When i started Vagifem about 3 weeks ago, I was only expecting local benefits (ie. reduction in irritation, soreness, UTI problems). It has just occurred to me this week that perhaps there is a slight improvement in my aching calves/feet which I have had since early peri menopause (2009) . I went to the GP several times and looked at causes to do with meno and thyroid (due to my underactive thyroid since birth) but didn't find an answer. Am I imagining this improvement now or has anyone else had a similar experience? I am hoping that it is real. Only time will tell.
Yes re the vaginal oestrogen - as Deidre says! Hopefully you will continue to see an improvement. Even though there could be an interaction with the meds you are taking does not necessarily mean it is a contra-indication. It just may mean you need to adjust some of the meds? Looking at the product info for Estradot for example it says "The metabolism of oestrogens (and progestagens) may be increased by concomitant use of substances known to induce drug-metabolising enzymes, specifically cytochrome P450 enzymes, such as anticonvulsants (e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine), and anti-infectives (e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz)." This just means that you might need to take a higher dose to be effective? The prodyct info for Tegretol says "Carbamazepine may lower the plasma level, diminish or even abolish the activity of certain drugs. The dosage of the following drugs may have to be adjusted to clinical requirement: " Oestrogens/progestogens are listed.
Its supposed to be local not systemic - that said, so is vaginal progesterone but lots of us would question it! Full HRT definitely makes a huge difference to my knees - without it they creak and crack alarmingly lol! If it helps, its all good.
Vaginal progesterone is systemic! In fact systemic levels can be higher than when taken orally according to research. It's just that more of the dose gets to the uterus than when taken orally.
Hurdity x