Forum Discussion

mel51's avatar
mel51
Member
3 months ago

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 c...
side effects
Kristen's avatar
Kristen
Member
3 months ago

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

 

 

  • Tri's avatar
    Tri
    Member
    3 months ago

    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.