Natural options for dryness

My mother died of breast cancer, so I am careful to avoid estrogen. Vaginal dryness is a problem, though, so my doctor prescribed Vagifem, which is a vaginal tablet. He implied that it would act locally and that I need not worry about estrogen exposure. Is this true? If not, are there alternatives?

Vaginal estrogen, whether in cream or tablet form, is absorbed into the bloodstream. A study published online in the Annals of Oncology (Jan. 26) shows that Vagifem raises estradiol levels significantly. This action might undo the benefit of medications prescribed to prevent breast-cancer recurrence. Such an exposure to estrogen could well give you pause.

Some women alleviate vaginal dryness by applying nonhormonal lubricants (olive oil, vitamin E capsules and Sylk, which contains kiwi vine extract) directly to the vaginal tissue. Try a test on your forearm to make sure you are not allergic to a product before applying it.



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What can you tell me about salsalate? My doctor says it's safer than aspirin.

Salsalate is a kissing cousin to aspirin. It is disalicylic instead of acetylsalicylic acid. Because it is absorbed from the small intestine, salsalate might be a little less likely to irritate the stomach.



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I heard that locally produced honey could help allergies. How much should be taken each day?

Although we, too, have heard of this remedy, a study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (February 2002) suggests it is ineffective.

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Joe Graedon, a pharmacologist, and Teresa Graedon, an expert in medical anthropology and nutrition, can be reached at http://www.peoplespharmacy.com or in care of this newspaper.