Anyone tried estrial cream?

I had TAH/BSO in Jan 2004 for ovarian cancer. I just read in the paper this morning they are looking for menopausal women for a clinical trial to try a bioidenticla estriol cream. I'm not taking any hormones since my onc says I can't, but have been reading about these "natural" hormones. I'm going to ask my onc about them on next appt (june 15), but when I saw the ad this morning I'm itching tocall. I'm suffering with night sweats, hot flashes, etc I am taking vitamon E, calcium, a mutivitamin, and eveing primrose. I have cut off most refined sugars, chocolate, alcohol and caffeine. I have nothing left to enjoy!!! Has someone tried this estriol cream? Is it safe for me (cancer)? I'd appreciate any feedback.

I am not allowed to take any hormones, and fortunatley my symptoms have been manageable. It will be intersting to see what your onc says about this cream. I refuse to give up ! and my occasional glass of red wine.

(((Maxime))) is the clinical trial for a vaginal estriol cream or a topical cream for overall menopausal symptoms? I use a vaginal estriol cream to prevent dryness. It works really well, and my DRs, including my oncologist, are all for it.

In our Resource Links directory (just click on Resources at the top of the page to get there) there are links to lots of good information about estriol and cancer risk, primarily in the breast cancer, hormone jungle and cancer-other sections. One of my favorites is in the Cancer - Other section and is called "Estrogen Mediated Cancer".

I had a lumpectomy for breast cancer earlier this year. I had had my ovaries removed 2 years ago and am on HRT (estradiol patches plus testosterone cream and vaginal estriol cream) for symptom management. I could not tolerate Tamoxifen. I'm now taking (with my oncologist's blessing) diindolymethane to help alter my estrogen metabolism to favor the less harmful forms of estrone and hopefully reduce my risk of recurrence. There are some links to good articles on diindolymethane (DIM) in Resources as well, in the breast cancer section.

Ultimately weighing the risks and benefits of using any hormone therapy is something you'll have to do with your DRs... I hope we're providing the information you need to have the conversations you'll want to have with them. Let us know what you decide, OK?

s,
-Linda

I used bioidentical estrogen for a while after my hyst for early stage ovarian cancer. Onocologists do vary in their opinion on whether estrogen use is safe after cancer - either in general or for any specific patient. And opinions change over time - my onc encouraged estrogen use at the time of my surgery, and while he is still not against it - he's of the "lowest dose, shortest time" school now - and really does encourage his patients to get off systemic estrogen. It took me about 4 months to get off estrogen without "serious" side effects (yes, I had flashes and sweats - still do - but they were not traumatic and get less frequent and milder every month).

He does allow use of vaginal estrogen products - again at low doses, but with no time limit - however these will not help your hot flashes.

You might ask about other treatments for hot flashes - many women find releif with some of the SSRI antidepressants.



Dorrie

Sisters for your replies ... I finally managed to get through to the office of the menopausal specialist conducting the clinical trial. It is for estriol gel - but I can't be considered for the trial. One of the requirements is that you be cancer free for 5 years. So, I'm back to asking my onc on my next appt (June 15) what he thinks about natural bioidentical hormones (and can I have some please). Although I must say I stopped using "aspartame" and dropped the caffeine and have been feeling a little better. Hope it continues!