Forum Discussion
Vaginal dryness
Hi all,
I'm on letrozole and have noticed increasing vaginal discomfort. I have tried a few vaginal moisturisers already but aren't happy with them. Just wondering if anyone has any good ones they can advise on? Thanks.
11 Replies
Hi mel51 If you have been unable to find relief, research Elshka. It is a bit messy to put on but it works for me. Extra bonus, it has helped tremendously with my lichen sclerosis.
I had the same problem and used Olive and Bee intimate cream, which works well. I find that different kinds of chemo (I've had several for early and now MBC) cause skin dryness and treat myself to moisturizers to assist.
Good on you for persevering, you're well worth the effort and investment in effective creams. Many are not at all expensive and no prescription is needed, although I definitely do not avoid any prescription meds that might help!
All the best.
Nothing worked for me until I went on Ovestin vaginal estrogen (available in creams or pessaries). Despite being on hormone suppression (Exemestane) my oncologist said this won’t impact my estrogen levels and safe long term use was also confirmed by my gyno. It’s been absolutely life changing.
Best of luck with finding a solution that works for you x
We had Lesley Kidson speak at our bc support group last month, she is a counceller and also sexual health and relationships , breast cancer patients is her speciality .
Moisturisers and Lubes for Breast Cancer Patients
-Replens
Use 3 x week for approx a month before a difference is noted
If no benefit, increase frequency to every second day
If dryness has been for some time, it may take longer to notice improvement
NOT FOR USE DURING INTERCOURSE
May not be effective in women with established long-term dryness for example women with longstanding postmenopausal vaginal atrophy (many years)
Talk to GP or Breast Care Nurse if dryness persists
-Lubricants Silicone based – not recommended for use with toys
- Water Based Lubricants - Can be used with toys
Note: Do not use oils such as baby oil/olive oil/coconut oil as these promote vaginal inflammation and break down latex.
Astroglide offer free sample pack. Send stamped self-addressed DL sized envelope to
Sample Request - Astroglide Pty Ltd
PO Box 603 Mosman NSW 2088
8th August 2025 I posted that and all her slides from the presentation , with her permission , and how to contact her at Restore Oncology Care Miranda ( also does online consults) on https://www.facebook.com/sutherlandshirebreastcancersupportgroup
Hi thanks for this info from the counsellor it sounds like a really useful and supportive session!
The links to podcasts Mez posted are really helpful too.
For me it’s been hard to work out who coordinates this conversation: the GP, oncologist, physio or gynaecologist.Because I am having endocrine therapy (Letrozole) due to my hormone positive status, I decided to have the primary discussion with my oncologist (awkward!). Initially I don’t think my oncologist realised how prominent addressing this problem was for me, so I had to really elevate it and make it clear this wasn’t “normal” compared to pre-bc, albeit post menopausal, me, and it was important to my ongoing wellbeing.
I’m encouraged to see growing recognition in the medical community - thanks to conversations we’re all having, and efforts from BCNA and survivor advocates. I want to do what I can to prevent recurrence, and I don’t want taking medication to be a trade off with quality of life issues like this. Thanks for raising the issue mel51 andKristen it’s great to share information about how this can be improved.
Thankyou mel51 for starting this very important conversation and its great to see the responses. We thought we would add resources and suggestions from our BCNA resources as well:
- Read Side effects of hormone-blocking therapy on our website and specifically the vaginal changes page
- Our Ask the Expert: Menopause – It's more than a hot flush! does talk about the use of creams and latest recommendations.
You may also find similar topics on the Online Network helpful as well (example Latest on using topical oestrogen creams like Ovestin while on Letrozole or similar )
We would recommend chatting with a member of your treating team about their recommendations and suggestions to best support you.
This is such an important question. I have been trying Olive and Bee (recommended by my physio, also Replens (recommended by the gynaecologist). After trying these few things I have had a chat with the gynaecologist and she had a chat with the oncologist- with both their supervision I am about to start a very low dose oestrogen suppository - because it’s not good to have to this problem.
