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[Lou62]

Hello , please can someone help . I had a total hysterectomy 10 years ago due to a large borderline tumor . I was instantly thrown into surgical menopause which was and still is brutal to say the least . Due to the type of tumor I had I wasn’t allowed HRT of any kind, but now after so many repeat UTI,s and other problems my GP has prescribed Estriol 1% , I’m hoping this will help but I’m worried about hormones and the safety aspects, I’m desperate for help , walking around in so much pain down below constantly is so depressing and brings me down so much, all I want to do is stay in bed , life is miserable right now . Any reassurance from anyone who’s been in a similar situation would help me so much. Thank you x

[Dotty]

Hi the oestrogen content in the cream is minuscule, but it works wonders. I’ve just started the same cream two weeks ago.

[pepperminty]

Hi,

UTI's are horrible, it must be very stressful for you. 
 Google Louise Newson and cancer she has lots of pod casts and  information ref risks benefits etc

In simple terms - It is about risks and benefits and quality of life. Everything has a risk that we do - crossing the road - but compared to the benefit / need,  I am happy to take the risk. But there are other things I would not do (or take ) as the risk is too high for any benefit.

I don't know what type of tumour you had and I am not medically trained.So do ask a qualified medical professional if you are worried. If your GP has prescribed it I suspect that he feels that the risk is low and the benefit is greater.  I am not surprised you are anxious about this anyone would be. Concentrate on the fact that you could feel better down there and have a better quality of life.
Look up ways to lower anxiety, and improve your health. Do some pelvic floor relaxation, because with all that pain you will be tensing up down there.  Dr Chatterjee has a good book on health.

I hope that helps a bit.

PMxx

[Dierdre]

Estriol is very safe and used by women who have had cancer. It is such a low dosage very little goes systemic. Local estrogen used every day is equivalent to approximately 3 oral HRT tablets per year, It's a minuscule dose. Ovestin, now renamed Estriol 1mg has been around since the eighties so well tried and tested. Don't worry, just use regularly and you'll start to feel better soon. It's not a quick fix depending on how bad your atrophy is, it could take a few weeks to reverse the damage done by your lack of estrogen and a few months to feel back to normal. Most people never reduce to twice a week after the initial 2 week load so just use as needed after that and only reduce if you feel you can without getting discomfort again.

[bombsh3ll]

You have nothing to worry about whatsoever from using vaginal estriol.

Even people with current breast cancer use it.

However from an overall health point of view I would also consult a menopause specialist regarding the individual risks Vs benefits of systemic hormone therapy.

Your cancer is now long behind you and knowledge around the safety of hormone therapy has evolved significantly in the last 10 years. You at least deserve an individualised conversation about this, and to make an informed decision yourself rather than being told what you are "allowed".

[Lou62]

Thank you all for your advice , it means a lot and is reassuring. I will go ahead with the treatment as living with these symptoms all the time is exhausting and very stressful. You’ve all helped me so much. At the time of my surgery I was told I would never be allowed any form of HRT but now 10 years later and 10 years of misery things have changed . Having all your reproductive organs and cervix removed is totally brutal and barbaric, I’m grateful it saved my life but honestly I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, it hit me instantly and still does , let’s never underestimate the power of oestrogen as without it it’s damm tough . Thank you everyone for all your kind words and informative help x