Vaginal Atrophy but can't use HRT due to breast cancer

[hellohellosailor]

Hi all
I think I am suffering with vaginal atrophy and this is not ideal with a new partner who I fancy the pants off! The desire was there but the pain was so bad we didn't manage penetration despite using lots of lube.
I am 53 and I'm a breast cancer survivor so HRT is not an option. Has anyone managed to resolve this without hormonal replacement?

Owch, you poor thing.
Have you found the Menopausal Not Mad website? The woman who runs it specialises in hrt research and advice, maybe you've exhausted this avenue, but with more research you might find that topical oestrogen might be an option.

@hellohellosailor Vaginal estrogen is okay to use for women who have had BC. There have been several posters here like you recently who have been given it and menopause specialists say it's fine. It's not absorbed into the body.

Suggest you look at the website of Dr Louise Newson. Go to the Resources part of the menu and there are loads of fact sheets and podcasts etc.

There are also menopause specialists who would allow you to use certain types of full HRT - it's no longer a complete no-no for women after cancer.

Hi OP yes that’s my situation too. Strongly oestrogen positive breast cancer 5 years ago. I’m debating the vaginal topical oestrogen, but in the meantime after a lot of research I’m using a vaginal moisturiser and lubricant that is suitable for V atrophy and cancer survivors. It’s called “Yes” I will post a picture. The moisturiser is Yes VM, the lubricant is Yes WB. Sooo much better than any other product I’ve tried!

@hellohellosailor Page 10 of this booklet is helpful.

d2931px9t312xa.cloudfront.net/menopausedoctor/files/information/601/Been%20through%20breast%20cancer%20(with%20links).pdf

I'm in exactly the same position. 7 years since diagnosis. My oncologist is strongly against vaginal oestrogen but I'm really going to have to think about the risk/benefit. I'm only 43 so not ready to give up sex yet (and neither is DH!)

@JinglingHellsBells , that is incredibly useful, thank you. I've been thinking about this for ages and now I'm armed!!

Also VagiFem pessaries on prescription.
Hormones not absorbed by the body but acting locally on the area.

As others say upthread, Dr Newson - there is a FB page too

@weebarra

I'm in exactly the same position. 7 years since diagnosis. My oncologist is strongly against vaginal oestrogen but I'm really going to have to think about the risk/benefit. I'm only 43 so not ready to give up sex yet (and neither is DH!)

With all due respect to your specialist they are unlikely to be a specialist in hrt too. Not sure they are always very good at saying they to patients...

@JinglingHellsBells another very big thank you for posting the fact sheet.

Problem is that the menopause clinic defer to the oncologist!

@weebarra

Problem is that the menopause clinic defer to the oncologist!

@weebarra You don't have to go through an NHS menopause clinic and if you do, the one at the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital is the best. Your other option is to see a menopause specialist privately. They are more experienced in HRT and how its absorbed than oncologists. (many have spent their lives researching it and treating women.)

If you have the time to search, there is a good interview with Nick Panay on the website Liz Earle Wellbeing. You will need to scroll through all her podcasts - it's an hour long and very useful.

I second using 'YES' products. I'm also a BC survivor the best lubricant out there.

That booklet is great @JinglingHellsBells wish I’d been given that 5 years ago.

Thank you everyone, so much information to read and absorb