[AussieDebbie]

Being peri-menopausal and having so far refused to risk taking HRT, when presented recently with the option to use a low dose, topical Estrogen tablet (Vagifem), I decided to give it a go.

My Gyno told me it doesn't absorb into the bloodstream, for which my research tells me was a fib.

Anyway, it seems that within a few days a nasty flare up started. Stinging dominates my feet 24/7.

I'm wondering if any of you ladies have had a similar reaction? If its not these tablets then I'm guessing its time to increase my pain meds a little.

The Gynocologist told me to stay on Vagifem the rest of my life, but I will not be doing so if they have caused this extra pain.

[IllPn]

I have used bio-identical hormones. Like anything else I am not consistent using them which I am sure not good for my body. I do the same thing with supplements. I would look into using them instead and also possibly progesterone with it. These hormones are a cream and made up at a compounding pharmacy. I use 2 kinds of estrogen and/progesterone.


The Vagifem website mentions using that with. I don't know if Vagifem is a bio-identical.

If you go to hystersisters there is a lot of info on hormones there.

[Susanne C.]

Originally Posted by AussieDebbie

Being peri-menopausal and having so far refused to risk taking HRT, when presented recently with the option to use a low dose, topical Estrogen tablet (Vagifem), I decided to give it a go.

My Gyno told me it doesn't absorb into the bloodstream, for which my research tells me was a fib.

Anyway, it seems that within a few days a nasty flare up started. Stinging dominates my feet 24/7.

I'm wondering if any of you ladies have had a similar reaction? If its not these tablets then I'm guessing its time to increase my pain meds a little.

The Gynocologist told me to stay on Vagifem the rest of my life, but I will not be doing so if they have caused this extra pain.

No idea about the product that you are using, but I have had increased nerve pain since I was 15 at that time of the month. Sciatica pains in both legs and knees for the first three days of my period. I am 52 and still pretty regular. I have CMT (hereditary sensory-motor neuropathy). The pain can be debilitating. Hormones definitely affect pain perception. My regular heavy pain meds barely touch it and only large doses of ibuprofen seem to help, which makes it seem like a water retention/inflammation issue. Have you noticed any water retention from the Vagifem?

[Sallysblooms]

I only use compounded bio identical creams. Balancing all hormones is key for me.

You have to look hard to find a doctor that actually understands how to test and understands Bio identical HRT. I will always use it. It is one more thing that helps me to be as healthy as possible. After many years of migraines, they were gone the day after I started the creams.

[hopeful]

Originally Posted by Sallysblooms

I only use compounded bio identical creams. Balancing all hormones is key for me.

You have to look hard to find a doctor that actually understands how to test and understands Bio identical HRT. I will always use it. It is one more thing that helps me to be as healthy as possible. After many years of migraines, they were gone the day after I started the creams.

Hi,
I have really been thinking of finding a doctor who works with bio identical HRT.
How did you find one? I currently have an estrogen ring but have wonder if I need something else. Do u know if bio identicals pose the same cancer risk the research shows for others? Did they help you with your pain?

Sorry for so many questions.
Hopeful

[Marlene]

If you have a compounding pharmacy in the area, you can ask them the names of some doctors who prescribe it. There are quite a few OB/GYNs starting to prescribe them. You may want to look for a doctor who practices integrative medicine also.

I use a bio-identical estradiol patch called Villel Dot and then an OTC progesterone cream. It took about a year to get to the right dosing. I started low and worked up. I found if I didn't, it was overwhelming to my body. The progesterone was the trickiest. There's a bio-identical progesterone pill called promethium that I tried first and quickly stopped after about 4 days. Found I was waking up with very achey feet. That's when I switched to a transdermal cream at very low dose and worked up slowly.

I am post-menopausal and my goal was just to rid myself troubling symptoms. Some try to restore/mimic a cycle of a menstruating women but I wanted none of that.

I don't have PN but I have read that progesterone can be helpful in some cases.

Just know that it's a very individual thing and it can time to find the right balance.

[mrsD]

Originally Posted by AussieDebbie

Being peri-menopausal and having so far refused to risk taking HRT, when presented recently with the option to use a low dose, topical Estrogen tablet (Vagifem), I decided to give it a go.

My Gyno told me it doesn't absorb into the bloodstream, for which my research tells me was a fib.

Anyway, it seems that within a few days a nasty flare up started. Stinging dominates my feet 24/7.

I'm wondering if any of you ladies have had a similar reaction? If its not these tablets then I'm guessing its time to increase my pain meds a little.

The Gynocologist told me to stay on Vagifem the rest of my life, but I will not be doing so if they have caused this extra pain.

I agree, your Gyno is stupid or lying:

http://www.rxlist.com/vagifem-drug/c...armacology.htm

This link gives the actual absorption data, and also side effects which are very systemic.

[AussieDebbie]

Thank you all for the excellent input, much to think about here.

I've not heard of bio-identical hormones before, but have a vague memory of my Gyno saying something about these being much safer. However, I'm reluctant to trust that now after finding out it does indeed absorb into the blood stream. What else is she misinformed about, or blatantly lying about.

Susanne... Now that you mention it, I've noticed a return of the water retention I used to live with constantly. Since going gluten-free at the start of this year one of the first advantages I noticed was a loss of fluid build ups, particularly noticeable around the ankles. I'd assumed the return of fluid retention was an accidental gluten intake. Now I'm wondering if this Vagifem isn't the culprit! Thank you for pointing this out, it may be very important.

Marlene .... I've tried to get a hold of OTC progesterone but none of my local chemists have heard of such a cream, or tablet for that matter. Just thought, might try my organic store next time I'm there as they have a large stock of supplements and such. It won't surprise me if there is no such thing available over counter in Australia as we seem to be rather behind the US in these things. But my GP should be able to prescribe some.

Mrs D .... Thank you for posting that link. Quite an interesting read. I think my Gyno is just misinformed as she doesn't seem to be the lying type. I've concluded lately that I'm going to have to educate myself in order to protect myself from all these doctors. Blind faith in the medical profession would make me the stupid one!

Something I've also noticed since using Vagifem is a return of the horrible period cramps I suffered monthly all my life. This past year I'd only had a very very mild period a few times, with no cramping whatsoever. Yet, this past fortnight the cramps have come back. I've not even been following doctors orders to use it daily, rather I've been using it a few times per week, with the cramps coinciding. Thinking I may stop taking it, or ask for progesterone as well.

I agree with you Marlene, that I might need to find my personal balance.

Thank you once again ladies for your input. I have lots to consider now and ideas I'd never thought of.

[Stacy2012]

I want to have my hormones checked, I firmly believe hormones affect PN, at least for me. Every single month my feet are worse during the week before I start, once I start, feet better. So I definately feel hormones are important.

[AussieDebbie]

Originally Posted by Stacy2012

I want to have my hormones checked, I firmly believe hormones affect PN, at least for me. Every single month my feet are worse during the week before I start, once I start, feet better. So I definately feel hormones are important.

I completely agree. I've even thought the hormonal changes of peri-menopause may be the cause in some cases. It just seems uncanny how many women seem to contract this condition not long after entering the menopausal time of life. I'm convinced that in some cases at least there could be a connection.

And male menopause could factor in here too.