Print

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

[Mimzy1961]

Hi my name is Linda and I’m 60. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago and had reconstructive surgery. I am pleased to say am free of cancer. The doctors said that the cancer was due to HRT which I had been taking for a few years. I am currently on hormone blocker’s which make my menopause horrendous. My hot sweats are horrendous and unfortunately I’m am now suffering from a dry and really sore vagina (having a relationship with my husband is out of bounds)not sure if there are any herbal remedies I can take? Doctors say I have to live with it! Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks kinda

[CLKD]

I would want proof of that statement!  Quality of Life is important. 

There are lots of ways of delivering HRT too.  What type of cancer were you diagnosed with?  My lump was apparently oestrogen dominant so I wasn't supposed to have any HRT and thus far, 25 years later, haven'g required it. 'tamoxifen' almost killed me  .

As for the vaginal problems, that is a totally different issue.  Do read the Vaginal Atrophy thread on the Forum, make notes ;-).  Ring your GP and ask for 'vagifem' or 'ovestin'.  The idea is to use the preparation every night for as long as necessary, once symptoms ease one can drop down to every 4th and 5/6th nights.  More or less as symptoms niggle.  Some require 'vagifem' nightly as well as using 'ovestin' or a moisturiser on the outer vaginal area.  Have a lookC at 'yes' and 'sylc' websites.

Why would herbal remedies be any safer than what NICE suggests  and if your GP has told you to live with  , report him to the Practice manager!  No lady has to 'live with anything' Your GP should at least have referred you to an NHS menopause clinic, not a gynaecologist who don't know much about peri-menopause etc..

Let us know how you get on. You don't require an examination for proof of VA.  4 me it presents as repeated urine infection-type feelings: need2P continually, lower bladder pain, low back pain ......... and treatment has helped 

[CLKD]

Also: buy a copy from Amazon of "Me and My Menopausal Vagina" written by a Member of our Forum, read then hand to your GP ;-). 

[sheila99]

You need a new doctor. How can he possibly say hrt caused it? What causes it in women not on hrt? The scare stories were based on the old horse urine hrt, the risk with transdermal is much less. I believe local oestrogen to treat VA is OK and doesn't carry a cancer risk?

[CLKD]

I have used 'ovestin' for vaginal atrophy for several years now, my GP didn't hesitate in prescribing it.  I couldn't have lived with the symptoms anyway .........

Mimzy - let us know how you get on?

[Mimzy1961]

Hi all sorry taken time to respond. Appreciate all of your advice.
I had invasive carcinoma cancer which apparently is hormone related, it was my surgeon that suggested it was related to HRT which I was then banned from taking. They said I could not take any hormone drugs! I thought maybe a herbal remedy might help but they won’t give me anything due to having cancer.
I must admit I was shocked at the response from my lady GP but I still pursued it with another GP. They are referring me to gynaecologist although he did say they probably wouldn’t be able to help! 
I am however, reading the book ‘Me & My Menopausal Vagina’ which I’m hoping will help.
I’m not sure what my next step will be
Thanks again ladies x

[sheila99]

You need a referral to a menopause clinic not a gynecologist, many gynaes know nothing about hrt. Perhaps a letter from Dr Currie would help assure your gp va treatment is OK.

[CLKD]

I am currently on hormone blocker’s which make my menopause horrendous.   The Gynae is being extra cautious - I had 'tamoxifen' which almost killed me 

How long had you been taking HRT and which regime had you been prescribed.  It's a way of scaring women at a vulnerable time by Drs who have no idea how much relief HRT can give!

Herbal remedies don't always ease symptoms and may not help at all.  Depending on the surgical intervention and treatment will depend on whether HRT is 'dangerous' as some medics seem to think.  If HRT is so dangerous, mayB we should all be advised to have bilateral mastectomy on an 'in case' basis ?

Do ring to speak to your GP or Nurse Practitioner this week, ask for appropriate treatment for vaginal atrophy (no need for an examination) as well as for an appt to an NHS menopause clinic.  Explain that you expect Quality of Life.



Let us know how you get on. 

[CLKD]

How are you getting on with 'Me and My Menopausal Vagina'.  I went on a Crusade after I'd read it, buying and handing out copies to anyone who showed an interest 

[Mimzy1961]

I had been taking HRT for about 5 years. Yes, certainly is horrendous being on blockers. I have made another appointment with my doctors to discuss the menopause clinic and to hopefully be prescribed Ovestin cream. You have all been very helpful, if it wasn’t for this site I think I would have just suffered in silence and I thank you all. The book is fabulous which has also given me the strength to insist on help. Will keep you updated  X

[CLKD]

No one needs to suffer in silence, the medics should be more aware 

Ring your GP Surgery for VA treatment you don't need your consultant's permission.  This isn't HRT in the true sense but replacing oestrogen at a very low amount to plump up the vagina tissues.  I could not have lived with the razor blades up there  and Ovestin has helped.