Hyaluronic acid safe for vaginal atrophy

I am a 74-year-old female, currently in good health. I had a complete hysterectomy at age 54, and stage 2B (ER positive, HER-2 negative) breast cancer at age 65, with lumpectomy and radiation. I am six months away from completing 10 years of Arimidex.

Two years ago, my gynecologist prescribed Vagifem for severe vaginal atrophy. My oncologist approved, as long as I only used it once a week. It is very helpful. My new gynecologist is recommending a suppository called Revaree instead. It is an over-the-counter hyaluronic acid.

Can I safely continue Vagifem and vaginal use of hyaluronic acid?

— C.R.

DEAR READER » An ER-positive breast cancer is one that has estrogen receptors, which means that estrogens can stimulate the cancer to grow. Consequently, estrogen products are used with extreme caution or not at all in people with a history of an ER positive cancer. Anastrozole (Arimidex) works by preventing the body from being able to make estrogen.

Vagifem is a brand of estradiol, the bioidentical hormone that a premenopausal adult woman’s ovary makes. There remains uncertainty about the safety of vaginal estradiol, and so I never prescribe it without approval from the oncologist. It is safe to use nonhormonal treatments for vaginal atrophy, such as hyaluronic acid.

DEAR DR. ROACH » I am a 74-year-old healthy female. Recently, my doctor noticed I had high blood pressure (140/90) and suggested I take medication. I looked up Norvasc, propranolol and metoprolol. I also know that I really need to take something for my blood pressure. Right now, I am taking fresh garlic every morning on an empty stomach, my sodium intake is minimal, and I also drink lots of beet juice. Please advise me of any blood pressure medication with the least side effects.

— S.S.

DEAR READER » Before prescribing medication, it’s appropriate to consider nonmedication treatment, such as salt reduction and stress management. Garlic and beet juice have a very small effect on blood pressure.

When choosing a blood pressure medicine, a doctor considers effectiveness, possible side effects, usefulness for other conditions a person may have and costs. There are many effective medications, and most of them are unlikely to have bad side effects.

For a person in their 70s with mild high blood pressure and no other conditions, there are many good choices, but a low-dose diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide is a very good, lowcost choice.