Estradiol Cream

Submitted by Aging gracefully on February 12, 2013 - 10:14pm
Body: 

Hi there everyone, just found out something interesting that I wasn't aware of before. My mom, about 70 now has been using estrogen cream for dryness in and around her vagina for about a year. She just told me that she went to get her cholesterol checked and her triglycerides went through the roof. She thought it was too much fat in her diet, but then started doing some research and found that this cream can raise a person's triglycerides!!!
So, now she has stopped using the cream. What would be a good replacement for her? I thought I had read that honey was good, but can't remember which thread that was on.
Any advice would be great!
Thanks ladies.

Forum:

fab

February 13, 2013 - 4:07pm

Ladies have recommended coconut oil, natural yoghurt, olive oil, baby cream and even vaseline to prevent dryness and help lubrication. The coconut oil and yoghurt are considered beneficial as well as soothing.

Christine did recommend a little honey in the vagina to introduce good bacteria. Drinking a cup or so of Red clover tea also helps.

Thanks for the information on estrogen cream and triglycerides.

cheers Fab

Aging gracefully

February 13, 2013 - 9:55pm

Hi Fab,
I do remember reading about these things used as lubricants, and have actually used the honey myself for some soreness in the vagina with great results. I guess what I don't understand is what my mom is going through at her age, because I don't have this dryness she is talking about. She says it is quite uncomfortable, and talked about going back to increasing soy in her diet for the estrogen effect it has. I believe you ladies also said the red clover tea has this affect.
How often would one have to apply coconut oil or these other alternatives to get relief, and is it the same relief as the estrogen cream provides?
This experience with my mom is a great eye opener and reinforcement for more natural alternatives. It really scares me that if my mom hadn't figured this out sooner where she would have ended up!
Thanks for your response.

solita

February 13, 2013 - 11:47pm

I am having relief from the dryness and the damage from the Lichen Sclerosis with a bit of Manuka Honey one time a day and Red Clover Balm every night and Red Clover capsules from the Now brand 3 capsules 3 times a day as suggested in the container and I am 70 years old too. I wish you and her the best of health. Solita

fab

February 14, 2013 - 2:36am

I take it that you are worried for your mum, but if it is only dryness and not bleeding or discharge as well then I think you can safely assume that it is the naturally drying effect which accompanies a drop in estrogen levels which was I think, from what you said, what she was using the estradiol cream to treat. Let's hope that any possible long term ill effects will quickly fade now that she has given the estradiol up.

Actually, from what I have heard she has been lucky not to have had this dryness much earlier right from the onset of menopause. I have read that half of women reaching menopause suffer from vaginal dryness. That seems to be an amazing number.

The ladies here who have uterine prolapse have to be careful that the uterus is not outside too much or this too will cause drying as a number have commented.

The coconut oil should be safe enough to use often. Your mum would have to see how she went. She could apply it first thing in the morning after her shower and then see how well it holds up. Maybe, again in the afternoon and then at night going to bed. It is Aussie soul sister who is a keen advocate for coconut oil and she could advise you better. But I have taken her advice and find when things dry which happens from time to time that coconut oil is quiet effective, feels heathy (if that makes any sense) and I rather like the smell.

Coconut oil can also be used as an anti fungal. It is also high in vitamin E.

Yes, the red clover tea does have low levels of estrogen.

Finally, if I was unfortunate enough to have Lichen Sclerosis, I would certainly be following what Solita has to say. And the use of red clover balm and capsules are good suggestions for the dryness just on its own.

Just on that Solita, have you needed to apply the apple cider vinegar at all?

Best wishes, Fab

Aging gracefully

February 14, 2013 - 7:38am

Thanks so much ladies! That does help a lot. It is difficult for me to advise my mom, because she has this old school way of thinking that doctors know best. She is a retired nurse and relies heavily on the healthcare system. I am not saying this is all bad, because she has really helped her husband as an advocate for him all the way through heart surgery and recovery, fighting with the doctors to get things right for him.
But, she herself went and had that hysterectomy at 50, and she seems to think the gynos know what they are talking about, until this happened to her. I just want to be able to approach her with this in the gentlest way without her turning on me. When I first started with my uterine prolapse, she thought I should have surgery. I don't talk to her about it anymore. I did tell her about honey, and she did scoff and say she would never do such a thing.
She did buy some coconut oil; maybe I can suggest this delicately to her, and I will bring up the red clover balm also.
Thanks again.

solita

February 14, 2013 - 10:12am

Dear Fab, I have no need to use apple cider vinegar now because the Lichen Sclerosis is under control by the wonderful Red Clover capsules and balm, the dryness in the vagina is better by the Red Clover capsules and the Manuka Honey ( I do not use the Red Clover balm inside the vagina)
To help my immune system I am following a gluten and dairy free diet, bone broth, algae, juicing at home vegetables and fruits, sprouting the legumes and I do not use soya products because the Red Clover in capsules is working very well for me, I have eliminated tomatoes, potatoes, spices and peppers and I am increasing the walking distance every day in WW posture.
I am delighted with all the help that I received from all of you dear ladies, my life is totally changed! Now I can walk and it is hard to believe that I do not have the terrible pain of the LS!
I am for ever grateful!
I am expecting my DVD shortly and I will have help with the wording because I can not hear well enough and I could miss something important.
Please Aging Gracefully can you provide us with the address where you read the conection between the estradiol cream and triglycerids? Thank you all and have a good weekend! Solita

Aging gracefully

February 14, 2013 - 10:39am

My mom actually found that. I will have to ask her. It does seem strange though that her triglycerides would sky rocket like that. I really believe we shouldn't put such unnatural things in our bodies. She said she is going to the doctor tomorrow. Wonder what he would have to say about it.

Aging gracefully

February 14, 2013 - 12:39pm

I was looking around myself, and did find this article on estrogen and triglycerides:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/192680-estrogen-triglycerides/

I guess it doesn't affect everyone the same, but I would still be wary of using any hormone replacement for myself. Especially when there are so many natural alternatives. I guess I just didn't want to think about such things right now, I am 50 and still getting my periods, but with this happening to my mom, it makes me consider what the future holds for me.

solita

February 15, 2013 - 8:50pm

The link you shared is very interesting!
Thank you!
Have a good weekend
Solita

Surviving60

February 16, 2013 - 6:11am

For those who have not seen it yet, Christine's new video has all the details for treating all of these uncomfortable conditions. And a whole lot more. SO much knowledge, wisdom and personal experience about every aspect of female health and well-being. I absolutely love it. Thanks Christine, another gift to women. - Surviving

fab

February 16, 2013 - 8:11pm

I am so looking forward to the day in the not too distant future when Christine's videos will have English subtitles and/or her video scripts will be available.

cheers, Fab

Aging gracefully

February 20, 2013 - 7:25am

Just a little update on my mom. She went to the doctor, and he didn't believe that the estrogen cream could raise triglycerides, so she showed him on line the information. He said, well I guess it can then, but he would hate to see her go off it. No real explanation why.
She is going to try the red clover for now. We will see how it goes for her.
Ahhh yes, it is the Internet age, isn't it?!?!

louiseds

February 22, 2013 - 2:11am

Ahhh, yes. Well, to his credit, he did admit that he could have been wrong. That is one more slightly more knowledgable doctor in the world. Well done, Aging, and Aging's Mum!!

Louise

solita

February 23, 2013 - 11:19pm

Aging gracefully I told my doctor and the specialist that I am taking the Red Clover capsules and that I have healed from the Lichen Sclerosis and they were happy for me and they wrote down all the information from the bottle and the address of Wholewoman.
I am almost six months ( two more weeks to go) without using the cortisone cream!
Have a good week.
Solita

fab

February 24, 2013 - 12:52am

Solita,

This calls for a celebration. A glass of champagne for you. I clink your glass.

Aging gracefully

February 24, 2013 - 6:51am

I second that!! Wonderful news Solita!!

Daphne11

March 2, 2013 - 6:58pm

Well, thank you all for the discussion on Estradiol. I have thought that Estrace was contributing to my labial pain and since also reading the reference to Estradio and triglycerides will be cancelling my rx. I've been using it on and off for several years during which time my triglycerides levels jumped as did my bad ldl's.
Oh, and by the way, I have begun wiping with cider vinegar several times a day and using castor oil for a lubricant. The vinegar is way more gentle on the skin than any cleanser I've used. I sometimes also use the cider vinegar in a spray bottle which works very well, then pat dry with a paper towel or cotton cloth.
Thanks,
Annie

solita

March 2, 2013 - 8:30pm

I am now 6 months and 2 days without using the cortisone cream!
I am celebrating with a virtual glass of champagne with both of you!
Thank you for been here and making me feel at home!
I am for ever grateful for all the wonderful advise I have received from
Christine and all of you.
Lots of new ideas to improve my health are in the New DVD!
I am so glad it arrived! Have a good weekend!
Cheers! Solita.

Aging gracefully

March 2, 2013 - 9:24pm

So glad to hear, solita!! I hope my mom can have such positive results as you have had. I look forward to getting that DVD, also. All her other DVDs have been so helpful!!
Cheers to you too!! Clink, clink!!

nevaeh

March 3, 2013 - 8:41am

Thank you for this information. I am using Estrace twice a week and am on Crestor trying to control my numbers as I have had one stroke and don't want another. The urogynecologist assured me when he first prescribed the cream that it only helped the dryness and wasn't absorbed into the body. Will ask my primary care physician later this month at my 3month appointment.
Solita, which new DVD are you suggesting that has the new help in it? I am trying to learn all I can. I had a complete hysterectomy several years ago and my prolapse is getting much worse. Pessaries didn't work for me and my uro dr said my only option now is surgery. I am trying to learn all I can to make the best decision. I still live an active life and want to have the best quality I can for my remaining years. I too am in my 70's.
I am so glad that I found this site a couple of weeks ago and have learned so much from you ladies in this short time. Thank You

Aging gracefully

March 3, 2013 - 9:30am

The Whole Woman Way to Vulva Vaginal Health DVD is the one I think she is talking about.
As soon as I can swing it, I am definetly adding this one to my video library!!

solita

March 3, 2013 - 8:36pm

Yes! Nevaeh, I was refering to the DVD called The Whole Woman Way to Vulva Vaginal Health.

Nevaeh, for the dryness I am using a little bit of Manuka Honey and it works wonderful, but I also have Lichen Sclerosis and for it I am taking 3 Red Clover capsules from the NOW Brand 3 times a day and Red Clover Balm at night.
Have a good week! Solita