Offered low dose vaginal oestrogen. I'm on Letrozol

I had an overactive bladder before diagnosis and d-mannose really helped - it is good for UTIs and bladder health.

i needed something for vaginal atrophy too after going through sudden menopause as a result of treatment. My Dr gave me replens, which is non-hormonal, and it is good. There are apparently loads of non-hormonal ones you can try. I had previously bought pessaries (bio-active I think they were called) and they were good too.

I did a bit of research and the non-hormonal ones can be just as good for atrophy as oestrogen cream.

If it were me, I'd try something non-hormonal first and see if it helps.

Thank you. I had tried D mannose but unfortunately didn't work for me so out of desperation had to turn to conventional drugs. The prospect of oestrogen being possibly able to aid both the frequency and the atrophy is a 50/50 choice. I have a telephone consultation with my surgeon next Wed to see what he thinks too. I am 3 years post lumpectomy and radiotherapy. I sailed through early menopause at 39 but this is something else xx

Hi youngatheart

I was recently prescribed oestrogen pessaries for vaginal atrophy so I contacted my breast care nurse to ask advice.  I’m on tamoxifen so they said it was ok especially as it was just for four weeks, but she wouldn’t have approved it if I was on any of the AIs eg Letrozole.  Best you check with your team as they’re the best people to advise.  Wishing you the best of luck

Loffie x

Thank you for this youngatheart. I went onto letrozole in January this year and have had endless bacterial vaginosis. Seeing oncologist on 23rd September and have found it helpful reading this discussion. I think some bladder things are starting as well. I have never  had BV till letrozole and UTI only once. I would like to exhaust all other options before the option you were offered but equally I’ve also become hugely anxious about- well everything - but smelling like a dead fish is quite up there. Hugs on the anxiety front and I found your post valuable x

Vagifem made a huge difference to my life when I started using it around 10 years post-menopause. I had previously been struggling along variously with Replens and ActivBalance Moisture Plus, which I now use alongside the Vagifem. I have TNBC so oestrogen wasn’t an issue anyway, but my breast surgeon said they have no issue with ER+ people using it as it works topically. 

I do wish there was some consistency over the use of Vagifem; I'd used it for a couple of years before my breast cancer diagnosis.  My BCN, surgeon and oncologist all said it was fine to keep using it, as it's topical, but my GP refused to continue my prescription.  I now use Replens which is working, but that's not available on prescription in my area.  

I had been using Vagifem a while as for me. UTIs were rapid onset and virulent. When I had my bc results and they said 8/8 for oestrogen I asked my consultant, explaining what life was like pre-Vagifem, she simply said we must go for quality of life, and continue using it. 

Hugs xxx