Dear Jacqui:
I've been taking Tamoxifen for two and half years because I had breast Cancer.My doctors believe this is what caused my severe vaginal dryness. He called my cancer doctor, who then prescribed PREMARIN CRM/APP 43 gm.

Will this medication only heal or will it help to restore the lubrication? I have had absolutely no interest in sex for 5 years. My husband has been very patient. My feelings about sex have nothing to do with my husband. I just do not have the urge no matter what I think or do. Thank you for the reply.
Lucy

Dear Lucy:
I am very familiar with Tamoxifen. It is a chemo-therapy drug to block the female hormone, Estrogen. It helps protect you against cancer recurrence. Tamoxifen, unfortunately, has many side effects.

It can make you depressed, it can curtail your libido (sexual desire) and because it blocks estrogen it may cause severe atrophy of the vaginal tissue, which you are experiencing. Many women who take this drug are experiencing similar symptoms. I am therefore really puzzled why your doctor would prescribe an estrogen to treat your vaginal disorder.

Estrogen in cream form or other may help the vaginal dryness problem a little bit but it can also increase your risk of cancer recurrence. As long as you are on Tamoxifen it is safest to avoid all estrogen containing drugs or creams.

I would suggest you use a couple of drops of a vaginal moisturizer daily such as the FDA approved Very Private Intimate Moisture. It is unscented, pH balanced to the vaginal tissue and gynecologist approved. It contains absolutely no hormones and cannot put you at risk.

Since your vaginal tissue is very dry and has become less elastic, it is important to protect it by using a little moisture after washing. Be sure to avoid scented soaps or washing products and avoid sitting in scented bubble bath which are extremely drying to sensitive skin.

As to your libido, I suggest you discuss with your oncologist the entire issue of hormones once again. He or she might suggest that you apply a little bit of testosterone cream a couple of times a week on your clitoris and the vaginal lips to rekindle your sexual desire. It has worked for many women. Above all, be sure to discuss the issue of taking Premarin with your oncologist once more. It is a synthetic estrogen made from a mare's urine.

Though I don't know the particulars about your case, it is unusual to prescribe Premarin to a patient that is on Tomaxifen. It can't hurt to ask and be sure. Instead, you might benefit from having 20 to 30 grams of soy daily. It will supply you with isoflavones, a natural estrogen-like substance. I wish you good health.

Jacqui





	I've been taking Tamoxifen for two and a half years because I had breast cancer. Now my vaginal tissue is extremely dry and atrophied. Dear Jacqui: I've been taking Tamoxifen for two and half years because I had breast Cancer.My doctors believe this is what caused my severe vaginal dryness. He called my cancer doctor, who then prescribed PREMARIN CRM/APP 43 gm. Will this medication only heal or will it help to restore the lubrication? I have had absolutely no interest in sex for 5 years. My husband has been very patient. My feelings about sex have nothing to do with my husband. I just do not have the urge no matter what I think or do. Thank you for the reply. Lucy Dear Lucy: I am very familiar with Tamoxifen. It is a chemo-therapy drug to block the female hormone, Estrogen. It helps protect you against cancer recurrence. Tamoxifen, unfortunately, has many side effects. It can make you depressed, it can curtail your libido (sexual desire) and because it blocks estrogen it may cause severe atrophy of the vaginal tissue, which you are experiencing. Many women who take this drug are experiencing similar symptoms. I am therefore really puzzled why your doctor would prescribe an estrogen to treat your vaginal disorder. Estrogen in cream form or other may help the vaginal dryness problem a little bit but it can also increase your risk of cancer recurrence. As long as you are on Tamoxifen it is safest to avoid all estrogen containing drugs or creams. I would suggest you use a couple of drops of a vaginal moisturizer daily such as the FDA approved Very Private Intimate Moisture. It is unscented, pH balanced to the vaginal tissue and gynecologist approved. It contains absolutely no hormones and cannot put you at risk. Since your vaginal tissue is very dry and has become less elastic, it is important to protect it by using a little moisture after washing. Be sure to avoid scented soaps or washing products and avoid sitting in scented bubble bath which are extremely drying to sensitive skin. As to your libido, I suggest you discuss with your oncologist the entire issue of hormones once again. He or she might suggest that you apply a little bit of testosterone cream a couple of times a week on your clitoris and the vaginal lips to rekindle your sexual desire. It has worked for many women. Above all, be sure to discuss the issue of taking Premarin with your oncologist once more. It is a synthetic estrogen made from a mare's urine. Though I don't know the particulars about your case, it is unusual to prescribe Premarin to a patient that is on Tomaxifen. It can't hurt to ask and be sure. Instead, you might benefit from having 20 to 30 grams of soy daily. It will supply you with isoflavones, a natural estrogen-like substance. I wish you good health. Jacqui Copyright 2000 Brandwynne Corporation. All rights reserved.

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