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[Jules]

Hi, Ive been using vagifem for 9 months. My GP tells me to take a break between each prescription cycle but ive just got to start again so I havent been doing that. Ive just had a routine mammogram and been recalled. Im worried sick that Ive got breast cancer and the vaginal estrogen has caused it and wishing I hadnt used it or followed my GP advice but Im going to stop in any case. Am I being illogical or not?

[Flossieteacake]

Many of us have to use VA treatment daily. When you stop the VA just comes back. VA is caused by a lack of oestrogen. Using localised oestrogen is very mild but helps that area. If you have a break then the area will lack oestrogen again. I think GPs who suggest a break may not be fully aware of this.

I have to use my VA treatment every single day. If I miss just one day I am in pain.

I am sorry you are worried about being called back after having a mammogram. I understand this is making you anxious but it is very likely they did not get a clear enough image or they just want to double check something. This does not mean you have anything serious.

Please do not google anything as this will only add to your anxiety and google is very unreliable.

Just to say, you used Vagifem for 9 months, many of us have been using treatment for years. I hope that can help to reassure you.

[CLKD]

Your GP is out of date!

VA treatment should be used as necessary: every night if necessary after the initial loading of 2-3 weeks.  Some can get by with every 3rd and 6th night, or more often when symptoms niggle.  It's quite Trial and Error.

Often mammogram films aren't clear when developed so patients are recalled.  It doesn't mean the C word! 

I wouldn't stop.  It is a small amount of active ingredient and essential to keep the vulval area healthy.   I had breast disease in the 1990s and my GP never faltered in prescribing VA treatment.  Quality of Life.

Let us know how you get on.  How long will you need to wait for the call back appt.?

[Ayesha]

Vagifem is very low dose and is considered safe, so safe that you can buy it without prescription under the name Gina. UK is very strict about what meds you can buy over the counter, that alone should put your mind at ease.

I use it every day and wouldn't think about having a break, in fact missing a day brings back symptoms, that's how bad VA can get if not treated appropriately.
Just wish GP's would all sing from the same hymm book, my GP says ok to use daily if needed and certainly no breaks in between.

[Jules]

Thanks everyone. It was my first thought after the initial panic, that I'd actually caused some change. I'm 65, started using it when I met someone,  not now sexually active but I find it helps with the feeling of having a uti so I carried on. My appointment is Thursday so quite a quick turn around,  hope that doesn't mean it's serious. It's come at the end of a few bad months so I'm finding it particularly worrying. It's hard being a woman!

[CLKD]

Vaginal atrophy mimics repeated urine infection-type feelings really really well!  Keep on with the 'vagifem', sometimes it is necessary to insert two at the same time.  Some find that a moisturiser: 'sylc' or 'yes' products have good reports.  I use KY Jelly when necessary as well as 'ovestin'. 

[Jules]

Thanks. My GP surgery isn't very good with it, they won't prescribe continually.

[CLKD]

Ask for a referral to a dedicated menopause clinic, not a gynae as they often don't know much more.  When seen by a medical practitioner who knows then they can write to the GP explaining how VA treatment works.

Or you can look for a Clinic in your area and C whether you can self refer.  Your GP is wrong and totally out of date!   I would be asking why he/she believes that a woman should take a break in vaginal atrophy treatment: as well as 'would you ask a heart patient or diabetic to take a break from medication?'

[Tinkerbell]

I am another one who needs Vagifem every day. If I had to take a break I would be back to square one again!

I saw a meno specialist a few years back and she said it was quite safe to use even if you had a history of breat cancer as long as not classed as active disease. She was on HRT and had had BC herself.

My cousin is a mammographer, she said it is very common to get a recall appointment.

[CLKD]

Is your GP reading the leaflet in the Vagifem box which is well out of date.  If he/she is concerned about continuous use, get him/her to contact Louise Newson for advice ;-).  Or Dr Currie who runs this Forum.

[Jules]

Thankyou Tinkerbell, and everyone else. I was once recalled. They found some different breast tissue. After biopsy then vacuum biopsy to remove it, it was okay but I was black and swollen after. I've recently had biopsies on my stomach and still waiting for results and I needed a MRI scan on my knee and my father died 8 weeks ago so it's been a horrible time and I have that feeling that my lucks out. Keep having mini panic attacks and I live alone though have sons so it's so good that I can ask on here and like minded people reply.

[Flossieteacake]

I am so sorry you lost your father. I imagine that will only increase your anxiety and you are also still grieving.

It sounds like you have had some difficult experiences with having biopsies so it is understandable you will feel anxious. Please do not feel your luck is running out. Although you have had such a sad time this does not mean things will continue like that.

Are you getting any support for your panic attacks?

[Jules]

No because its only started since yesterday when I got the letter but I have left a message for the breast care nurse. Im just trying to keep busy. Ive spent the day with my sons and ex husband doing gardening work. Its when im alone and during the night. I woke with stomach lurching last night.  With regards to continuing vagifem, if I do have active cancer I don't want to carry on using it so I'm going to wait until after my appointment. 

[Flossieteacake]

I just do not want your VA to flare. If you stop taking the Vagifem then this is likely. I hope you get an appointment soon. It is often the middle of the night when anxiety can strike. It really is horrid.

[CLKD]

Let us know how you get on.  [I didn't word that well! ] CRUSE are the support group to contact regarding bereavement - your health anxiety won't be helped by your Dad dying whether it was suddenly or expected.