Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Tina1957 on July 13, 2014, 06:18:22 PM
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Hi Ladies
Have been using Gynest Cream for nearly a week now and I am a little concerned that I seem to be getting some side effects!
I have had two silent migraines (I think you call them that) where I have had visual disturbance (aura) and also I seem to be having more hot flushes/sweats (considerably more).
Has anybody else experienced such side effects?
Tinax
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There might be a little bit more systemic absorption of oestrogen in the first couple of weeks as the initial 2 week daily dose is designed to restore the vaginal area so that little or no oestrogen is absorbed after that.
It is unlikely to cause more flushes but I am finding my flushes are much worse because of the hot, humid weather at the moment. Also your own hormones may have done a dip and this might trigger more flushes.
I haven't experienced visual disturbance using local oestrogen - again so little oestrogen is absorbed this would be unusual I think.
What stage in your meno are you? If you are peri meno then your own hormones will still be fluctuating and this can cause headaches/migraine type symptoms. If you are post meno then again I think the oestrogen your body produces takes up to 2 years to bottom out so some women only experience the really bad meno symptoms when this happens.
If I were you I'd keep going with the cream for the 2 week initial load up, then when it reduces to 2 doses per week things will settle down. I assume you have been prescribed the local oestrogen because of atrophy and/or bladder problems so it's well worth continuing if you want things to improve.
Hopefully other will be along with more advice. DG x
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Thank you so much Dancinggirl for your reply...
I am actually post-meno - 18 months since my last period and also came off HRT at this time due to severe allergy to Progesterone.
I don't normally suffer with migraines at all so just wondered about the Gynest as I do tend to be very sensitive to all medications - so perhaps it is due to the 2 week daily dose and may stop after this initial dose.
Yes I am taking this for atrophy and really do need this - tried Replens but did nothing!!
You could be right about the flushes - but they have increased from approx 4/5 a day to 14 yesterday and again today!!
Tinax
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Hi Tina1957
Sorry to hear about the migraines, especially if this is new for you? (not sure what a silent one is though)?
I would be very doubtful that the Gynest cream would cause this though as firstly - there is minimal systemic absorption - although as Dancinggirl says there can be a bit more in the first 2 weeks loading period, if your vagina is very atrophic. Secondly estriol is a very weak oestrogen itself.
I would suggest something else might have caused the symptoms you describe.
As Dancinggirl says your oestrogen levels fall for around 2 tears or so following the last period so this may well lead to an increase in menopausal symptoms, and for some women vagoinal atrophy/dryness only becomes apparent at or near this point.
Yes - keep on with it if you can! Perhaps mention the migraines to your doc though if they were worrying/severe?
Hurdity x
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Hurdity, your knowledge and answers to posts never ceases to amaze me. Dont know how / where you learned all of this. But its really helpful.
Thank you.
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I did of course mean 2 years, not tears!
There are several of us on here who have read lots around the subject over several years or even weeks, including from this site and scientific papers, so we are happy to pass it on as we are all in it together!
Hurdity x