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[Sallyyy]

I started vagifem a week ago. I have a history of depression / anxiety which was ok at the time. Over the last few days I have had a return of low mood etc and even though I know it’s a very low dose I wondered if the vagifem could have anything to do with it. Has anyone else had similar?
Also do you think it would be ok for me to move to the twice a week now rather than do every day for another week ? 

[HellsBells]

In my experience that two week 'foundation' is crucial to make a difference.

[Sphynx]

You really need to complete the second week of everyday doses, before you move to your usual weekly schedule. I wouldn’t imagine that this low dose would cause low mood, especially since it’s local (although a tiny amount enters the body systemically). You could be a natural worrier, especially about starting this treatment, and have just attributed these feelings to the Vagifem, as that’s the only thing you’ve done different this week.
I recall I just had a mild stomach ache once or twice in the early days. I haven’t had any other symptoms, and the treatment has really helped me, almost instantly.
Have a chat with your GP to put your mind at rest.

[RebJT]

Hiya

Sorry to hear.  It's the equivalent dose of taking one pump of oestrogel *a year*, tiny weeny teeny dose, which is why women who've had breast cancer are safe to take it, so I would be very surprised if it had any impact on mood.  I feel more cheerful on E, and moody on P, so if you can, I'd try not to worry.

x

[AngelaH]

For some unknown to me reason my body can’t tolerate any form of estrogen at all. When I started experiencing vaginal atrophy symptoms I started treatment with Gina (decided not to wait for GP app and got it straight away from over the counter), at the first day of using it made me feel ill and I had to stop it after 5-6 days, couldn’t tolerate any more. So I am currently using Gina once a week and it works fine for me.

[Sallyyy]

Thank you everyone for all the replies. The weird thing is that I know it’s a very low dose so wasn’t expecting any impacts at all (so not a result of anticipating it.)
@AngelaH in what way did you feel ill?

[AngelaH]

@AngelaH in what way did you feel ill?

Low mood, extremely low energy level, nausea, foggy brain. The same symptoms I experienced when I was on estrogen patches and oestrogel, I thought because Gina is low dose it would not effect my whole body, but it really effected.

[Sallyyy]

@AngelaH Hmmm interesting. Sounds v v similar. I’m also on an antibiotic at the moment for a uti which is giving me some physical side effects but this is definitely low mood etc.
I’m sorry you’ve had so many issues with trying the oestrogen. Glad you found a compromise.

[dangermouse]

I road tested some vaginal oestrogens (now much better with YES) and I also felt much worse than when I tested transdermal oestrogen - which I also can’t tolerate.

I had a bad headache, panicked thoughts, slight nausea from one dose and severe depression the next morning. I douched to get rid of any still hanging around and felt better within an hour.

If you look on Drugs.com you will find many, if not the majority (as people often post when issues), had severe reactions to Vagifem, including anxiety, headaches and suicidal thoughts. You hit the bloodstream much quicker when you apply meds to mucous membranes, although I was surprised how long lasting the effects were too.

[CLKD]

dangermouse: have U reported this on the Yellow Card system?  Also to your prescribing practice?  However rare this might be, it is important that drug companies get the whole range of possible side effects/reactions.

I've never had problems with 'ovestin' fortunately.  Sallyyy - it is rare that localised vaginal applications will cause low mood.  How is your diet overall?  Also your own hormone upheaval may co-incidentally find that you feel low. 


AngelaH - how were you during your menstruating years when you would be producing oestrogen?   

[Sallyyy]

My diet is good. I’ve been on antidepressants for a while and mood was ok until I started the vagifem. It could be a coincidence but I’m not sure.
That’s very interesting @dangermouse - thank you for telling me.

[AngelaH]

AngelaH - how were you during your menstruating years when you would be producing oestrogen?

I was fine, I believe I had estrogen dominance but I felt fine with no mental or physical health issues.

[CLKD]

Interesting that locally applied VA treatment can have such an effect on overall health.

[AngelaH]

Interesting that locally applied VA treatment can have such an effect on overall health.

The same like Mirena coil. Some people are too sensitive to hormones, so they can be affected by any dose and from any parts of their bodies.

[CLKD]

My periods from age 11 were heavy, very painful ...... although I have no idea which hormones were involved at any time of the month.  It was 'normal' for me but I dreaded each 1.  Eventually I went onto The Pill which helped a lot. 

It may be worth reporting these effects to Dr Currie and Dr Louise Newson ........ to C if they have a take on why this may happen?