Topical estradiol cream felt systemically

[Anonymous]

Vaginal estrogen is not systemic, but I believe I've read that upon initial use systemic levels can rise in some women very slightly, then they go back to baseline. That may be what you are experiencing. But vaginal estrogen is such a low dose, it's not going to have systemic effects. I find I sleep better on the nights I use it because I'm less likely to get those middle of the night urges to pee. But even systemic estrogen is not going to help you sleep, it's the progesterone that does that. I would say the mood and hair loss is just a coincidence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Vaginal estrogen is not systemic, but I believe I've read that upon initial use systemic levels can rise in some women very slightly, then they go back to baseline. That may be what you are experiencing. But vaginal estrogen is such a low dose, it's not going to have systemic effects. I find I sleep better on the nights I use it because I'm less likely to get those middle of the night urges to pee. But even systemic estrogen is not going to help you sleep, it's the progesterone that does that. I would say the mood and hair loss is just a coincidence.

It’s likely the placebo effect.

[Anonymous]

I really worry about us women when there are posts like this.

Vaginal estrogen cream has been studied a lot. It isn't systematic and as another poster said, why women who have had breast cancer can use it. Sure maybe OP is of the .001% that has a slight rise in estrogen when applied in the vagina but very rare. Also better sleep and hair loss aren't a side effect of estrogen use.

HRT/estrogen patch/progesterone is systematic. Delivery system is completely different and are side effects.

Thoughts have evolved about use of vaginal estrogen cream. You don't use the applicator any longer and only need a small amount. Really helps with a lot of the issues women have as they age. Read up on it OP and keep using it consistently.

[Anonymous]

To answer OPs question…

I did not have the systematic effect you describe, but I did notice my hip pain from gluteal tendinitis was gone. I figured hips were “local” enough that the cream got it them. I don’t think what you describe is normal, but maybe still possible?

Also, how much are you using? In those first two weeks, I realized every night was too much for me. V lining just felt really, really thick. I went down to every 2-3 days, still to much. 1x, maybe 2x a week with pea size amount was sweet spot for me.

[Anonymous]

I've done the topical estradiol for a couple years and it has been helpful. I'm doing about half the prescribed dosage. I haven't noticed unusual hair loss.

[Anonymous]

I am the breast cancer PP. I do use the applicator per my gyn. I have vaginal atrophy. It makes a world of difference.

[Anonymous]

It's probably just imaginary effects for you, like a placebo.

[Anonymous]

Well the hair loss is real as is the increased dreaming and I am pretty sure the better sleep. So I don't think it was placebo because I wasn't expecting it.

[Anonymous]

There’s some lady on tik tok who says if you have extra you should smear it on your face to prevent wrinkles. Should I be doing this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a little confused confused by this post. Aren’t all estrogens topical these days? Patches are topical, too.

Progesterone is oral, but my understanding is that they no longer give oral estrogen (I believe bc estrogen that passes through the liver increases clotting risk, but topical doesn’t).

My HRT is 3 parts: oral progesterone, topical estrogen gel, and vaginal estrogen cream.

But I’m glad it’s working for you, OP.

I was given oral estrogen as recently as a year ago. My new doc changed me to the patch at my request.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I really worry about us women when there are posts like this.

Vaginal estrogen cream has been studied a lot. It isn't systematic and as another poster said, why women who have had breast cancer can use it. Sure maybe OP is of the .001% that has a slight rise in estrogen when applied in the vagina but very rare. Also better sleep and hair loss aren't a side effect of estrogen use.

HRT/estrogen patch/progesterone is systematic. Delivery system is completely different and are side effects.

Thoughts have evolved about use of vaginal estrogen cream. You don't use the applicator any longer and only need a small amount. Really helps with a lot of the issues women have as they age. Read up on it OP and keep using it consistently.

I worry about your scientific illiteracy and boosterism more. Just because vaginal estrogen is a lower dose does not mean there cannot be affects on systems other than the vagina. For one thing, some women may apply more cream, some may apply it in different locations, and some women may absorbed the cream more readily, meaning the concentration of estrogen is higher.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a little confused confused by this post. Aren’t all estrogens topical these days? Patches are topical, too.

Progesterone is oral, but my understanding is that they no longer give oral estrogen (I believe bc estrogen that passes through the liver increases clotting risk, but topical doesn’t).

My HRT is 3 parts: oral progesterone, topical estrogen gel, and vaginal estrogen cream.

But I’m glad it’s working for you, OP.

I was given oral estrogen as recently as a year ago. My new doc changed me to the patch at my request.

It still exists it’s just not prescribed as frequently

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Vaginal estrogen is not systemic, but I believe I've read that upon initial use systemic levels can rise in some women very slightly, then they go back to baseline. That may be what you are experiencing. But vaginal estrogen is such a low dose, it's not going to have systemic effects. I find I sleep better on the nights I use it because I'm less likely to get those middle of the night urges to pee. But even systemic estrogen is not going to help you sleep, it's the progesterone that does that. I would say the mood and hair loss is just a coincidence.

It’s likely the placebo effect.

. You sound ill informed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's probably just imaginary effects for you, like a placebo.

Why do those who haven’t tried these things obviously.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's probably just imaginary effects for you, like a placebo.

+1000
And I use systemic hrt.