Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: hellen on July 12, 2013, 08:18:27 PM
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hi, has anybody had any reactions to vagifem... vagifem seems to do the trick, I feel lubricated but sore, and even a bit swollen inside, now is this the vagifem wearing off, or is it an allergic reaction, im at at loss, cos I don't feel dry, just hot and sore............. anyone any ideas... iv had swobs done for bugs and a cancer smear test, not had one for five years as per this countries rules. oh and the edge of my cervix was oh so tender you wouldn believe, the smear test was like torture............. any thought girls would be appreciated..
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hi Hellen
I started Vagifem but have same reaction as with other oestrogen creams/pessaries; feeling edgy and unable to sleep. Even took sleeping tablet at 2am and only slept for 1 hour. Many women on this site seem to love Vagifem but there must be others who have had similar symptoms such as your's and mine. Don't know what to do. Feel totally fed up. Has anyone else been in this position and what did you do?
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How long have you been on Vagifem Hellen?
Taz
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Hi taz, at least five months on vagifem, then esteriol ring, and now back on vagifem.. I had the most horrendous lower stomach pain with the second esteriol ring gave up. now back on vagifem , but I have a feeling something not right, as I feel wet enough, but just very sore up at the top, from the swob test and then cancer smear test it think its my cerfix, and I notice I cant take vagifem without getting a white coating inside, that proves never to be thrush.. so I don't know. at a loss really. I guess it must be at least 12 months. any idea welcome. I was also on gynest before that ... xx
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I get the white coating from vagifem too but just considered it to be normal as there was never any itching or soreness.
Is the pain during intercourse (if you have a partner of course) and did you tell whoever it was carrying out the smear and swab test that you had pain?
I never experienced dryness by the way, although it is called vaginal dryness, just a soreness deep inside. Vagifem did fix it for me for a while but then I went onto full HRT. For the last year I have had to use both to get the same result as I have gone further into meno.
Taz x
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Was it the gynest cream you were on before hellen or the pessaries? If the former then do try Orthogynest pessaries as they are very good - noit as messy as the cream. Just a waxy oestriol capsule and I am sure very unlikely to give side effects. Why did you change from the Gynest?
I can't see that feeling hot and sore could be caused by the vagifem - hot does sound more like an infection although you could have these symptoms if Vagifem wasn't doing its job. Are you on the 10 mcg and have you reduced from the 25 mcg after they were discontinued?
Hurdity x
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Hi Hellen, my posts go up late as I'm in Australia, but yes I have had the same symptoms as you on vagifem. I get that soreness inside and it feels itchy too but obviously can't scratch there! I think I may have a reaction to oestrogen but just feel at a loss as to what to do. Are you needing to go to the toilet more than usual? Hope we both find something that 'works'.
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hi, has anybody had any reactions to vagifem... vagifem seems to do the trick, I feel lubricated but sore, and even a bit swollen inside, now is this the vagifem wearing off, or is it an allergic reaction, im at at loss, cos I don't feel dry, just hot and sore............. anyone any ideas... iv had swobs done for bugs and a cancer smear test, not had one for five years as per this countries rules. oh and the edge of my cervix was oh so tender you wouldn believe, the smear test was like torture............. any thought girls would be appreciated..
If its been like this before? Is this the first time Vagifem?
Maybe swabs and stuff have irritated it up there
Id gfo back to GP Ok xxxxxxxxxxx
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Hi rose, I think its a definite reaction to the vagifem, popped up docs today my swobs not back yet, so no results. the doc had a little look up there and said my cervix looks nice and healthy. but yes the sides did look a bit red, so she thinks there is some imflammation there. I think its where the vagifem sits or the esteriol ring, she seemed to think it could still be my va. but i think as it feel so hot it isn't. she said even maybe thrush, I mentioned to her that the white coating never ever shows up at thrush and she said sometimes it don't, but it could still be thrush lol.. oh well.. great .... I think the only way to find out is to leave the vagifem alone and see how things settle. I left the docs equipt for any eventually, fluconazole tablets, ovestin cream and slyk. lol. but basically the bottom of my stomach feels like its on fire, diving me nuts, half a mind to sit in bath and see if I can wash it out lol.. but maybe not. so ladies if you use vagifem and it initially feels fine then later you get a burning and a swelling inside, that's what I have, I feel well lubricated up there, just on fire .................
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Hi rose , forgot yes it does makes you go to the loo more often...I also notice as im swollen inside hard chairs are not comfy. I would have tried either the ovestin or the gynest pessaries, but she gave me ovestin so we will see how it goes, but not using anything unless I have to, until things settle..
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sounds like you have a bloody good GP
just see how you go and drink loads preferably Lemon Barley Waters
Flush any crap in the ubend out big hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Hi Hellen, I had all the same symptoms as you, having tests done for everything and nothing came back as abnormal. I also had a sore tummy and headache with Vagifem and Ovestin so I believe that I just can't take the 'extra' estragon. Had to sit on a hard chair during a week's study at Uni and felt bruised and sore down there! I am using KY gel but know that I need something more to help with the bladder problem. I would be very interested if you come up with a solution as I honestly feel like I am going round in circles. Have appointment with gynaecologist today and will let you know what he says. Meanwhile I hope you find some relief!
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what about orthogynest?
R U TAKING HRT as well?
Maybe you need it more down there?
Hope everyones OK today xxx
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Hi all, went to gynaecologist yesterday and he said it's my bladder that's irritated and that it's quite common. He is referring me to an urologist to talk about having Botox down there! I had to laugh. I asked that if I went through with it, would they do my face as well?! Everything has gone south! The strange thing is that since the internal examination were he touched my bladder, it feels better! No idea why, so going to ring and ask if he used a lubricant when he examined me. It's just so fantastic not to feel that itch high up inside!!!
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Go to Embarrasing bodies
A young lady had that done and it worked a treat
She was under a genera anisthetic though xxxxxxxxxx
Maybe touching it helped?
xxxxxxxx
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HI, rose your right. its not on the outside, or just a little way in , mine is higher, it feels bottom of stomach and just about five inches inside. and yes they use this ordinary lubricant and you feel great for a while. lol.. I have used just lubricant or vaginal moisturiser for a few days now, I don't think I can last much longer lol.. I have been using either sylk. or the vaginal moisturiser yes, from yesyesyes lol.. the water based one not the oil based. im not sure what vagifem is made from, . the source of the hormone i mean. does anyone know. . i have had to use the moisturiser at least three times a day though. has anyone found that vagifem affected the bowels at all. so now that i have rested that part of me do i blame the estring and go back on the vagifem. ovestin decisions decisions and its all trial and error.. when i went to see the doc she told me the nurse should not have taken the smear test when i was on vagifem or inflamed. well to late now. but it came back fine. with a letter saying i will never be tested again.... great. apparently im to old to be interested after 60 huh.. if i could i would have my vagina taken out and let the whole thing heal over, it would save a lot of problems ha ha ha
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hi Suzi Q, i couldn go on embarrassing bodies, oh my god imagine all your neighbours seeing you private bits, or i could flash it on the phone in sessions, i don't think so ha ha ha... god i would have reoccurring nighmares ha ha ha . think my children would cringe to.. no altogether to much ................
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lol Hellen, I dont think Suzi meant you to literally go on the show. She meant look online at the program in which the woman had botox (I THINK :-\)
I was originally given Vagifem FOR bladder irritation. Are you sure it isnt just that you're not getting ENOUGH extra oestrogen down there?
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hi milliemoo, that could be true.. im not in the big discomfort I was, Im still not sure if the esteriol ring leaking hormone all the time didn't give me an irritation, I just don't know. so its either the vagifem or ovestin. it will always need some sort of maintenance .
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Thank you Suzi for that link. I'll give anything a go because I am desperate at this stage. Bladder irritated, itching on the outer parts etc. Strangely Doc said I seem to have a well lubricated vagina. I almost got up to take a bow! However this leaves more questions than answers. Why am I itching? Going to try to see if I can touch my own bladder with lubricant. Anyone tried that?
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could be for a myriad of reasons some sort of low grade infection
some sort of low grade cyustitis irritation due to leaking hormone
Id be still inclined to give Vagifem a go for a wee while see how it works
I wansnt that dry with VA coujld still make love no worries except I was sore
I was drleadfully itchy inside and out drove me nuts
Outside get some NYstatin cream to rub on the outer bits its like Cannestin but better
Just outside and for me it worked great you can buy it over the counter xxxxxxxxxxx
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How can you touch your own bladder unless you go up the urethra with a catheter which is a bit tricky I would have thought? :-\
Taz x
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Yeah, wondered that myself but if doc can touch my bladder with his finger, why can't I? Wonder how he does it? Thanks Suzi Q, will get cream today.
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Got that cream, Suzi Q..thank you! The relief from scratching was wonderful!
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YAYYYYYYYYYYYYY glad it orked my GP gave me some Ovestin to rub on the outside
Id been using it for 10 years up to 2010 it seemd to make it worse weird or what
Chem said try Nystatin it was brilliant and great when I got the paper cuts they went 24/48hrs
I needed more Hormones inside my fanny I never took HRT pills no way JOse not for me
Im glad its helped keep using it as long as you need
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Used cream yesterday and can't believe the difference! Thank you so much, Suzi Q! :thankyou:
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YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
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Hello, I am new to this forum and haven't quite figured out how to post a brand new topic so I'm using your message to respond and I apologize. I'm 43 years old and in menopause. My doctor prescribed Vagifem a month ago and I didn't start it until yesterday (Aug 15) reason being I am terrified about side effects and cancer. She's prescribed it for a year but do I stop if I feel better. The pharmacist said it would take a couple of weeks to kick in - I don't know if i'm dreaming but from the 1 treatment I took last night, I feel a tiny bit better. My symptoms are massive itching to the point I would bleed (sorry so graphic) and burning insanely. Do menopause symptoms ever go away?
thanks for anyone's help. :-\
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Hi itsmetina - welcome to the forum. You will find lots of support and advice on here.
Firstly the amount of oestrogen in Vagifem is tiny and although you have read all of the warnings on the packet about cancer etc. these warnings are standard for any oestrogen product but the amount in Vagifem will not put you at risk of cancer.
As to whether menopausal symptoms go away - things such as vaginal dryness and joint aches and pains tend to be permanent as the level of oestrogen in your body diminishes. Mood swings, hot flushes and sweats do tend to get better in time as your hormones even out.
You are young to already have vaginal dryness so has your doc suggested full HRT. The natural age for menopause is 50/51 and before this age you need oestrogen to protect your heart and bones. The risks from HRT don't really become a problem until you reach the normal age as it is the extended time which oestrogen is in the body past menopause which is thought to put us at a small risk of cancer. You would merely be replacing what should be yours naturally. Many women are prescribed HRT when they are going through early menopause and then stop taking it when they reach 50 to see how their symptoms are. This is from the menu on the left of the screen under "Menopause"
"The average age of the natural menopause is 51 years, but can occur much earlier or later. Menopause occurring before the age of 45 is called early menopause and before the age of 40 is premature menopause.
Generally, women having an early or premature menopause are advised to take HRT until approximately the average age of the menopause, for both symptom control and bone protective effect."
Taz :welcomemm:
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Like others here, on vagifem, feel edgy, sleepless, on edge, nervous, strange. Thought the symptoms were more to do with actual meno than the vagifem - it is such a small dosage.
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can vagifem cause thrush? or could be I am back on antibiotics nightly for previous uti's only 1 x 50 mg feeling sore inside and itchy outside if i put cream like canesten itching stops on outside but soreness inside :(
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Oh god, after sex all the awful symptoms have come back after being okay for a while. Just want to scratch my bladder. Cystitis like symptoms, sweats etc. Just feel awful. Know that it probably is atrophy but can't use vagifem because of the side effects. Just want to get better. Has anyone found a solution without using oestrogen? I am already on HRT. Can't go on like this.
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Chick 1 a week is useless you may as well not use it at all
GO back to GP if you cant use it or to scared to use Vagifem
There are others Ovestin Orthogynest maybe theyd be better for you but HONEST 1 a week is as useless
AS a chocky tea pot its pointless xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Make an appt with GP have a god chat.
As for Thrush somnladies get it you could just be prone or maybe somethings up as in Big Thrush infection
Did you google go to other sites see if other ladies have reported thrush with Vagifem Ive had one or 2!
Rose wish I could help b ut if someone had developed a natural thing for Atrphy theyd be richer than BILL GATES
Go back to GP have a good talk there maybe something none of us know thats available
What about Ovestrin or Orthogynest they are diff preparatoons xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Thanks for replying, Suzi Q. I wish that I was one of those women who can use vagifem etc. but I can't. Used one yesterday and have been on edge and unable to sleep. It makes me feel like I've taken double espressos and have a racing heart plus headache. I really wanted to talk to anyone having similar reactions because you feel like you are going mad. I have an appointment with a female doc who specializes in the menopause. I have to have blood tests done and then see her in two weeks. Meanwhile I'll just keep taking Ural and flinging any lube up my vagina that comes to hand! I just feel like moaning Minnie! This is something I didn't expect.
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First off stop URAL get Lemon Barley water its NATURAL and it works better drink 6/8 glasses daily
Second stop shoving things up your fanny ok infections can arise
Dont use soap anywhere on your body or fanny use water ONLY wash your hair in the sink
Take panadols for the pain WEar no kickers when you can and only Cotton ones daily
NO JEANS unless they are dead loose np panty liners take spare pair of knickers to work.
Go to chemist get Nilstatin over the counter thrush cream leaves canestin for dead
It also as a cream is lubricating its also great for rubbing outside the fanny as wel xxxxxxx
STOP SEX let your insides heal then go see GP as oyu say IM sorry you cant take Vagifem
BUT your not alone I did get headaches to start with not bad ones there for a couple of weeks
Racing heart could be Vagifem or fear are you anxiety? Talk to GP and also try to figure out
Did any of the symptoms happen before Vagiem and how are your nerves BIG HUGS SUZI Q xxx
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Hi Rose
hope things sort themselves out, must admit having issues and I am taking vagifem the irritation has re appeared its ugly head but not sure if its thrush as I had to start taking my antibiotics 1 x 50g nightly been back on them 6 days and started getting symptoms before vagifem I am doing the 2 week stint then down to 2 x 10mcg must admit a little anxious about dropping down but I have got to do it I had headaches initially been on it for 5 weeks now but originally not have the correct dosage specified to me it didn't work so had to start again.
I am having trouble sleeping though been awake Thursday night awake at 3.30am wide awake and again last night 2.40am had the chance to go back to sleep around 6ish as on hols but it seems to be happen loads :)
a little worried I go back to work in September :'( need to sort out sleep!!!
follow SUZI Q instructions she knows loads Lemon barley water has helped me in the past.
good luck hope you sort it, having to avoid sex is not fun especially when your body is saying yes but your common sense says NO x
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Hi Suzi Q and Chick, thanks for advice about lemon barley so will get that today. have been using Nilstain constantly since it was first suggested. Feel like an addict who goes from one chemist to another to buy the stuff as I've been using so much of it. I get dryness just inside my vagina, on the roof of it, so to speak then there is that itchy irritation when I need to wee. Wasn't anxious before and sex is hurried which is part of the problem, so no sex, thank you. I had been wondering if anyone else suffered from insomnia after using Vagifem/anything with oestrogen in it. Just feel like an idiot because I seem to be super sensitive to it. Now I know how the women who can't take HRT feel like. Without HRT it would be so much worse so thankful for small mercies. I did once read a message on this site from a woman who was suffering the same symptoms as me and that made me join the forum but never saw anything from her again. I suppose you give up if nothing can be done. Thanks again!
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Breath what your doing is magnifyng everything and making it into menopause not everything is OK xxxx
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Rose - it might be that she was better and so no longer posted.
Taz
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Rose - have you tried orthogynest pessaries? They are very gentle and they do lubricate, as they ooze out overnight. Since they contain estriol not estradiol they are less likely to produce any side effects in sensitive women. Also for all of them (vaginal oestrogen preparations) - you do need to persist for two weeks and once the tissues are plumped up, then the amount being absorbed into the system is very small.
Hurdity x