Uterous Lining

I had a lumpectomy and chemo for breast cancer in 2008.  I am all clear and back to my normal life.  I am 56 years old, post menopause, but have been told the lining in my vagina is thin from the chemo.  It is extremely painful to attempt intercourse.  I have tried jells, but they seem to sting and add to the discomfort.  Are there jells that might be better than others for this?  Please tell me the best brand to use. Is my lining ever going to thicken?  

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi,

In addition to the side effects of chemo, since you are postmenopausal, you may be experiencing vaginal thinning or vaginal atrophy associated with the reduction of estrogen that results from menopause. This can cause irritation, pain, or even vulvar or vaginal tearing when attempting intercourse.

This is certainly an important issue, and one which severely impacts the quality of life of many women, including BC survivors!

Although we do not yet have data on the safety, for  ER+ BC survivors, of the  use of locally (vaginally) applied estrogen products, two, Vagifem and Estring, provide very low doses of estrogen. Estring, for example, releases over 90 days  an amount equivalent to taking oral estrogen for just 2 days, and Vagifem, aready a very low dose estrogen product,  is now available in a 10 mcg dose, as well as the original  20 mcg dose. (Both of these are reported  to be preferrable to  a similar third product, Estrace.) These products also appear to have a very, very low level of systemic absorption.

Due to these factors, oncologists are becoming more comfortable having women who have had BC use these preparations. You might want to discuss this issue with your oncologist.

Meanwhile, a clinical trial  using Vagifen 10 mcg in women with BC is currently under way, and use of Estring is also being  researched.

Finally,since you have had problems with  gel type lubricants, I would highly recommend trying Pjur Original Bodyglide, which is recommended by many GYNs. Although it works as both a moisturizer and a lubricant, it is oil-free, water-free, and fragrance-free, and not at all sticky or gooey. It contains Dimethicone, somewhat similar to the spray lubricant for treadmills :-) and is safe to use with latex condoms. It can be used for massages as well. Another product, which is very similar in consistency to natural vaginal secretions, is Miracle of Aloe's "Perfect Match."

Best wishes for obtaining improvement in regard to this very common concern...

bluebutterfly

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi,

In addition to the side effects of chemo, since you are postmenopausal, you may be experiencing vaginal thinning or vaginal atrophy associated with the reduction of estrogen that results from menopause. This can cause irritation, pain, or even vulvar or vaginal tearing when attempting intercourse.

This is certainly an important issue, and one which severely impacts the quality of life of many women, including BC survivors!

Although we do not yet have data on the safety, for  ER+ BC survivors, of the  use of locally (vaginally) applied estrogen products, two, Vagifem and Estring, provide very low doses of estrogen. Estring, for example, releases over 90 days  an amount equivalent to taking oral estrogen for just 2 days, and Vagifem, aready a very low dose estrogen product,  is now available in a 10 mcg dose, as well as the original  20 mcg dose. (Both of these are reported  to be preferrable to  a similar third product, Estrace.) These products also appear to have a very, very low level of systemic absorption.

Due to these factors, oncologists are becoming more comfortable having women who have had BC use these preparations. You might want to discuss this issue with your oncologist.

Meanwhile, a clinical trial  using Vagifen 10 mcg in women with BC is currently under way, and use of Estring is also being  researched.

Finally,since you have had problems with  gel type lubricants, I would highly recommend trying Pjur Original Bodyglide, which is recommended by many GYNs. Although it works as both a moisturizer and a lubricant, it is oil-free, water-free, and fragrance-free, and not at all sticky or gooey. It contains Dimethicone, somewhat similar to the spray lubricant for treadmills :-) and is safe to use with latex condoms. It can be used for massages as well. Another product, which is very similar in consistency to natural vaginal secretions, is Miracle of Aloe's "Perfect Match."

Best wishes for obtaining improvement in regard to this very common concern...

bluebutterfly