The risks are clearly stated on the leaflet in the packet!! So are the possible side effects. I have noticed that as soon as i started taking Vagifem none of my rings fit and all my bras were far too tight. i have had headaches and am now experiencing strange leg pains which may not be related. i am super sensitive to chemical hormones as i said before. Vagifem leads to thickening in the womb lining and an increased risk of womb cancer . However, like so many others on this forum I can't find an alternative without the risks. My point is, no one KNOWS what the long term use of hormone replacement are, it hasn't been used for long enough. If Vagifem does not leach into the bloodstream, why are any side effects experienced at all? This is my question. For side effects to be apparent, it must be leaching into the bloodstream. My other concern is that Vagifem is oestrogen only. Some people have been advised that their partners may become feminised because the oestrogen is absorbed by the penis during intercourse. This in itself is worrying. it is easy to just swallow what the medical profession tell us (i.e. take this drug and all will be well, there are no KNOWN side effects, or they are just temporary), but i am wary of the pharmaceutical industry generally and question what i am being told, especially when different GPs say different things and generally have a poor understanding anyway of what goes on in menopause or the effects of hormones on functioning. Quite apart from the environmentally unfriendly packaging !! I am just asking these questions, not attacking or demonising.
Lazydays
Vagifem does not cause thickening of the womb lining and endometrial cancer - well extremely unlikely! The warnings you are reading are the same as all HRT.
I agree that there is little (no?) evidence on long term use of Vagifem or local oestrogen but there have been studies done on the absorption and it is very very small and the actual dose of the tablet is very very small. For example Vagifem is a 10 mcg tablet inserted twice weekly. Contract this with an HRT oestrogen tablet of 1 mg swallowed daily - I know oral doses and local doses are not comparable but 1 mg = 1000 mcg so you would need 100 Vagifem to equate to 1 x 1 mg HRT tablet - gives an idea anyway.
There is no evidence that Vagifem increases fibroids either - because the dose is so tiny.
It doesn't "leach" into the bloodstream but a small amount is absorbed systemically and this amount is negligible compared to the amount of oestrogen you have there. Also once the vaginal tissues are plumped up (from using the local oestrogen) then systemic absorption is reduced - in effect it acts as a barrier.
I agree about the environmental cost - all that packaging and those plastic blue applicators - shocking. You could use Estriol cream which does the same job but a different type of oestrogen. You get this in a tube and fill a re-usable washable applicator so more environmentally friendly.
Despite the lack of long term research gynaes are still happy to prescribe low dose vaginal oestrogen long term because of the adverse consequences for many women, of being without it - symptoms return when treatment stops.
I also agree many Gps are poorly informed about all of this but do ask for referral to a menopause clinic if there is one in your area ( listed under specialists top tabs) - where you can talk things over and air your concerns properly.
Hurdity x
