Vaginal atrophy and dryness

[Kenka]

Hi everyone, I've been prescribed Estriol which is a hormone for vaginal atrophy and dryness after pelvic radiotherapy 9 years ago. Does anyone have a suggestion for an alternative cream or pessary please as I don't want to use a hormonal solution especially after reading the side effects? Thank you

[TeddyBr]

Hi there, yes, I was diagnosed many years ago with the same, I chose not to use this too, its subjective isn't it. I use products from the 'YES' company, recognised by gynaecologists too. I think the website is yesyesyes.org have a look through and you certainly won't regret it. Good luck.

[Kenka in reply to TeddyBr]

Hi TeddyBr, thank you for replying to me I do use YES and it does help the dryness doesn't it. The gynaecologist said the estriol hormone would work in a different way by repairing the skin, so they work together but I woner if there is a non hormone alternative to estriol?

[Nessie50]

hi, I too used Yes after radiation but have determinate d so much and experiencing urethral soreness. Was told not to take estriol initially but specialist has agreed I need help and now using once a week , it has improved my symptoms and I will have a break after 3 months, I do think it’s worth giving it a go short term.

[AuntieH]

I wonder if organic vitamin e oil would work for that? Use an eyedropper to put some on your finger and insert into the vagina.

[Kenka in reply to AuntieH]

Thanks for the suggestion I bought some now and hope it works

[Nursepb]

I buy Vit E suppositories from Amazon. Cheap and it works .

[Kenka in reply to Nursepb]

I've bought some now so thanks and it will be good to see if they renew the radiated skin

[ebclarkey]

I was also prescribed this but stopped using it after about 4 months as I was constantly getting water infections. My ‘spotting’ has almost stopped on its own now - 2 years on- as my menopause is finally coming to the end. Until then though I just persevered with the bleeding.

[Kenka]

Thanl you for all the helpful replies. Shall try the Vitamin E and let you know along with YES. It would be really great if there was also a cream that renewed the area after radiation treatment. Has anyone tried Mona Lisa laser the gynaecologist mentioned it then said it's very expensive- I don't know how much?

[Blima45]

I personally have not used any of the things the ladies here have suggested… but in my research, I had come across the use of hyaluronic acid which is supposed to be an internal moisturizer… there are varying types- I think I read about a high molecular density type…it’s definitely used in face products for better skin… a brand that keeps getting mentioned is donotage.

[Kenka in reply to Blima45]

I use this on my face and sure it renews skin, will take a look at donotage thank you x

[MissStar]

Try raw local honey! Its natural and totally safe, the beneficial bacteria in your vagina love it. Use neat, or mix with food grade coconut oil - I use a 1 - 3 ratio - its a wonder-balm! just insert with finger tip into vagina. Improves your bacterial flora which in turns helps with atrophy - its improved my vulval skin too - bonus! Use once a day - before bed or first thing in the morning. It's inexpensive, and you will know exactly what you are using, no weird ingredients.

[Kenka in reply to MissStar]

When the honey is ready I shall try this, I buy local honey from a neighbour she keeps bees. The coconut oil I was also recommended by acupuncturist friend, it's very soothing and like you say- you know what you're putting in your body. Thanks

[SouthernSally]

You can also make your own suppositories with coconut oil and CBD. I found a company that blends them, over the counter and no prescription. I f you're interested I can find it. I then purchased a plastic mold with bullet shapes, melted the oil, filled the mold, and froze it.

If you were prescribed estradiol cream, ask your doctor about side effects. I believe creams are usually absorbed locally as opposed to systemically. It may, or may not be an issue.

[Kenka in reply to SouthernSally]

Yes please I would be very interested to know the company that blends. I was told the creams only affect the blood stream in the pelvic area when I asked which I find confusing as blood continues round the body? Will have to find out more. Thank you

[SouthernSally in reply to Kenka]

The coconut oil/CBD is from Lazarus Naturals, which is not prescription. There are various prescription creams or suppositories usually needing blending by a compound pharmacy. An online company is usually cheaper than a local pharmacy that might compound. I’ve ordered from CareFirst Specialty Pharmacy in New Jersey.

[SouthernSally in reply to SouthernSally]

oops I realized you’re in the UK so I don’t know how compound meds work there.

[Kenka in reply to SouthernSally]

Not heard of them here, shall look into it...thank you though

[Lurcher-lady]

I use aloe vera gel, it’s equally as good as estriol and has the same effect.

[Kenka in reply to Lurcher-lady]

Thank you I'll try it, I think some of the YES products contain aloe vera.

[Lurcher-lady in reply to Kenka]

No, just be sure it’s pure aloe Vera and not mixed with lots of chemicals

[SouthernSally in reply to Lurcher-lady]

Is there a particular brand you use? Thanks.

[SouthernSally]

In another thread the prescription cream Intrarosa was mentioned. Non hermonal. I’m going to ask my gyno about it. I also use an OTC soothing balm called VMagic. You can purchase through Medicine Mamas Apothecary or Amazon.

[M33R4]

I tried the Yes cream - it's no more better than using cold pressed coconut oil. Also there is too much in the ampoule so you only need to use a little at at time.

[Kenka in reply to M33R4]

The coconut oil is very effective and gynaecologist said it also has antibacterial properties so is good for splits in the skin

[M33R4 in reply to Kenka]

I pour the melted coconut into a silicone mould that creates pencil size coconut sticks. You can buy those moulds from places like Amazon. You can even add a drop of tea tree oil or pure Vit E for added benefit.

[M33R4]

Are you reluctant to use hormone because you had cancer caused by hormones in the past Kenka? Only asking as the hormone creams on prescription are very good at sorting issues like you have even if you used it briefly, but provided you've not had hormone-related cancer in the past or if it runs in your family.

[Kenka in reply to M33R4]

I did have cancer but not hormone related M33R4. Do you know if these creams heal and renew the skin? The cancer treatment I had was so intense I'm told my body is now 'scared'

[M33R4 in reply to Kenka]

I would advise you to try cold pressed coconut oil - see my post above. Make your own. Will cost you pennies and be lots more effective. Tea Tree will help heal your skin issues too. Vit E is also totally beneficial and not harmful. Best wishes friend.

[Kenka in reply to M33R4]

You buy the vitamin e in oil form and mix with the cold pressed coconut oil pour in a mould...sounds good I'll look into doing that, have also started a homeopathic blend of tissue healing

[Meze]

I use the Estriol as was recommended it by 2 surgeons after several operations which caused adhesions.

I also use coconut oil for dryness which works.

Take care Sarah xx