Anastrozole and vulval/vaginal issues - switch to Tamoxifen and Vaginal Estrogen query?

Hi joules, so sorry to hear what you are going through. This probably sounds silly but I’m not going though the symptoms that you are but can see that no one has replied to you. I hope you get a response from someone soon but in the meantime take care and sending you loads of love and hugs and hope you get some answers and relief to your symptoms and discomfort. Xx 

Hello JoulesG,  This is a big issue with any of the hormone blockers and the doctors give their advice and sometimes it works out but I find that the community of women dealing with this issue have great ideas.  I found this nurse on YouTube who had BC during pregnancy and she offered some good sound advice.  I do use the hyaluronic acid suppository every 3 days but if needed more often.  She also mentioned coconut oil for tissues on outside which I am going to try.  She did mention the supplement sea buckthorn oil which I am currently not using but planning on it.  Just doing a little more research.  Here is the link and hope you find it helpful. 

https://youtu.be/Tv_8-raqO0A

I also miss my HRT but no more for me as on anastrazole.  There are some studies on vaginal testosterone and will see if I can locate it and send to you. 
Take care.

Barbara

Here is the article on testosterone replacement.  I read it but need to read again as don’t know what to think of it as taking an AI so my body doesn’t convert testosterone to estrogen.  My next visit I am going to talk with medical oncologist about it.  I am leery of hormones.  
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-019-6457-8&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiFjI2b-PaCAxXWSjABHRqZAy04ChAWegQIHBAB&usg=AOvVaw1zBPugU_Y0PX1NHCbbQTRV

Barbara

I am finding the Balance Activ pessaries the best, but they do take quite a few weeks of 3 times a week to start being effective, maybe even a couple of months. Have you stuck to one of the options for a long period of time? I went down to 2 times a week for a while, but they are better for me at 3 times. I also stuck to Replens for a long while not as good as Balance Activ.

I also use Dermol 500 to moisturise there after every shower.

Hi Barbara, thank you for taking time to reply to me, I really appreciate it.  I have been dry/sore on and off since taking Anastrozole, and just gone out and bought every product I could find to help me.  I realise that I need to stick to the best of these products and use in a regular basis, rather than wait until I have a problem.  My issue has been compounded by my workplace wanting to know if and when I will be back to my desk based job.  I think it was a knee jerk reaction to the situation which made me ask about switching to Tamoxifen in order to be able to take vaginal estrogen.  I know this isn’t the sensible route, as I have another 9 years on A.I.’s, which should give me the best protection against another ER breast cancer.  So, I am using Yes vaginal moisturiser (often), along with a layer of Yes Oil based lubricant for protection against chaffing from underware.Then like you have been using the Balance-Activ pesseries 2 or 3 times a week, overnight,  I will certainly look at Sea buckthorn and coconut oil, as nothing is off the table.  Take care.  Julie

Thankyou Beatthebreast, you reminded me that I need to stick to one option for a long period of time.  I just got desperate as sitting down was becoming a real issue, and my patience was running out….  As you can see from my comment to HopefulBarb, I am using the Yes products alongside Balance Activ pesseries.  I do hope that I can get a long term solution as this issue has been getting me down.  I also use Aveeno Dermex emollient wash after I shower.  

I ordered the sea buckthorn oil and the coconut oil is good too.  Just hope I don’t smell like a coconut macaroon!!  Oh well we keep plodding along.  The Revaree hyaluronic suppository is really good but it is not available in UK.  I am sure you have something similar though.  
Take care.

Barbara