Can I take T3 while using Vagifem

[Cassandra]

Currently on 100 thyroxin plus 20 T3 - GP has prescribed Vagifem for constant urinary tract infections and insists it is safe to use forever (age 66). Chemist told me it is not and should not be used along with T3 - I had both ovaries removed but still have my womb and the Vagifem is estrogen only.

[bantam12]

Did the chemist say why ?! what on earth has T3 got to do with it ?! have used vagifem for years, my gyno said it's perfectly safe.

[Cassandra in reply to bantam12]

Thanks for your reply - chemist said one interferes with the other - don't know if the Vagifem issue is because of my age or because I still have my womb

[bantam12 in reply to Cassandra]

I was in my 50s when I was put on it, now early 60s, I still have all my bits.

[Clutter]

Cassandra,

I can't see why T3 is contraindicated but not thyroxine. You may need T4 and/or T3 dose increased.

Hypothyroidism, thyroid disease

Use estrogens, including estradiol, with caution in patients with thyroid disease, particularly hypothyroidism. Estrogens can increase thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) levels. Patients with normal thyroid function can compensate for the increased TBG by making more thyroid hormone, thus maintaining free T4 and T3 serum concentrations in the normal range. Patients dependent on thyroid hormone replacement therapy who are also receiving estrogens may require increased doses of their thyroid replacement therapy. These patients should have their thyroid function monitored in order to maintain their free thyroid hormone levels in an acceptable range.

pdr.net/drug-summary/Vagife...

Vagifem is a HRT and HRT is not usually prescribed forever.

[bantam12 in reply to Clutter]

Vagifem is a very low dose and as it's topical it is now regarded as safe to use long term as absorption is not an issue.

[Cassandra]

Thanks for the replies - meant to ask are you on 10 or 25 dosage and how often you use it - I am now using twice weekly 10 dosage and GP said she would increase if needed.

Another concern I have is that Vagifem leaflet said to use until symptoms settle - surely drug firms would be encouraging us to use forever if it is 100% safe. Sorry for so much negativity but I just have concerns with the safety issues.

[bantam12 in reply to Cassandra]

I use 10,s as and when I feel I need it, sometimes only once every few weeks or longer. In my experience symptoms won't resolve entirely as it's an ongoing problem but as things settle you won't need to use it as often. I've been on hrt in different forms for probably about 20 years, hasn't caused me any problems at all.

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to Cassandra]

I used 2 day a for 2 weeks (probably 10 but can't remember as it was years ago) to cure vaginal atrophy. After the two weeks, the other bioidential hormones were sufficient. Vagifem is bioidentical - not horse pee. I needed all hormones not just oestradiol and so, probably, do you.

[Angel_of_the_North]

I did. But I only needed Vagifem for 2 weeks. I now have sub-lingual bioidentical hormones which I take as near to 4 hours away from T3 as I can. Doesn't always work as they take about 30-45 mins to dissolve.

[bantam12]

Angel what are the sub lingual ones you take ? and do they keep the atrophy symptoms away ?

[Mobo013]

You should not suffer from urinary infections if you take a small glass of cranberry juice twice a day. Have recommended this to many many people (male and female) and it works for all of us. Good Luck to you.

[Pmb57]

Snap Cassandra! I too have been prescribed Vagifem for reoccurent UTI's. I have 10micrograms doses & have been told to use every day for 2 weeks to start off with & then drop to twice a week.

I have mixed feelings about cranberry juice Mobo013. This was covered on the BBC program Trust Me I'm a Doctor. The conclusion was they couldn't prove cranberry worked & the sugar added to the juice was more harmful! However having said that my late Mother in law suffered with UTI's and once she started on cranberry juice drink didn't get any! Maybe the science is just too subtle for the scientists!