Estrogen is not necessarily the enemy
My mom died of breast cancer in 1981. She was 56 and post-menopausal. When they found it, it had already metastasized to her bones. She fought for six years, but finally lost the battle.
I’m nearly 53 and haven’t had a period for a year and a half, so I’m officially in menopause, myself. My aunt has begged me never, ever to use hormones because of the link with breast cancer. So I have gone through all of this cold turkey. My hot flashes were not so hot. Mood swings and my sexual pain were, and continue to be, the worst part.
Recently, my gynecologist, who I really trust, strongly suggested my using a vaginal estradial insert called Vagifem®. She mentioned the Estring®, which feels something like a diaphragm. I did try that once, but it was very uncomfortable. She explained that the risks involved are far less than other methods. Of course, I realize that no hormones are risk-free. However, she said that my vaginal walls will become thinner and thinner over time, as my estrogen level continues to reduce, which will cause painful friction and increased dryness. So this situation will only add an additional layer of pain to my already overflowing list of conditions (e.g., vestibulitis, IC, vulvodynia).
My dosage is one tablet inserted twice a week and I’m on my third week. OK, I haven’t had sex yet, but I’m amazed that the daily burning has really subsided. I am using Lidocaine® as well, so maybe it’s the combination. But there seems to be a real difference. And, I’m highly allergic to so many things that I thought I’d need a compounded dosage made from some unusual hypoallergenic material. But I’ve had no bad reaction at all.
The thing is, if this were just to have sex, no way would I consider it. But it has reduced the chronic pain I live with, which makes my quality of life better.
DISCLAIMER: I’m absolutely not advocating hormone therapy for anyone else. That is strictly between a patient and a doctor.
However, I feel strongly that I need to share my own experiences in this forum if I am asking you to share as well. In that spirit, I’ll be updating you after I have sex. ☺