His and Her Health

I talked to my doctor today about trying an estrogen cream for my vestibulitis, and she thinks the risk of endomentrial cancer is too high. I've determined that my symptoms are best at times of high estrogen and low progesterone. (I posted about this in a separate topic.)

I thought I'd try an estrogen cream first, and then try a low-dose estrogen supplement of some kind if the cream doesn't work.

My doctor doesn't like either option and suggests that I try one of the higher-estrogen birth control bills or the nuvo ring.

Any thoughts?

The risk of endometrial cancer with estrogen cream applied to the vestibule really does not exist.

In my other response I discuss why the higher dose pill and Nuvaring does not make sense either.

Thank you so much for the response. Do you happen to have the names of authors of studies that have found this? I've found that in 1999 a Swedish study found that low-dose vaginal estrogen was safe. Anything else that would convince my doctor? She really scared me away from trying a cream!

Also, we do have a compounding pharmacy here that can do a cream for me. If I can convince my doctor, do you have a recommendation for the percentage of estrogen and testosterone that has been effective in your practice?

In my 18 years of dealing with this (no kidding!), I tried estrace once, but I believe I was still on the pill when I tried it.

I can see your point about the pills and nuvaring. I'm trying to find an endocrinologist, but so far no luck.

Thanks so much for the reply!

i am having a hard time convincing my doctor to let me use a topical estrogen cream also. i am pretty sure after almost 4 years of dealing with this that my vestibulitis was triggered by OCs. I am being somewhat sneaky and asking a different doctor to test my hormone levels to find any abnormalities. hopefully something will show up and they'll give me a perscription.

The cream needs to contain testosterone, too, to help repair the skin from damage due to BCP's.

Jez, or anyone else who might know, could you tell me the percentage of estrogen and percentage of testosterone? My doctor has no idea, and she's not enthusiastic about prescribing any...

I'm almost sure that the % can change slightly from patient to patient, but here is the Rx on my bottle:

Estradiol 0.03% / Testosterone 0.1% in cell #100

"in cell" is referring to the "gel" they use to mix it in. I'm not sure what "#100" refers to.

Using this Rx saved my life. Previous to using it, I was practically house-bound for months. If I did leave the house for any length of time I had to take an ice pack with me to sit on. (Up until the pain started I was very social. I went out with my friends every weekend, and I was very active.)

Once I started using it, it took 2 months before I saw any improvement. After that I was able to get out again. I took some college refresher courses, and then went back to work full time. I can function like a normal person again.

I had some other issues besides the VV, so I'm still not pain-free. But my life has greatly improved since using the Rx (and quitting birth control pills)

I am curious about the birthcontrol connection and vestibulitis. How soon after using the pill did you feel the problem? Also, alb55, did you find anything interesting from your hormone test?

Jez, did you use any progesterone to "balance" the estrogen? My doctor says it's an endometrial cancer risk if I don't. Also, are you still using it?

Janet26, I felt burning pain after sex within a month or so of starting taking birth control pills. I've since gone on and off the pill, and taking it makes my symptoms *much* worse!

Oh, and Jez, thanks for the info!!!

I am finding out the results from my hormone level test this coming Monday. I also found out by talking with my doctor that I had some other symptoms that demonstrated some sort of imbalance: 6 wk menstration cycle, low energy levels, and acne. I never had any of these problems before I went on birth control, only since I have been off. My doctor said that enough was a reason to do some tests.

The doctor that is helping me is not who I have been seeing regularly for my vestib. She is very willing to perscribe me the estrogen/testosterone compound, but is unsure of what to specifically look for in my results. I showed her the site and I hope she was able to contact Dr.Goldstein before our visit. I'll be sure to post the results when I get them.

No, I'm not using any progesterone. My Dr. says that there's very little risk of cancer using it on the vestibule area.

I'd really take Dr. Goldstein's opinion about the little risk of cancer since he has had so much experience. (Your Dr. might be very good, but if he hasn't been researching and practicing the treatment of vestibulitis, I can understand why he might be hesitant about using the cream. Actually, that's probably a good thing: that he's not going to just give you a Rx without knowing everything about it.)

Also, to answer the other question: the pain started slowly about 2-3 months after quitting the Pill. At first, it just hurt when I jogged or walked. Then it progressed to constant pain.

I got my test results back today and all of my hormone levels were normal. I am getting an ultrasound later this week because my other symptoms might mean i have polycystic ovaries. Needless to say, not a very satisfying visit. Still trying to figure out exactly what compound to try.

I Just started to use Dr. Goldstein's compound mixture of hormones 2 days ago and stoped taking my birth controll pills about a week ago. It used to be I would ONLY have pain after sex (though the q tip test he did, hurt quite alot) But not after rubbing in the gel my vestibule is really red and irritated... is this normal and will it stop?

PinkSillyStar, can you tell us the what the percentages of estrogen and testosterone are in your compound? I am trying to find out so I can give it a shot.