I have severe atrophic vaginitis. been given by GYN Premarin cream. suppose to take 1 gram for 6 weeks then down to 3 x a week. first nite tried 1/2 gram at 10 pm. by 2 a.m I was not feeling too well in stomach. went to the bathroom and had diarhea then on way back to bed felt very nauseous. had to sit on edge of bed and tried to remain very calm as not to throw up. Finally after an hour and a half laid down and fell asleep. Few hours later I was feeling a weird sensation through out my body...like something was buzzing thru my veins. Woke around 6 or 7 a.m. and was only able to eat toast. Stomach was upset the entire day. I was able to eat a little cereal for lunch and a full dinner in the evening. Stomach was till yukky the next day.

I realize it takes time for all meds to adjust to one's body.. But has anyone suffered neusea with HRT/ERT and succeeded after a short period of time.

It's been suggested that I only apply a small amount to the outside of my vagina and give it a try this way and perhaps in short time my body will adjust. My question is: What's the difference in the effect whether it's internal or external (outside the vagina area)?? Does anyone know??

I've lately been apply (since my burning is constant, especially when sitting) a mere tiny amount on the outside and then will gradually increase that amount till I think my body is ready for it to be inserted where it belongs!

Right now, my GYN has called in to a compounding pharmacy and I'm waiting for them to call me back.

Thanks for reading this letter and hope I get some replies very shortly, Cleverlee

Hi, Welcome to this wonderful forum!! I have been a member for 13 years and have found it to be invaluable plus I have made some really good friends on here who have been most supportive!!! I am 9 years post meno and in my 60's.

I also have vaginal atrophy. At one time I was given Estrace cream. It was explained to me by my then doctor that supposedly applying Estrace externally will prevent it from entering the blood stream. I have very high blood pressure and Estrogen is contraindicated for me as it shoots my BP sky high. Well, I gave it a try for about two months and then began bleeding. My uterine lining had actually started to thicken again(as indicated by having an ultrasound)even though the Estrace was not suppose to go into my bloodstream. I was two years post at the time!! Also, my B/P sky rocketed. I really believe that Estrace cream does go into the blood stream when applyed externally. It sounds like that is why you reacted with nausea. Maybe cutting the dose way down?! The nausea you describe seems to be what I had when on the birth control pills many years ago. Also, when I was pregnant.

Please remember this was my experience and you need to check in with your doctor which I see you have by your post. Also, find out what alternatives are available for your problem. I use vit. E capsules inserted like a suppository. That has helped me immensely.

Take care!
CG

Gosh, I'm surprised I got a quick response on my letter. thanks for your input. I was told on another web site that the creams usually don't go into the blood stream but I think that person is totally wrong. I don't know why I was told to try a lesser dose on the outside to begin with (by another GYN)...as wouldn't it have the same effects as internally?

My doctor (GYN) has called into a compounding pharmacy for me and so far I haven't heard from them yet. Perhaps, if I were very young I could accept the nausea ( just like I did when I first went on birth control pills)but I'm too old for that now.

I've been thinking and reading up on Vitamin E supp. but question, that only solves the vagina not the rectal dryness..right?

They say that women who take HRT/ERT and have side effects, i.e, nausea, or a few in a million. Well, you and I are in that "few" category!

Yes, I'm tweeking the amount applied externally each nite and hope to reach my original gram required before hearing back form the compounding pharmacy.

thanks again for your letter, Cleverlee

Hi and welcome.
Premarin is made from horses urine (ugh!) and on this site only bioidenticals are recommended, such as estriol and estradiol.
You may find when you change to a bioidentical you will not get such unpleasant side effects. The creams do go into the bloodstream especially when the area you are applying it to is thin.
You could try using a tiny bit on the outside of the vagina as has been recommended. You might find it too much to insert a full recommended applicator of cream even after building it up slowly-that is the side effects could be much stronger.
I myself only use a pea size amount three times a week as if I use any more I start to feel really ill.
I agree with careergirl. Vit E capsules inserted are great or you could try Replens which has no hormones in it but will remoisturise the vagina over time.
Hope you get it sorted out soon
janet c

Hi Ladies,

I had this horrible feeling for a couple of months, burning, itching, thought I had a infection. Went to gyno all well, then a friend of mine suggested I change the soap I was

using, she said she started using Summers Eve body soap. So I gave it a try and I feel much better. Just a thought some soaps can dry out our skin. Hope this

helps.

Dear'Cleverlee

Having suffered Vaginal Atrophy at a young age I did go straight onto HRT.And yes there are some days till now,I am 57,and suffer a little nausea and the PMS feeling.However,having known only too well what it is like to be without HRT I will never be without it again.

Have also used some KY Jelly for any dryness that occasionally pops up.I also wash nether regions in Johnson's Baby Soap as find perfumed soaps totally irritating.Loose cotton pantie-not very sexy-are also good and-laugh at this one if you wish-a little plain Yoghurt apllied externally calms burning and itching.

Good Luck in finding what works for you
Elizabeth

Hi there, I don't remember if I replied to this message or not so forgive me if I'm repeating myself. I was informed by my GYN that if a vaginal cream is applied internally or externally it still has a chance of entering the bloodstream. It depends on your skin condition. Right now mine is very dry...so no matter where I applied it..internally or right outside the vagina...it would find it's way into the bloodstream. Take care and God bless you, Cleverlee

Hi Janet, Yesterday I received my new estrogen (compounded) : 5% estriol and 5% testos. Recommended by both pharmacist and GYN. Well, last nite I battled with my self as to whether to take half the dose required or 1/4 dose. And whethr or not to insert vaginally. Well, an hour later than planned I applied to the outside about a pea size..maybe just a tad more but I doubt it. Felt quite comfident but later on within 2 1/2 hours I was feeling not too good. Nausea started in (12:20 a.m. right away. Had to finally sit up on the edge of the bed for a few hours....trying to keep calm. ... till finally I had to lay down and fell back to sleep. Not much rest..cause about it woke me up again around 3 or 4 a.m. Don't remember when I actually laid back down but awoke around 7ish with an yukky stomach and yukkiness thru out my body. I could only eat toast which I kept down but still feeling yukkie. For lunch (12:30 EST) I had cheerios and soy milk.

I believe since my whole body including my vagina is severely dry/thin it will take some time before my body accepts this medication...????? as this is the only stuff (estrogen) that will cure all from continuous burning/atrophy. I'm suppose to apply it internally but right now...I'm trying to figure out how to apply a pea size amount there instead....or maybe just stick to the external application.

I think if I was much younger and not having such a dry/thin skin...I would have had a better outcome with the cream. When you get old like myself and being I'm so senstive to meds any way...it's so hard to adapt. My nerves are so on edge these days what with having sciatica and A.V. It's so hard finding others in my age group having the same difficulties with estrogens.

thanks for taking time out to read my message. Lady from NJ, Cleverlee

cleverlee,
So are you not on any estradiol, just estriol? You know, estriol is found in the highest amounts during pregnancy, and in non-pregnancy states our bodies have very small amounts compared to estradiol. And pregnancy is when we feel nauseated.

I have read the whole thread to know this, but have you ever used just estradiol and not estriol? Estradiol relaxes the vessels and usually decreases blood pressure.

Meant to say 'I HAVEN'T read the whole thread"

Ok, I just read it anyway, and it looks like you've not tried bioidentical estradiol. Before you totally give up, you should give that a try, but use it transdermally. NO estriol And I would suggest you get the hormone creams separate so you can more easily adjust doses and also you might want to try JUST the estradiol without the test. so you know exactly which hormone is causing any symptoms

Hi cleverlee

I have just sent you a private message about this. I hope you will also get some other helpful information on this thread
janet c

Hi Ladies,
I've been reading these posts with interest as I have now been 1 1/2 years with no period. I am on bioidentical hormones.
I have a question about atrophic vaginitis. Does it include sharp, stabbing pains that feel like a sharp stick has been up there?
I have been having weird sensations, even during sex and been on a long quest for answers.

Went to 3 doctors, they all say uterus and ovaries are fine, I must have wrenched pelvic muscles working out. Getting "physical therapy" This makes some sense, but does not satisfy me completely. thanks for taking time responding to this.





God bless
Lynsi