estrogen creams
 

I was dx three years ago at age 45. I have tried every lubricant under the sun and and am suffering with vaginal atrophy. I finally mentioned it to my onc at my last visit and he really surprised me with his recommendation of a vaginal cream. Being er+/pr+ I am very hesitant to use it.

What are your thoughts? What about estring and vagifem?

I use estring for quality of life reasons. My gyno and onc okayed it.

Karen

What a delima
 

I also am suffering with vaginal atrophy and have tried several different lubricants to no relief. My gyn recommended the Estring to me several years ago but when my onc at Moffitt checked on it she thought it might not be a good idea. She had a patient on it and it turned out it was relieveing her hot flashes, meaning it does have estrogen benefit, but unfortunately might not be good for a cancer patient. Needless to say, I did not try it since I got a little nervous about it.

GEEEE what else do we have to go through....

Any other ideas anyone?

I just saw my oncologyst this past week. I talked to her about the problems I was having. I have tried everything also, Replens, etc. I asked her about the estring, as I had been reading about it. I am er-pr-. She said to go ahead and see my gyn and get it. That the estrogen in your vagina does not infiltrate to the rest of your body. I am not sure I am saying that correctly. My brain is not working right today. Still trying to get adjusted to the Neurontin. Haven't got the estring yet. Hopefully will be able to get an appointment in a couple of weeks. I am scheduled for a brain MRI on the 5th.

Take care everyone. I love and pray for each of you. Maybe not by name, but God knows.

Love and Hugs,
Linda
S. Mississippi

Please keep this post going. Atrophy is what I have. My husband and I just keep waiting. Need to talk to my doctors. Still on Herceptin. It has been 8 months since we tried to have a little fun. Oh well, we hope to figure something out, someday. Is this TMI?

Catherine

Just prior to this last episode of IDC, I was using Premarin vaginal cream sparingly. It worked WONDERS!!! My former oncologist and gyn felt it was safe to do so with the small amt of cream used and the benefits for me and my husband. I was really uncomforatable with sexual relations prior to the cream. Then I had this last episode of IDC and since my tumor was ER+, my oncologist recommends I stay away from all forms of estrogen supplements. He has suggested I consult my gyn and look at nonhormonal options such as Replens, astroglide, or testosterone cream. I have not consulted my gyn yet about this.

I don't know if it was coincidental, but it was after using the premarin vaginal cream for 2 - 3 months did I discover the calcifications on my mammogram which turned out to be positive for bc.

Hi, good topic and timely for me. I'm ERPR negative, was perimenopausal at diagnosis and post menopausal after treatment, I assume (no uterus so no periods). About two years after treatment, in desperation after trying all the other options, I began using an Estring. The research that I did on it at that time showed that when one first began using it, there was a small measurable rise in systemic estrogen, but that it caused the least rise compared to the other options (cream, vagifem which is a suppository). Also, after the initial surge, as the tissue became more normal and apparently did not suck up the estrogen so thirstily, levels returned to unmeasurable systemically. Initially, for me, the Estring made a marginal difference - just enough to make things do-able, with lots of moisturizer/lubricant support. But over time (almost four years), the pain worsened and we pretty much gave up.

This year, six years out, as it becomes clear that perhaps I do have a longer term future to consider (age 55), I decided that we didn't really want to spend the rest of our lives without sex. I went to my gynecologist who prescribed estrace vaginal cream. It took a few weeks but what an incredible difference.

I don't think they've done more than measure blood levels r/t use of vaginal estrogen preparations. I have not found anything that looks at survival or disease free survival in women post diagnosis, r/t use of vaginal estrogens, nor to ERPR positivity and same. This information is just not known. What it comes down to is each individual woman must weigh the potential risks against the benefit, make her own decision, and trust that it's right, for her. Maybe someday there will be more clear answers to help us make these decisions, but right now - no one knows.

There's also the question of using vaginal estrogen while on Tamoxifen or an AI. Would that render it systemically safe yet still allow enough local action to make a difference?

Susan Love has always intrigued me with her talk of estrogen being made in the breast itself, thus rendering almost moot any small increase in systemic estrogen. The HRT studies hint at that, when they show much less (or perhaps no) increase in risk when only estrogen is used (as opposed to cyclical estrogen/progesterone - it could have more to do with the fluctuation than the small overall increase systemically).

Susan Love said that this theory could explain why hormonal treatment made such a big difference (it limits hormonal action in the breast tissue) while adding estrogen with HRT makes such a small difference in the other direction. HRT raises systemic estrogen but if levels in the breast are already very high, HRT is a mere drop in that local bucket. I'm not a big fan of MAMM magazine but they do have an interesting interview with Susan Love in their latest issue. http://tinyurl.com/25om9c FORTY times higher hormone levels in the breast? I wonder if that's true for both pre and post menopausal women? (note the misquote about mammograms decreasing breast cancer by 30% - surely what she really said was that they may decrease breast cancer DEATH - last time I looked, mammograms were not preventative).

Enough!
Debbie L.

Very interesting information Debbie.
I think what the decision boils down to, like with so many other issues, is determining the relative risk vs benefits for the quality of life/relationships.

This is very good topic especially for the women with ER+ breast cancer. Unfortunately vaginal dryness and atrophy are undesirable effects of not having estrogen. There is NOTHING wrong with trying to seek out solutions to save your sex life!!!!

Here ye, Here ye. I think I miss my sex life more than my husband does. I am going to research Debbie's information.

Thanks for the informative and honest posts (as always)

Catherine

Catherine I am glad to hear that you are going to do some research and seek solutions. I wish you the best of luck.

Jennifer

I am also using Estring. My breast surgeon recommended it to me and both the onc and gyno approved it. It seemed to make a big difference initially, but it has felt less effective lately, so it is interesting hearing Debbie's experience with it. I have been on it about 9 mos now. For me it was so bad that even wiping would cause me to bleed so I needed to do something! As far as sex goes, I still rely on also using lubricants but it is doable and even enjoyable, whereas before it was literally impossible. I think the hard part for me was that it seemed to really affect my husband as well. He did not want to hurt me and between recovery from surgeries, being sick through chemo and healing from radiation burns he just felt every where he went he hurt me, so when the vaginal atrophy became apparent as well I thought our sex life was over - really over. I was concerned with the warnings but with all the docs telling me it was ok even after we discussed the risks, it really became a QOL decision for me. I hope you find something that works well for you too.

Hugs,
Patricia

I have a friend who will be going for a consultation at this facility called Sklar Center for Women's Wellness in Southern California. Web site is: sklarcenter.com
It is a team composed of a physician (Dr. Susan Sklar), therapist, psychologist, etc that deal with nothing but women's concerns such as menopause, sexual issues, cancer sexual issues plus other issues I don't quite remember.
My friend is only 34 yrs old and has been thrown into "chemo-menopause" and is looking for advice and recommendations. Her oncologist has recommended this center for her.

Does everyone get this? I had my ooph last year and am on Arimidex and so far no dryness or vaginal atrophy signs at all. Should I relax or is just a question of time, ie when will I get it??

I am using the estring too. I am not that much ER+ and PR-. After the ooph and Arimidex, besides the vaginal atrophy and dryness, I had never ending bladder infections. My onc and surgeon were gun ho for the estring (which I am using now) but my gyne preferred the premarin cream. I opted for the estring due to lack of messiness.

For me this thread is extremely timely. I am nearing 5 months on the estring and the first estring (for those that don't know - they last 90 days), it was like a miracle. I wanted to call my onc St. Myron but it is not as effective as before. Until I read this thread, I thought I might have gotten a "bum" ring but now I don't think so. If it keeps up this way, maybe I will switch to the messier cream if it works better. However, my onc did say that the estring is the only "allowed" vaginal product to use if you are in clinical trials. Also, it is the only featured product in conferences for oncs on quality of life issues/topics. It is very safe (according to them).

I did have my estrogens measured before insertion (I asked to have this done) and I got them measured again after 2 months and got the exact same readings. This greatly reassured me. I am just a bit concerned as it doesn't seem as effective. I did have my "yearly" with the gyne and he said my vagina looked nice and healthy with lots of adult cells sloughing off and it was not that way before (as I was going there with the UTIs and some vaginal soreness/infections due to atrophy).

Oh well - at least no UTIs and that is a huge blessing.

OK, the latest. I spoke to my onc today and he said he prescribed estrogen cream ONLY for those who had tried EVERYTHING else because we just don't know how much is absorbed. He also said if I wanted to use the estrogen cream, I'd have to stay on tamoxifen and not switch to an AI, which actually makes sense given the estrogen absorption. But what about the crosstalk with her2??? Aaaarrgghh!

So I have vaginal atrophy, but I also ache in my bladder area. I asked for a consult to urology due to my constant "urinary tract infections" which don't always show up as such, but sure feel like one. Sometimes they are related to sex, sometimes they are not.

I'm a mess right now. I just hurt. Does this ever end? Will the premarin cream relieve me of all this?

Interesting reading
 

Has anyone read Dr Christiane Northrup's book titled THE WISDOM OF MENOPAUSE? Starting with perimenopause through menopause she focuses on HRT synthetic vs bioidentical,, food supplements, the mind body connection and much much more. She caught my attention on a PBS station, so I bought the book I have only just started reading it but what is interesting is that she supports her information from her experiences, both as a DR and a woman and through extensive research siting specific studies. Its just not for sisters with cancer, but for all women reaching "this new age". I hope you find it as interesting as I am.
Melinda

I have that book, The Wisdom of Menopause by Christiane Northrup, MD. I think it is has very good information and is very comprehensive.

For me the Premarin cream helped significantly reduce the uncomforatble symptoms.

I was dx with VA about 2 months before I was dx with BC. Needless to say, the VA treatment was put on hold. When I had my annual gyn exam this year, the vaginal opening had narrowed to the point that the doctor did not think she could collect enough cells for a pap smear (she did, thank goodness!) She told me to try moisturizers and "stimulation" to promote blood flow and get the tissues healthy. Needless to say, when one is on an AI, it is going to take more than that. I was frank with my onc at my last appointment, told him this was a huge qol issue for me and that I wanted to do some kind of ER therapy, although I am ER+ PR+. He agreed. I saw my gyn yesterday, and we discussed options. She is willing to let me try Estrace cream, BUT, I need to get stuck every week for the first month to monitor blood levels of ER (definitely the worst part of the deal). She told me to start slowly with just a daub on the area that is most affected 2-3 times per week, and we will work up from there. Her comments echoed what others have posted here, in that the most ER deprived tissue will absorb all the ER until it becomes healthier, thus, the reason to begin slowly and work up. She said once I became "re-epitheliaized," we could consider adding other drugs (I asked about viagra to increase blood flow) to get me stabalized and keep the tissues healty.

I think it is up to all of us to "re-claim" both our bodies and our lives after treatment for this disease. We are human beings, after all.

Hopeful

I attended an MDAnderson Living Fully With & Beyond Cancer Conference last Sept. This was a subject that was covered in one of the Breast Cancer break-out sessions. We talked pretty in depth about a few things to do to recover from atrophy and loss of sensation. Here's what I learned, but have yet to fully implement... but I plan to.

First, one thing my Gyn told me early on was to "continue to have sex after chemo induced menopause, even when you don't feel like it" - my partner was thrilled to hear her say this and he asked if she could write a prescription stating that. LOL. She said that continuing sex would be the best way to keep the vagina in shape and avoid atrophy. Well, that didn't happen in my world, as I am sure it doesn't happen in the lives of many of us.

I also learned... get this...I did not know this...that Taxol can also cause numbness and neuropathy not only in the hands and feet, but guess where else? Boy was I happy to learn that and know that it should self correct for the most part once I was done with Taxol.

So, I learned a "get back in shape plan" at the conference last year. Basically they suggested that we have to take this on as we would a training program.

First, talk to your doctor about using an estrogen cream or medication (Estrace, Estring, Premarin {which personally I don't like because of what it's made from and problems from it... google it}) Check this site for good info about using the creams: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dru...ation/DR202227
My onc does not feel that Estrace is strong enough percentage wise to have a systemic effect. Ask your doc about this before you proceed.

Second, acquire a good lubricant and a "personal massager." They suggested that using the cream and gently using the massager a couple to a few times a week in conjunction with the estrogen would slowly toughen and build back the vaginal walls, decrease pain and increase sensation. It might take several weeks or a few months to feel noticible results, but basically it is a training program for the female parts. Put yourself in training, they said. We all had a great laugh at that, but it made sense.

Third, slowly add in a "real partner" as you see fit and reap the benefits of your training...

I personally have used Estrace cream for a couple of years to stem the recurrance of UTIs and it has worked very well for me in mitigating the UTIs and restoring sensation. The UTIs were caused by dry, sensitive urinary track tissue being irritated to the point of infection by different caustic chemo drugs on their way out of the body. I also saw a urologist who echoed this and agreed with our plan.

...my oncologist said "no" to estrogen in ANY form for me...

Estrogen, more than just cream - should I start a new thread?
 

There have been some interesting articles recently about estrogen's effects on breast cancer. In JNCI, apparently there's an editorial by Don Berry and Peter Ravdin and they say (quoted from Eureka news)

" In an accompanying editorial, Donald Berry, Ph.D., and Peter Ravdin, M.D., of the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston suggest that hormone therapy itself may not cause breast cancer. Instead it could promote tumor growth while its withdrawal may slow or stop it. They add that using individual-based—in addition to population-based—data would give researchers a better picture of relationship between hormone therapy use and breast cancer."

Then Craig Allred and someone else have an article called "The Estrogen Paradox", here: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/559611 .

The first sentence of that article begins: "A randomized controlled trial published in 2006 demonstrated that postmenopausal women who underwent hormone therapy with estrogen alone for a mean of 7.1 years unexpectedly had a decreased risk of breast cancer.<SUP>[" </SUP>
<SUP></SUP>
<SUP>Go figure! They go on to say that estrogen may promote tumor cell apopotosis (death) in some instances and fuel growth in others. (I'm having trouble with font format after the copy/paste. 'Hope this is legible. Anyway, read the rest of the article. I had trouble understanding why they think this paradox is possible, but I do not doubt that they know what they're talking about and that this is at least a plausible theory to explore. </SUP>
<SUP></SUP>
<SUP>So much that we do not (yet) understand. It makes it hard to make these decisions, but I agree that this is a very large qol issue. Brenda, as for the "use-it-or-lose-it" theory, my experience is that it only makes things worse, because the tissue keeps getting damaged and doesn't heal very well. That may work for garden-variety menopausal atrophy but I don't think it's enough to combat the conditions that go with AI use, at least for some of us. I'd want to see studies of women on AI's that showed that this approach worked - and I don't think that there are any. </SUP>
<SUP></SUP>
<SUP>Debbie L.</SUP>
<SUP></SUP>
<SUP></SUP>

Debbie L.,

Here is a link to a news release from December, 2005, regarding the discovery by Fox Chase Cancer Center researchers (Philadelphia, PA) who discovered that some bc cells once fueled by estrogen can be killed by the hormone: http://www.brightsurf.com/news/headl...he_hormone.htm

I have read some papers discussing estrogen deprivation and the ability of some ER+ bc cells to adapt to extremely low ER levels via hypersensitivity. The researchers in the above article took some of those cells, re-exposed them to estrogen, and killled them by doing so.

Our hormones fluctuate throughout life; it is not practical to assume that they will not continue to do so in light of intentional manipulation via deprivation. We need additional studies and better monitoring so that our medications can be constantly adjusted, the same way diabetics constantly monitor their sugar levels or those with hypertension constantly monitor their systolic blood pressure for medication adjustment. This is not a static situation.

Back on the main topic, I saw my onc yesterday and told him about my gyn's plan. He rolled his eyes at the weekly blood draws, and told me he thought I would "do just fine." I am anxious to get started on the treatment, while I still have all this Herceptin in my system (which looks like it will still be there, in varying degree, for the next 22-26 weeks). The fact that researchers found that reintroducing estrogen after a prolonged period of estrogen absence was helpful, rather than hurtful, to some bc cells has given me more confidence about the treatment.

BTW, my gyn was also telling me when I went to see her a year ago to treat VA pre-bc to keep having sex, to promote blood flow and keep the tissues from retracting further. I have read some papers on this, and apparently, women who have more active sex lives post-meno have less VA. I am wondering if this is a chicken and egg king of thing - do they have less VA because they have more sex, or do they have more sex because they don't have VA?

Hopeful

Very useful info, Brenda, thanks so much.

I like the training program idea and will bring it up with my onc on my next visit.

As a spouse this thread has me teary-eyed. I am still so new to this that I say "all I want is for her to be around for a long time to come...nothing else matters!!!".

But I know that it does matter or at least will matter down the road; to her and to us as a couple. Ruth is 100% ER+, and will go on a ER blocker after surgery for 5 years. We've already been so preoccupied that sex has not been on our priority list at all. (on top of chemopause and peri-menopause!) But I am thinking now; we have been so proactive about some of the other side effects, with some marked success thus far, we should try to be proactive about this as well? Especially as it's not just sex but the UTI's, skin irritations, etc.

Thank-you for sharing!

PS Natural Progesterone
 

PS

This is probably not helpful for Ruth as she is also PR+, but have any of you tried natural progesterone? It can help some of the menopausal symptoms w/o the dangers of estrogen, and may actually have a positive impact on bc.
There's some good books out now re: natural progesterone supplementation.

TRS

Progesterone
 

Hi Terri

I don't think there is a better ER/PR combo than Ruth has, so that's really good.

At diagnosis in 2002 I got Dr. John Lee's books, and have read many others. I too have a high PR (95%), but I tend to see the use of progesterone and other hormones for me more along the lines of what Hope said -- that probably the most effective management will be lifelong periodic testing and lifelong balancing of any supplementation.

Even if saying this is repetitive, I think what we need most is to have an endocrinologist sitting on each one of our tumor boards, and to get their impression at least once a year for the rest of our life to see what newer info they have.

AlaskaAngel

Here is a link to some previous threads on the topic

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/sea...earchid=108907

And a previous thread on wider issues

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/sho...light=bone+dry


RB

Hopeful
 

I wanted to write this to tell everyone my experience with vaginal atrophy. I was hesitant to do this at first because I know that everyone really takes into consideration the things that I say and do. I am not 100% entirely certain of topical vaginal estrogen preparations but I did do my research - there's just not alot out there.

As many of you know, about 2 years ago I got an oophorectomy for at least 1/2 dozen reasons. A few weeks later, I started Arimidex. After about 2 months, I began experiencing UTIs and vaginal infections (both yeast and bacteria but not concurrently - I would get a bacterial from the ping pong effect of UTI/sex (or trying to)/vaginal). Antibiotics for the vaginal/bladder would cause vaginal yeast infections. I think you get the picture. I wanted to have sex and had no dryness issues but the lining was so thin that it would get damaged regardless of lack of dryness. In February, right before a well planned and alone with my husband only vacation in the Caribbean, I got another bladder infection. When I returned, I had a yeast infection again. My gyne recommended Premarin cream. 1/4 of a tube 2X per week. I started immediately. I contacted my onc (we "talk" on email) and did not hear back from him. I figured, if he said "no way" then I would stop as I only took one application. I felt the effects immediately since my vagina was so thin and damaged. My onc wanted me to use estring instead. He hadn't gotten back to me for 4 days because he was at a QOL conference where the safety of estring was discussed. I switched over. At 6 weeks we tested my estradiol level and it was the same as 6 months prior (I was in such agony I had him test it because I at least wanted to know if it was low). I am much better now. I still get yeast infections (not alot but it is a side effect of topical vaginal estrogen preparations AND I was plagued with them in my late 20's and early 30's) but I have not had a UTI since that February vacation (got a great tan though since Cipro warns to stay out of the sun and would you in that situation?!)

The estring is not perfect but even my gyne says my vagina is healthy now (since my annual pap versus all the times I went there because of infections and atrophy). I do know the risks are small but my gain is great as frequent and recurrent UTIs can cause future bladder cancer. I also had a uterine scan to make sure the estring isn't causing any problems there and all was well.

I probably should have shared this before but I wasn't sure what to really do. Have a great weekend. We are having a HUGE sweet 16 party for my daughter tomorrow night and I just finished making trays of ziti.

Love to all

Thanks Becky
 

Becky, thanks for sharing your experience. I have been researching this issue since mid week, and have found that doctors are often more comfortable with prescribing topical estrogen therapy for bc patients than patients are with doing the therapy! As you point out, it is not just a QOL issue - repeated infections and irritation can lead to worse problems down the line, or, as with me, necessary cancer screening can't be perfomed because the doctor can no longer insert a speculum. This is another risk/benefit analysis, where it is quite possible for the benefits to out weigh the risks. My gyn intends very close monitoring to start, which gives her comfort and me the confidence to start treatment. As long as we remain under active supervision by our doctors, I think there are adequate fail safes in place for those who want to try this approach.

BTW, happy birthday to your daugher! Have a blast at the party - the ziti sounds mouthwatering right about now. :)

Hopeful

Could someone tell me what UTI and QOL stand for?

"UTI" = Urinary Tract Infection

"QOL" = Quality of Life

Sorry to talk in shorthand!

Hopeful

Update
 

Shortly after my last post above in this thread, I started tx with Estrace cream for my VA. My gyn insisted on blood work every week to monitor ER levels. My baseline, before starting the cream was <50 pg/ml (the lab sets the cut off for post-menopause at 130). After the first week, the level was up to 112; in week two, it was 106. I couldn't get to the lab the third week, but did go for the fourth and fifth. I got the results of my third blood test today, and the values were back to <50, where I started. I am assuming the results of the final test I took will be the same. I see my doctor in two weeks, and will find out the next step in my tx then. I am feeling much better, noticing increased sensation and less tenderness and some improvement in elasticity. I have noticed some increase in the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, but they are VERY mild compared to what I endured when I went through menopause. Thus far, I am very pleased with the results.

Hopeful

AI's and supplemental vaginal estrogen use
 

Your results are very interesting, Hopeful, and I hope you will continue to post as you find your way through the confusion about the issue of supplemental vaginal estrogen and use of AI's.

As long as AI's "work" in terms of avoiding cancer it is just too easy for doctors who are not putting up with the problems from them to give lip service to the side effects because their own sex life is not affected and they are getting what they want out of the deal.

Better studies need to be conducted to show what the possibilities truly are for using supplemental vaginal estrogen for Vaginal Atrophy. The intimacy of this issue is leaving too many of us without solid answers, and too many of us struggling with problems that have a major impact on our daily life.

Thanks so much,

AlaskaAngel

Sex
 

Last year someone posted a string from BreastCancer.org called "I want my Mojo Back" I don't know how to bring it over, but you can go to breastcancer.org, get into Community Knowledge Exchange and do a search.

It's been several weeks since I posted, but wanted you all to know what happened after my onc referred me to a GYN oncologist. This guy told me I have the vagina of a 60-70 year old. I'm 48. He prescribed Premarin cream full dose for 2 weeks. Oh man, what a difference that made. Then, I went half dose, about 1 tablespoon, 2 times a week, for about 8 weeks. He says I'll be able to titrate it down to a fingertip application, as necessary. I can't tell you how much of a difference it made. I still use Replens, but it doesn't hurt.

Between my onc and the GYN onc, I feel like I'm in good hands. They both think if I'm going to recur, it won't be because of the estrogen cream. There are forces much greater at work.

In the meantime, I'm able to have sex with my husband with relatively no pain. Now, if I could just get a little desire going.

Oh yeah, NO UTI's or pain in my bladder for several weeks either.

Hope this helps some other "old ladies" out there.

VA follow-up appointment with gyn
 

Yesterday I had my 8 week follow-up with my gyn after starting the Estrace therapy. To say she was delighted with all the results, both the blood work and the tissue health, would be an understatement. She told me to continue to use the ointment as I have been, (a dollop about the size of a pea every three days) that I don't need to increase the usage or amount, and that the Replens (which I have been using for over a year) actually makes the tissue need less of the estrogen cream. She said the difference in the tissue quality before and after was striking, just using this little amount twice a week. She believes that the tissue is soaking up the estrogen, preventing it from being released into the blood stream. She said the tissue was better hydrated, there was appropriate moisture and elasticity is returning. She said no more blood survelliance; I am to have another level check done in Dec. and then see her 3 mo. after that. Since my annual is due in April, I'll just extend that visit by another 3 weeks. At that time, she said we will see if there are any new agents we may want to switch to. She said as long as I am comfortable with using ER, it is ok with her. She said straight estrogen was not as dangerous as combination hormonal therapy.

As a postscript, I got the results of my final blood work today (for some reason, the lab took 9 days instead of the usual 4 to issue a report). The ER levels were up slightly, to 79 pg/ml (130 is the upper end cut off for post meno levels). My gyn indicated to me in our discussion that so long as the levels stayed below the cut off for post-meno, she was ok with it. I guess the levels will bounce around a bit.

I am very positive about the effect this treatment is having on my quality of life, and feel any associated risk is far outweighed by the benefits.

Hopeful

WOW I can write a short post after all...
 

Brenda, I just happened upon your post and estrogen creams. I tried the hyperlink and got NO MATCH. Could you check it out. Perhaps you typed a wrong letter or dashed when you should have dotted.

I am interested re HOT FLASHES. But all your information is good to know when and if other issues arise. Thanks.

Andi :)