveutifree.com/

PMxx

[CLKD]

I find that when my bladder is irritated if I take 'nurofen', 2 capsules 3 times a day, it eases the need2P.

Pepperminty - there is no reference to low oestrogen in the 'causes'

VA mimics repeated urinary symptom-type infections really really well.  All urine samples must be sent to a Lab to confirm the type of infection B4 ABs are prescribed.  If the sample doesn't grow a bug, then symptoms R probably due to VA.

[Jules]

Thanks. A urine sample has gone to the lab. It's felt easier today so hoping whatever triggered it is subsiding.