Scottishgirl - I doubt very much that the Vagifem would have caused or irritated the Divericulitis - if anything it would help to maintain a healthier lower bowel. Diverticula occur because the wall of the lower bowel weakens, pockets appear in the bowel wall and these pockets can become infected. The leaflet I was given talked about constipation or lack of fibre being a possible cause but I'm a vegetarian with a high fibre diet and open my bowels at least once a day very easily, often twice or three times!!!! The my Diverticulitis emerged, I had stopped HRT a year before and I had been on PPI drugs which can increase bowel movements, so the lack of oestrogen plus the PPIs were more likely to blame. I will not take PPIs again - or at least not for any length of time, as they really mess up the digestive system and are known for causing lower bowel problems.
I will be using local oestrogen (Vagifem) for the rest of my life though and to prevent ongoing problems, I follow my brother-in-laws advice (he is an eminent gastroenterologist) and eating small meals often - simple yet nutritious and drink lots of water.
Oestrogen deficiency reduces collagen which supports our skin and muscles - our digestive tract is all muscle, so therefore we are more likely to get diverticula, prolapses etc. AS you have had a hysterectomy, you only need oestrogen and I would suggest you ask to try Oestrogel or oestrogen patches alongside the Vagifem to help maintain the health of your entire lower abdomen - including you bowols. You may only need a very low dose. Unfortunately I still have my uterus so find the side effects of progesterone in combined HRT too problematic now ( I am 62) or I would still be using systemic HRT.
Oestrogen only HRT carries very few risks - it's the combined HRT that is slightly more risky. - so you have everything to gain and nothing to loose. Do get yourself checked out though. DG x
