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[Calendula]

Hi all, I am interested in your opinions  please
I am 67yrs old, had a hysterectomy at 45yrs and went on hrt patches then got breast cancer at 50yrs and had to come off hrt. A couple of years ago started with niggling itching and burning I didn't know anything about va but eventually got dx and started with ovestin.
I have been on ovestin ( now estriol ) for14 months and I keep getting horrible flare ups, in-between flare ups its bareable but still miserable.  I am seriously thinking of asking for hrt patches because I don't think topical estrogen is enough. I did mention  it to one gp and she looked horrified and brought breast cancer risk up, the other lady gp I've seen is more sympathetic about va but it's very hard to get an app with her. My cancer was her2 positive  and estrogen negative.  Any opinions on going back to hrt after 17yrs (Pro or against) welcome.l hate my miserable life at the moment..

[Minusminnie]

Just a thought but would it be worth first considering Vagifem or equivalent which contains estradiol rather than estriol but would still be a localised hrt. It might work better for you.

[Ayesha]

How often are you using the VA treatment, some of us here are on 5 to 7 day doses of Vagifem & Estriol together including a moisturiser.

[Calendula]

I use estriol every day inside and out, I also use yess vm. I don't use soap or bubbles and I wash and rinse my underwear separately. I do seem to have a lot of burning/itching on the outside more than inside. I had urine sample and swab a couple of weeks ago which were clear and was perscribed canesten which calmed it down but I don't want to keep using it every time it gets bad. I've made a phone app with the good gp in 2 weeks so I will see what she says. I have read that estrogen only hrt patches are considered  safe now for women who have had breast cancer ..




 

[orrla]

Hi,

You could try Estring. Ask!

[Gnatty]

Yes, do ask for the Estring. It seems to help a lot of women for whom the usual pessaries aren't enough. Another option - Intrarosa which has some testosterone in it too can really help.

[bombsh3ll]

I would absolutely ask for systemic estrogen, however you need to be prepared that your age and cancer history means you are unlikely to be able to access it through the NHS.

If you feel that the benefits for you as an individual outweigh the risk, it may be worth seeing a private specialist. I would do a bit of research beforehand to see if anyone you are considering treats breast cancer survivors and ladies who have been without estrogen for many years.