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During chemo I got 2 yeast infections (I was plagued when I was in my late 20's and early 30's). I got Monastat (the same active Janet mentioned) and it worked like a charm.
Yeast "tends" to grow in higher estrogen levels so when I got my ovaries removed and went on Arimidex (hence very low to no estrogen), I thought all my itching troubles would be over (as no chemo now, just Herceptin). But NO!! Low estrogen levels (or going abruptly into menopause (or just menopause period for some women)) can cause bacterial vaginal infections and urinary tract infections (caused by relaxation of either the vaginal or bladder wall). Also, the vagina gets drier and cannot self clean as well. So...UTI and vaginal infections are easy to cure but both require either oral or topical antibiotics and that can cause....a YEAST infection. Does it ever end? I am very careful and I use a topical steroid cream from my doctor and take cranberry extract pills to try to prevent a UTI (so I don't have to take antibiotics). I also figured out that certain brands of vaginal lubricants do not agree with me and I think they are the culprit of the vaginal infections (which I think ping pong to the bladder during .... sex (there, I typed it)).
I too have hemorroids but I think that area gets inflamed because the pH of the secretions down there are off and burn and itch everything. I don't think the hemorroids have really flared up. I have been okay for 6 weeks now and hoping that I have a handle on it.
My doctor (PCP) said it might take up to a year for my body to adjust to the extra low estrogen levels and that this is probably the reason why this is happening to me (so I hope that the Arimidex is working hard and the herceptin too). I have over 6 more months to go to hit a year since the ovaries were removed.
I hope this helps. I think more of us go through this but it is harder to talk about.
Warm regards
Becky
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