Vaginal Atrophy
I have been on anastrazole for three years, and have done very well on it. Until now. I have developed vaginal atrophy. My symptoms are agonizing: extreme dryness, pain, discomfort, irritation, burning. It’s truly awful. I have tried all sorts of creams but nothing seems to work. The simple solution is vaginal estrogen. However, there is so much mixed messaging about whether it is safe for me. Does anyone have any information to offer? I would be truly grateful.
Comments
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Hi @dsc, we’re sorry you’re dealing with such severe symptoms. Members often ask about vaginal atrophy while taking aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole, and it's incredibly uncomfortable. Hope you get reponses here soon.
Until then, you may find some helpful information in our articles on Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (Vaginal Atrophy), and
Hope this helps! We'd love to hear what other members have done to deal with similar symptoms.
Best,
The Mods
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Yeah, my problems started after about 4 years on anastrozole. I tried Kindra V-lotion, which helped a lot). And then about a year later, I tried Kindra Smooth cleanser, which helped way more than I expected. I use/need less of the lotion now. It's a little pricey, but worth it IMO. It's available on Amazon, but cheaper ordered direct (Kindra.com). This is not a sales pitch, just what I use.
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Hi @seeq Same happened to me when I was on Anastrozole. I became so uncomforatble with the vaginal atrophy because not only on the inside but th skin on the outside thins and gets sensative and irritatated.. even certain toiletpaper caused pain with wiping. Wearining jeans that were too tight hurt down there. I finally tried coconut oil I formed into small insertable suppositories wrapped them in foil or saran rap and stored them in the freezer to keep their shape until I inserted them prior to intamacy with DH. they were fine for a natural lubricant,and melted riht away upon inserting them, but did nothing for the atrophy which is caused by the hormone estrogen blockers from the Arimidex and Aromasin. My Oncologist’s pholosophy was always No Estrogen and it amused him that DH and I were still sexually active, and to this day he calls us “lovebirds,” and teases me “don’t get pregnant”🙄 his Onological PA is a woman and also my woman gynoclologist I felt more comfortable talking to them and not embarrased. they both are so sweet and encouraging to talk to and my oncology PA explained there are so many patients taking thes Estrodial Estrogen prescription and it was safe an doesn’t affect you systemically only the immediate vaginal tissue it helps with the vaginal atrophy and plumps it back up to make intamacy comfortable and pleasurable. My Gyno told me that after I insert the cream also apply a blueberry sized amoun of the cream on the outside also. this cream is a Godsend to me because because it alleviates the pain and discomfort of vaginal atrophy and makes the outside feel like intamacy is still pleasurable. One thing I want to say is that the Arimatase inhibitors keep you from lubricating naturally so I researched and found a wonderful product that is all natural Aloebased and is a perfect lubricant. Its called Aloe Cadabra.and it comes in flavors too. Coconut, Cherrylemonade, Tahetian Vanilla bean, Strawberry Lavender, Pepperment, Mango Passionand I Plain Aloe also. Another thing good about it is that because it’s Aloe based, it feels healing if intamacy is at all uncomfortable becauseof the atrophy,. So I hope this info is helpful and encouraging to my Breastcancer sisters who have dealt with the forced lack o intimacy with your lover.. DH is happy.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=aloe+cadabra&crid=U9J7RMIP4BWP&sprefix=aloe+cadabra%2Caps%2C193&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
It doesn’t come with applicators but you can buy a pack of disposable, with a rounded tip to mak insertion comforable
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