Vaginal Dryness: How to Navigate This Side Effect of Breast Cancer Treatment

Vaginal dryness is a common problem for women undergoing breast cancer treatment. In the video above, Dr. Polly Niravath, a breast oncologist at Houston Methodist, explains what you need to know about treatment options.

What causes vaginal dryness with breast cancer?

Many breast cancer treatments work by lowering estrogen levels throughout the body. A side effect of this, however, is hormonal changes that can lead to discomfort, pain and itching in the vaginal area. These complications significantly affect quality of life for breast cancer patients.

What treatments are currently available?

A layered approach is typically initiated first, starting with a topical cream or moisturizer that doesn't contain estrogen. A second option is laser therapy, using a special carbon dioxide laser to rejuvenate the vaginal tissue.

Are any new treatments on the horizon?

In the past, doctors were reluctant to recommend using estrogen-based vaginal creams. Theoretically, this estrogen could be systemically absorbed, increasing the risk of breast cancer.

"We actually have a clinical trial here that is looking at using vaginal estrogen, which is known to be very effective for this problem," Dr. Niravath adds. "Women who have vaginal dryness during breast cancer treatment are randomized to receive either vaginal estrogen or a non-hormonal vaginal cream. And we're testing the efficacy and safety of both."

During the trial, blood tests are performed to ensure estrogen is not being systemically absorbed. The hope is that the results lead to larger trials that change the standard of care, giving women reliable options instead of just suffering through vaginal dryness during their breast cancer therapy.

(Related: Main Side Effects of Radiation and Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer)