HRT and GHSV 1 reactivation

[Oldlady]

Hi Terri. I am a 59 year old woman who contracted GHSV1 many years ago. Other than issues the first few months, as far as I know, I’ve never had a reoccurrence with the exception when I used hormone cream for vaginal atrophy after menopause. It seem to have brought everything alive so I discontinued its use. That was about five years ago. I am in need of something now but I am concerned about the same reaction. Do you have any information on why hormone treatments reactivate a dormant virus? Also, not sure how much experience you have Specifically with this issue, but if I take Valtrex with it, do you think that it would help? Do you think eventually my body wouldn’t have that reaction or would I have it the whole time I’m taking the cream? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Terri Warren]

I don’t believe there is any evidence that topical hormone treatments trigger herpes outbreaks. If you’ve had HSV 1 for five years, the likelihood of you doing anything at all to activate HSV genital 1 is incredibly low! We know so much more now about genital HSV 1 and basically, after a few years, it becomes very quiet in the genital area of most patients.

If you have concerns beyond this, like about transmission, you could take Valtrex, but I’m guessing you won’t need it.

Terri

[Oldlady]

Hello Terri, I sincerely hope you and your family are well and enjoying the holiday season.:-)

So, I decided to try estrogen cream again. Unfortunately within 4 days I had a significant outbreak. I discontinued use of the cream. To recap, I have had 2 noticeable outbreaks since my initial diagnosis of GHSV1 in 2017 at the age of 59. Both outbreaks followed my use of estrogen cream. (Within 3-4 days) I don’t imagine there are many women that are post menopause that have GHSV1 and use estrogen cream. Information is scarce. However, I have seen post from women who experience outbreaks after many years. I wonder if they were using HRT, oral or topical cream. Although I am just one person and my situation may be unique, I wanted to share it. There is no doubt in my mind that the estrogen cream triggered my outbreaks. I am not sure if I want to try taking valrex (which works for me, I just chose not to use it this time) while taking the cream. On the positive, I have a TERRIFIC partner who is hsv1 positive and with whom is not concerned about contracting this genitally. Anyway, like I said, I just wanted to share my experience and I welcome you thoughts.

[Terri Warren]

First, I’m so sorry I missed this post!
I’ve heard of women who use various kinds of hormone therapy and some do report it triggering outbreaks. I don’t recall hearing about it when applying it topically but it could certainly happen. If your partner already has HSV 1, then transmission is not an issue and if you aren’t too bothered by the outbreaks, then suppressive therapy certainly isn’t a “Must”

Terrk

[Author]

Posts