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[Lillibet66]

I have been using vagifem to control my atrophy quite successfully with a once a week dose. Unfortunately 10 days ago I was admitted to hospital with a pulmonary embolism and I have stopped using it whilst waiting for a GP appointment to discuss. My symptoms are returning and I just wondered if there are any non-hormone treatments that you can recommend.

[CLKD]

I don't think that there is any reason not to use VA treatment.  A bit of a shock for you!     Who suggested that you stop?  You will need to do a reload ASAP - do ring the surgery this morning and tell the receptionist/Nurse Practitioner ; if you can get to speak to her ; that you will start tonight.  Or contact the Ward where you were treated and ask the question.  Let us know ?

Any idea what caused the embolism?  Usually it's due to someone being inactive then suddenly moving. 

There are no non-hormonal treatments that will replace the oestrogen: also, they may have ingredients that would compromise any treatment .........

[Minusminnie]

I have been using vagifem to control my atrophy quite successfully with a once a week dose. Unfortunately 10 days ago I was admitted to hospital with a pulmonary embolism and I have stopped using it whilst waiting for a GP appointment to discuss. My symptoms are returning and I just wondered if there are any non-hormone treatments that you can recommend.

If you are finding that just a once a week dose with vagifem works for you which is a low dose you could possibly discuss using Ovestin cream with your GP.  Estriol in the ovestin is weaker/ different than estradiol in the vagifem. It may work the same for you as using one vagifem a week and be ok for you to use but obviously needs some discussion.

[Lillibet66]

It was a huge shock and very scary. I am active in my job and had been out gardening all afternoon on the evening it happened. It literally happened as I got into bed, as if something shifted in the process of me lying down.

I don’t know what caused it and while in hospital I forgot to mention the vagifem because I take so little and had no sleep all night in A&E so my brain wasn’t functioning! When I got home I googled and it does say not to use vagifem if you’ve had a blood clot so I stopped and have an appointment with my GP to discuss, the first one available being 25th May!

I can feel my symptoms returning but not sure I am brave enough to use vagifem any more. I think it could be partly genetics but need to check family history on that.

[Flossieteacake]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I am so sorry to hear you had a pulmonary embolism and I can understand you feeling wary of using Vagifem. If possible you may be able to get a telephone appointment which will be quicker then waiting until 25 May.

Although this is not going to help as much as Vagifem, seabuckthorn capsules can help with dryness. I use those and I also use Yes VM moisturiser. I am not sure if that will be of any help but just thought I would mention it.

[pepperminty]

https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/can-i-take-hrt-if-i-have-a-risk-of-a-blood-clot/



https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/vaginal-dryness-factsheet/


Hi, hope the links above help.

PMX

[Lillibet66]

Thanks, they are helpful. It’s so hard to make a decision but my symptoms are returning so I need to do something.

[CLKD]

DO NOT wait until the GP appt..  Ring next week to tell them that you need urgent treatment for the vaginal atrophy.  There is nowt that will work as well as specific treatments for the condition.

Why did you develop a PE?

[Lillibet66]

My PE is classed as unprovoked. I don’t know why it happened and I probably never will unfortunately.

 I think there is a difference between the risk of you getting a clot whilst on certain medication (which is low with vagifem) and continuing to take said medication once you have had a clot.

[Minusminnie]

This is from this website https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/contraindications.php

[Minusminnie]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlbVm_R5HgY

video by Dr Louise Newson which may help ?

[CLKD]

'unprovoked' usually means that they don't know the reason  .

Let us know how you get on.  It might be worth while asking for an appt with a specific consultant for further discussions. 

[Lillibet66]

Thanks everyone for your help. I am going to ask for a referral to a specialist. I feel I have to go back on vagifem (or rather the new alternative) in the meantime as I can’t cope with my symptoms returning.

[Flossieteacake]

It is good you are able to take vagifem again. That is a relief.