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Author Topic: Advice re Migraine and Vaginal Estrogen  (Read 1155 times)

Nain56

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Advice re Migraine and Vaginal Estrogen
« on: July 04, 2025, 11:12:51 AM »

I had Estrogen positive Breast Cancer nearly 20 years ago so cannot have systemic HRT.

I have vaginal atrophy and was given Ovestin vaginal cream which was a game changer. Sadly after 4 months use I started getting severe migraines with aura. I stopped using Ovestin and migraines stopped. I then tried half dose Gynest, again this was excellent like Ovestin. Once again after 4/5 months use the severe migraines with aura started . I stopped Gynest and migraines stopped.

Anyone experienced this?

I was wondering if I persevered with using vaginal estrogen and put up with the migraines with aura would my body get used to it and eventually adapt to the fluctuations in estrogen.
Or would estring  deliver a more regular even dose of vaginal estrogen and is it suitable for patients who have had estrogen positive breast cancer?
I know vaginal estrogen is not meant to get into the blood stream but I must be ultra sensitive to it. When I was younger I always got severe migraines every month before a period.

Any thoughts appreciated. My gynae is also exploring possibilities.
Apologies for long post.
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CLKD

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Re: Advice re Migraine and Vaginal Estrogen
« Reply #1 on: July 04, 2025, 11:17:49 AM »

Hi not a long post at all?

How au fait is this gynae: the 1 who did your surgery ? : with menopause treatments? 

Could U get an appt to a dedicated menopause clinic for advice?  There are threads on here when using Vagifem caused some to have headaches ........

Migraines may become worse during perimenopause.  This is something that needs discussion B4 U make a decision to continue. I wonder which hormone was involved at that time of the month ......... not something that I considered when growing up periods came and went  ::)

I believe that until the vaginal walls are treated then there is a slight possibility of migration of the product which is mayB triggering your migraines.  Let us know how you get on?
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Nain56

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Re: Advice re Migraine and Vaginal Estrogen
« Reply #2 on: July 04, 2025, 11:36:03 AM »

Thank you. My gynae is asking advice from a menopause clinic / specialist so I am lucky to get informed advice.

Interesting what you said

"I believe that until the vaginal walls are treated then there is a slight possibility of migration of the product which is mayB triggering your migraines"

I had never thought about that...it gives me hope. Thank you.
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CLKD

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Re: Advice re Migraine and Vaginal Estrogen
« Reply #3 on: July 04, 2025, 11:50:44 AM »

The vaginal walls will need less absorption once plumped up - that's my take on treatment.  Well done on that Gynae for being able to gain info.; hang onto him or we'll all be at his door  ;D

How do U feel overall?
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Nain56

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Re: Advice re Migraine and Vaginal Estrogen
« Reply #4 on: July 04, 2025, 11:57:37 AM »

Feel ok apart from VA and fear of Migraine!
Hopefully I can get back on vaginal estrogen soon. :)
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CLKD

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Re: Advice re Migraine and Vaginal Estrogen
« Reply #5 on: July 04, 2025, 01:00:21 PM »

Have U tried putting a little onto the outer vagina, vulva, labia rather than a total insert?  Where R U most affected?
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Nain56

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Re: Advice re Migraine and Vaginal Estrogen
« Reply #6 on: July 04, 2025, 01:08:04 PM »

No haven't tried that. Most affected inside and out...and lots of UTIs!
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CLKD

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Re: Advice re Migraine and Vaginal Estrogen
« Reply #7 on: July 04, 2025, 01:18:15 PM »

VA mimics repeated urine infection-type symptoms really really well, so U R less likely to have UTIs.  If blood is shown on a dip stick test in the surgery it's probably VA.

Hopefully some1 will be along with more advice  :-\
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Nain56

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Re: Advice re Migraine and Vaginal Estrogen
« Reply #8 on: July 04, 2025, 01:34:56 PM »

 :)
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