Vaginal Dryness

I had a total hysterectomy a couple months ago because of endometrial cancer. I've gotten back to my life at work and the gym, but I still have one big problem. My vagina is so dry that it's driving me crazy. I've been using Replens every other day and that helps a little, but not enough. I can't take estrogen because of the cancer risk. I don't have an appointment with my doctor until next month, so I was wondering if any of you on the cancer forum had any suggestions. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Saridah3

Please talk to your oncologist. I also had endometrial cancer but was having severe vaginal dryness and the starting of atrophy. Both my gyn-onc and the uro-gyn he had referred me to were okay with vaginal estrogen. I use Estrace for about 2 weeks I used it daily and now only use a 1/2 gram 2 to 3 times a week. My gyn-onc would have preferred if I could have stayed away from it for a couple of years but he understood the quality of life issues.

I know some try things like vitamin E. I hope you find something that helps you.



G.

Saridah:
I know exactly how you feel. I begged my gyn/onc for something besides Replens. At the 1 yr. mark, he said maybe in 6 months.
Well, my appt was actually at 19 months post surgery, and the atrophy had gotten so bad, he finally gave me Premarin Vaginal Cream.
This last pap came up with abnormal cells, (the first one ever in my life that was bad) so that made his decision for him. He needs to find out if it is just atrophy or if there is a beginning of a vaginal recurrence.
I had constant itching down there, and felt like I had to urinate when I didn't. I never got a UTI to my knowledge, but I have heard of them being common post surgery. By the way, it has only been a few months, and things feel much better.
Best to you.

Thank you Taurus for the advice. I have an appointment next month with my GYN and I'll see what he says.

Pattie, I see you don't sleep much either by the time you posted your response. Excuse my ignorance, but what is is vaginal atrophy. Is it something you are aware of only during sex or is it the reason I feel that I have a tennis ball stuck in my vagina at different times during the day?

Saridah:
I get up at 3 AM cause I have to be at work at 4 AM... Vaginal atrophy is when the tissues lose their suppleness (caused by lack of estrogen)
From what I understand, when they get like that, they also tear easily, which is why sex is sometimes painful for older women. Estogen does a lot for us, and when we lose it, lots of things happen... My cholesterol jumped over 50 points about a year after surgery... It was always normal prior to the hysterectomy.
I don't remember a tennis ball feeling, but the itching feeling is there a lot and sometimes it even goes into spasm mode.
You are still probably healing inside...

Hi Saridah
Definitely talk with your gyn/onc. Mine prescribed premarin but only after almost two years had passed; thankfully I had not had a severe case of dryness. Later I was able to stop using the premarin completely. As I am quite a bit overweight, as best I understand it, fat cells produce estrogen and I guess that's what happened.
Good luck and pls let us know how it goes.

You might ask your DR about Vagifem, it is a small tablet that is inserted into the vagina. My ONC/GYN said they could use me in the textbooks for vaginal atrophy, but the Vagifem really helped. It is estrogen but stays locally in the vagina. I used it everyday for the first 2 weeks and now 3 times a week.
Jean

Thanks everyone. I made an appointment with my GYN for the middle of December. I'll be getting my first pap smear post-op and I'm a little nervous. I'm very annoyed with my pre-op doctor for not warning me about all the side effects I would experience after my hysterectomy. He was so clinical with all his information. I know getting rid of the cancer was the first priority, but I'm still a woman and the quality of my life is important too. I thought I was well informed, but I had never heard of vaginal atrophy. I must have it big time! I'm switching GYNs and now my appointment is with a new female doctor. Maybe she'll be more sensitive to my needs.

My libido is fine, but sex is a little painful due to the dryness. I use Replens and lubricants and it only helps a little.

I'm going to copy everyone's posts and take them with me to my appointment. All of you have been very helpful!

Saridah:
I really hope you get some relief... It is such a pain, literally , to have to deal with the hyst. and then all of the side effects. I have said, many times, I don't know what I would do without this site. These women have seen , been thru, experienced almost anything you will come across and have excellent suggestions.
Let us know how it goes.

I also had cancer, and am having similar problems. I had an gyn onc perform my surgery, but I'm going to my regular gyn for my 3 month check ups. (He's the one who found the cancer) At first my MD said no hormones, but after some research and consulting with several oncologists he thought the Estring would be OK.
Anyways I thought I would try it, and it's working great for the dryness problem.