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Vagifem vs Estrace Vaginal Cream?

Posted , 11 users are following.

Gigi368
Gigi368

Any input would be so helpful!

Long story short, I've been told by 2 gyno's I have AV.

My question is which one is better, if there's a difference, and has the lowest absorption into the blood stream. I have an unreasonable fear of medication bc of my current health issues and I'm reading conflicting info.

The first doc gave me Vagifem 10 mcg vaginal inserts, per her directions, 2x a week.

Second doc gave me Estrace Vaginal Cream, her instructions are 1 applicator 4 grams, 2x a day for 2 weeks, then 2x times a week after. That seems like a lot to me.

I'm literally making myself sick agonizing over which one is the least likely to seep into the blood stream. I know they both will but I want the least amount possible. The pharmacist isn't much help..

I'm so ready for this menopause crap to be over, I feel like I've already checked out of living a normal life. My anxiety is off the charts and no one to talk to about it, I don't currently know anyone personally going through this.

Bit of background, I had a hysterectomy 16 yrs ago, but kept my ovaries. Started having issues in July with yeast infections, was finally told it was AV and I needed vaginal estrogen. Currently having headaches, dizziness, and awful sadness, crying for no reason and dryness. Went through hot flashes and night sweats a few yrs ago, so those aren't an issue. Other medical issues, heart valve problems, high blood pressure and cholesterol, hence my fear of causing more problems with estrogen getting into my system.

Any info or advice would be much appreciated!!

2 likes, 53 replies

53 Replies

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  • sheila32506
    sheila32506 Gigi368

    Posted

    Hi Gigi,

    I too have been told by two gyno’s that I have AV, I have been given several types of medication but unfortunately none of them have worked. At present I am using Vagifem 10mg twice weekly but i’m not sure if this is working as I am still in agony. I am 62 years old I suffer with high blood pressure and I also have an unreasonable fear of medication, my anxiety levels are also sky high (we have a lot in common). I do not know anyone else who is suffering from this condition and therefore I was quite interested to read your comments. I have really really bad days when I think I just cannot take this pain any more and I do not have anyone to discuss it with. 

    I wish you well with whatever form of medication you decide to proceed with and maybe you could keep me updated as to whether or not it works for you.

    regards

    Sheila

    • wendy62425
      wendy62425 sheila32506

      Posted

      Hi Sheila

      How are you feeling?  Has the Vagifem started to help you relieve your discomfort yet....it does take time.  As mentioned for me my GYN put me on Estrace first for two weeks then started the Vagifem 2 x weekly.  I am doing well.  I hope you are feeling better each day.  Keep us posted.

      Wendy

    • Gigi368
      Gigi368 sheila32506

      Posted

      Hi Shelia!

      I'm doing pretty good... I have good and bad days. I'm still using the Estrace 1 gram 2x a week but use a bit every night on the outside. I'm going to pelvic floor physical therapy. Last week I did a no no according to my PT lol.. she said no hovering or squatting while going to the bathroom, but I was at my summer place and the water is turned off for the winter and my bladder was bursting so I had no choice but to squat and I've been paying for it.. heavy feeling like my vagina is trying to fall out, pressure on my bladder, frequent pee'ing, urethra very irritated for the last 5 days. Today is a bit better.. other than that I seem to be past the weird side effects i was having in the beginning.

      How are you getting along?

  • elaine05672
    elaine05672 Gigi368

    Posted

    I was just on my computer looking up side effects for Estrace cream and Yuvafem tablet, and I came across all the correspondance from all you females I was so happy to see that other people were thinking and feeling the same as i was, I thought I was alone in this, so good to see the wonderful conversation going on, I dont know where every one lives but it sure would be nice to have a place to meet have coffee tea or whatever you would like and talk.
    • wendy62425
      wendy62425 elaine05672

      Posted

      Hi Elaine

      You are not alone....we are all here for each other sharing what helps to make us feel normal.  It was very difficult in the beginning as I never heard of any other women go through such discomfort or never heard of Atrophic Vaginitis.  I am in the US...other are as well and others all over the world.  What meds are you using between Estrace cream or Vagifem or Yuvafem?

      wendy

    • elaine05672
      elaine05672 wendy62425

      Posted

      Hi Wendy: thanks for your reply i am so happy to know I am not alone, I am in the US also I am not using any other Meds I have been using the Yuvafem about 2 months now, I went to my OB yesterday and she  changed me over to the Estrace cream and told me it would work better I have not started it yet.

      Elaine 

    • Gigi368
      Gigi368 elaine05672

      Posted

      Hi Elaine!

      I'm also in the US.

      My doc first gave me Vagifem but I not only had some odd side effects but my AV was so bad I was beyond miserable. I switched docs and my new one gave me Estrace and it worked better than I thought it would. I'm down to twice a week, after the initial 2 weeks, and only use a half gram. I still use a small amount on the outer bits almost nightly. It's not perfect, I still have rotten days, but for the most part I feel about as normal as can be expected I suppose.

      Have you tried it yet?

  • girlfour
    girlfour Gigi368

    Posted

    Hi there I just want to share. That I had very painful intercourse because of menopause.I was taking 2 g every night for 2 weeks and then 3 times a week 2 g each time. I also put a little bit Estrace on my finger and I would massage the opening of my vaginal opening. I'm telling you It changed my sex life with my husband the 1st time in many years I felt no pain during intercourse. I'm not exaggerating, I felt like I was in my twenties again and because I don't hurt anymore it affected my sex drive for the better! Now it's a lot of fun to have sex with my husband.

    • Suki_girl
      Suki_girl girlfour

      Posted

      Same for me with the estriol cream! I also think it has made me more sensitive so that sex is even better than it has been for a long time!
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