I need the help of all the extremely smart women on this forum. I've spent the last two days reading through the recommendations and posts. Here's my story - I'm 42, soon to be 43, and haven't had a period since 9/2004. I've never been on HRT and only take extra Vit E, Calcium, and a multi-vitamin. I've dealt with the hot flashes, night sweats, palps, and mood swings naturally. For the past five years, sex has been EXTREMELY painful. And, just last week at my annual GYN exam, she told me that my vaginal walls are very dry and thinning - obtaining a PAP sample was difficult. She prescribed Estrace, saying, as many Dr's do, that very little is absorbed in the bloodstream. I am very leery of any hormone replacement, so I have not used the Estrace. Previously, my GYN also recommened Replens. I used the Replens for the first time last night. My question - has anyone used Replens with success? It says it can be used with a condom, but it does contain oil, which I thought was detrimental to the success of condoms - any advice? Also, has anyone used Estrace with success? Any side effects?? I really prefer the natural route - if anyone has any advice, suggestions, thoughts - I'd really like to hear them.

Thanks to all and take care!!

halla22-

Wanted to offer an answer to your question, but please know that I'm not trying to change your mind about going w/ replacement or not.

Am 48, very peri, occasional periods [altho' just had one last week, darn it, was hoping to be meno this year] and had a terrible time w/ vag dryness. Please forgive candor, but had slight bleeding after intercourse [even w/ lots of Replens!] so doc checked me out w/ tests, internals, etc. Everything turned out negative thankfully, & we decided I'd try Vagifem [estro suppository, 1x a week]. Same spiel about it not being absorbed well, etc. Doc said to give it 3-4 weeks before expecting results. After 3rd week, I have to say that my situation was MUCH improved. Don't have any side effects - and feel better in that department. Hubbie is also happier 'coz I don't look at him w/ dread like I used to.

It's hard when our bodies are changing so dramatically and quickly. I completely respect [and even envy] anybody who can do all this w/out aid of med's, but I aint one of 'em. I do enjoy good results from what I am taking tho', which is why my choices make sense for me.

Good luck!
new

I was getting small tears, and the Replens really, really burned. I've been using Estrace on and off, and don't seem to have any problems with it.

I'll echo these responses. I guess it depends on your level of discomfort, but Replens just didn't do the job for me. I had absolutely no side effects from using the Estrace vaginally and it worked great. (it is estradiol, but it's derived from yams I think -- not to start the bio-identical debate here, but it's considered bioidentical rather than synthetic if that makes a difference to you).

Again, one opinion.

kimber

Thanks for the advice! It's so helpful to hear other's experiences. Plus, as always, nice to know we are not alone in this!!

you gals know me..ready to add my 2 cents worth at any time.

Replens is an otc product for lubrication...does wonders if all you need is lubrication...don't know about the condom thing. You should be able to email the company with any questions you have reguarding thier product.

Estrace vaginal cream is a prescription drug that actually enhances the lining of the vagina..brings it back to it's normal ph levels, it reverses the dryness and thinness that you are talking about. I don't use Estrace, tho I will be switching to it the next go around with my dr. I use Premaring vaginal cream...it too is a vaginal estrogen..and works very well with me. Since starting it acouple years ago, I have seen marked improvement with vaginal comfort and yeast infections.

June

I'm really happy with my KY Warming Personal Lubricant. I'm still getting my periods (ocassionally!) and might need something more down the line, but right now it does the job!

I have been experiencing the dryness problems that come with peri-meno and recently purchased Replens. It worked great! I bought the vaginal moisturizer but you can buy the lubricant as well.
Also, my gyno just prescribed a (bio-identical) estrogen cream that I have begun using. He said the walls are beginning to thin out etc. Also the BV I've been experiencing is very likely due to the hormonal changes of peri. He hopes by replacing the depleted estrogen it will restore the flora and environment (PH) and I can be RID of that nasty BV!!

I know how you feel when you say you are reluctant to use HRT. I used to feel that way too until I learned about the bio-identical hormones. It is worth the study up on them. The advantages to your health for the next several decades (God-willing! ) by having these hormones in our bodies is incalcuable.
We take vitamins to maintain a healthy body system - and I now see natural hormone replacement in the same way.

Good Luck! There is releif!

I agree Diamond...it IS worth studying up on.

You've made a good comparison..with the vitamins. I also like to think of taking my estrogen.. diabetics need thier insulin, and wouldn't dream of not using it...the same with heart pateints. I consider my estrogen essential...

June

Hi Halla,
I've tried both the Replens and the Estrace Vag. cream... At first the Replens worked OK - but the more I was in peri.meno., the drying was getting worse...With Replens I still had vaginitis (thinning dry vaginal area and it can be painful)..and I've tried Estrace - Estrace took the pain away within 24-48 hrs...and I'm not dry. I've been trying to tweak the right dose - the less, the better I'll feel.. I use it abt. once a week... And in between - I use a Vit. E soft gel, 200 I.U. vaginally once a week. Halla - you'll see what works best for you - and your vagina will thank you ...

Hi everyone!!! I'm new to this site and very excited to have found it. I am 53, post meno for about 6-7 years. I was experiencing EXTREME pain during sex..so my Dr prescribed Estrace vaginal cream 2 days ago. After reading the warnings, etc..I FREAKED!!!

After reading some of the replies, I felt a little better, however I have yet to use the cream...Since you posted this in Jan, have you used it yet? Has it helped?

I look forward to ANY replies to this...my mind is just racing and any help would be appreciated!!! Thank you in advance .. from my HUSBAND and me

I envy all you women who have kind doctors that are willing to help you during perimenopause. At 44 I have been having peri symptoms for 3 years. My mom started peri at 41 and had her last period at 50. I have one ovary which I feel makes a difference but the gyno in town says it won't make any difference. I say if I have two and one is gone....why wouldn't it?


My problem is that due to my husbands job, we live in a remote town that is 4 hours from any large city. I have been to the gyno here and my MD and neither of them seem interested in my symptoms. I have been told over and over it's too soon.

So I am left to fend for myself. I would love to try Vagifem. For now, I will try the Vit e and see how that goes for dryness. I keep treating each symptom as they come. How I miss city living at times like these!

I was just wondering if any of you have had a side effect such as sore (very sore) breast with your vagifem...I did. I am waiting to go back to doc....I want my hormones checked to make sure (as much as possible) that this is what I really need.

I also wonder......is there not something about using estrogen only with the progesterone that it is unopposed and could cause issue with your uterus...

I thought I heard that somewhere.

Vicki