Vagifem and pelvic pain/stomach pain

I've been on vagifem for 4 weeks for atrophic vaginitis. I thought it was helping at first, but this past week I've had bad pelvic pain and upset stomach. My hysterectomy was for endometriosis. The burning is still very painful despite being on the vagifem for 4 weeks, and I'm have sharp pains and aching in my pelvic region. Also, seem to have to pee all the time, but can't really pee. Saw the doctor today and she prescribed a gel for the burning pain, but didn't have any explanation for the pelvic pain. I'm losing it, every time I think I'm going to feel ok, I seem to get worse. I really don't know how much longer I can take this. If anyone has advice or experience with vagifem, how long it takes to work, and side effects I would really appreciate hearing from you.

I couldnt tolerate vagifem either, extreme stomach pain and leg pain..stopped it and it went away...it does get absorbed into your
bloodstream

Thank you for answering. Did you find something to help with the dryness?

The only thing Ive been using is a natural cream by Thursday Plantation called "Vaginol Tea tree cream" ..it has tea tree oil in it which helps with yeast, and its very cooling..i use this around 3-4 times a day.

Thank you very much. You've made me feel much less alone.

Do you ladies think it is the estrogen itself that flared you up, or maybe something in Vagifem in particular? I know there are other forms of vaginal estrogens like the estrace creams or estriol cream. I'm just wondering if vaginal estrogen itself can be an irritant ...or perhaps even estrogen in any form may not be "liked" by some women. I'm very sensitive in the vaginal tissues and have been using the creams (estrace/estriol). Still feel a lot of burning and discomfort there... maybe I should go without as well.??

I think it may be estrogen, because when I first started taking the vagifem I didn't have so much pain. I thought I was feeling better, in terms of dryness, but the last two weeks have been very difficult. I feel like it brought my dormant endo alive. I've had similar pain to what I had before the Hysterectomy, plus just lots of pelvic pain. The buring in the vagina is still there, but not as bad. Also, I've always had wicked hot flashes, and they seem to have lessened. Not sure, just a gut feeling the estrogen got into my system outside of the vagina. I had a lap this summer for pain, and they had found that the endo has returned, despite the no ovaries and no HRT. If anyone has thoughts on that or similar experience I'd love to hear. Thank you.

Liz it does make sense that if there is any condition that is fueled by estrogen - that even with a vaginal delivery - the estrogen could cause a flare. I would bet the endo might be at the core of this. I have researched vaginal delivery systems and absorption and you are right - there is systemic effects. I think I posted the abstract about this "new research" somewhere on the hormone boards here --- so I think your gut is correct!

That is great information. It really does feel like the endo. I know my doctor doesn't believe it (she is new to me), and I will do all the tests she wants, but I am going to ask her to acknowledge the fact that my previous doctor removed endo 17 months after the hysterectomoy, and please consider the possibility as we move forward, that it has come back again.

I just read your old post, and my hot flashes, which are brutal, did decrease after 3 weeks on vagifem. I stopped the vagifem one week ago, i hope in another week I'll feel some improvement from the pain. I know the doctors want to help with the atrophy, which stinks in itself, I just want you all to know that it is possible it could impact the endo, and to keep it in mind if you go horribly down hill like I did.