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[jillyrich]

Hello ladies.

Just wondering if Anyone else gets thrush whilst taking Estrodot 25 and 100mg of Utrogestan daily?  At least, I'm wondering if it's thrush. I've only just stared on this new regime of HRT (3 weeks now).

I had a course of antibiotics (which always used to give me thrush) so when the symptoms started after finishing the course,  I bought a canestan tablet and took it. I've had to take 3 now to clear it!!!

But now I'm wondering if I've actually got VA that people talk about on here. My bits feel tender and sore, although not itchy, and look quite red, and sex a few days ago felt tight and sore and just not quite right.  Any ideas ladies?

Thanks in advance.

Jillyrich

[Dancinggirl]

Hi - You are on a very low dose of oestrogen so it's highly likely you have VA.  You could try using some Multi Gyn Actigel daily (or other treatments to improve acidity levels in the vagina) to help keep things healthier around the vaginal area.  I'm using systemic HRt with some Vagifem and still need to use Multi Gyn to help keep the itching and soreness at bay. You might need some prebiotics and probiotics to help the flora in the gut back to normal after the ABs as well.   DG x

[jillyrich]

Thanks Dancinggirl.

I was really hoping it wasn't going to be VA.  This menopause lark is really horrible and is getting me down beyond belief.

If it's not one thing, it's another. Having tried different conti patches, for 18 months, I had to come off them due to almost constant bleeding. Was advised to try this new regime of Estrodot and Utrogestan.  It's only been 3 weeks but I haven't bled since I started and I was really hoping I'd found the right regime for me after all this time. And now the VA appears to be back.

Do you think it's worth upping the Estrodot patch to the 37.5g one?  The conti ones I used were 50g and I didn't have any VA. but obviously I don't want the bleeding to return.  it's like a balancing act which I dont seem to be very successful at.

Thanks for any help or advise or input, believe me it's warmly received.

jillyrich x

[Dancinggirl]

I am certainly no expert but I'm afraid it's difficult to maintain the flora balance in the vaginal area without enough oestrogen. If you are feeling good on the current regime and not getting flushes etc. then maybe some local oestrogen like Vagifem would help - as I mentioned before, even with both systemic and local oestrogen I find I need to use vaginal gels that help to moisturise the area and keep it more acidic to stop bacteria from taking hold.  You may not have thrush - it could just be irritation due to dryness which causes itching, soreness and discomfort. Loads of lubrication for sex is essential during peri and post menopause and I always use a big dollop of Multi Gyn every night after the shower to maintain a good acidic environment and hopefully prevent problems occurring.
If you had problems with excessive bleeding then upping your oestrogen intake might be an issue. I am 59 and still using sequential HRT as having a regular bleed solves this breakthrough bleeding problem - however this is a nuisance. Many women need local oestrogen alongside systemic HRT so I'd ask you doctor to try this - they may say the systemic should be enough but I would fight for them to let you try it. DG x

[jillyrich]

Thanks Dancinggirl, you've been a great help.

The regime does seem to be suiting me at the moment, so fingers crossed it continues.

Can I just ask a couple of questions about the Multi Gyn  Actigel -does it go just on the outside, or up inside you? I've used the canestan pessary before and I hate the fact that it leaks out for days afterwards (sorry!!). If the Actigel goes inside does it also leak out?

I have a new partner having been on my own for a good few years, and whilst he has been incredibly understanding, down to earth, helpful, patient and caring, I'm relishing the intimate relationship we've got, and I'd hate anything to put the mokkers on that!

I did wonder about trying the estring but am concerned about absorbing too much oestrogen and putting my body back to square one with the bleeding.

Thanks!

Jillyrich xx

[Dancinggirl]

Hi again - The Estring shouldn't cause any problems with bleeding and it's great to just pop in and forget about it.  I did find I got a bit of thrush with the Estring towards the end of it's life though (It's life is 3 months) so taking it out now and again to wash, use some Multi Gyn and put it back in helped to keep things ok.
Multi Gyn Actigel isn't a treatment like Caneston, it's a clear gel you can use up inside and a little on the outside if need be to stop itching and soreness but also it keeps the acidity balance in the vagina. I have found it will get rid of thrush but you need to use a lot for about a week, however it is meant to be a preventative. I tend to put a bit on my finger and push it up inside every night.  There is a special attachment which allows you to squirt some deeper inside which is useful if you need a bit extra. It can sting a bit initially but I find it really soothing afterwards.
We are not supposed to recommend brands on this site so I must point out that there are other non hormonal gels and creams available but I find Multi Gyn Actigel the most cost effective as other things can be very expensive.  There is also a Multi Gyn liquid which isn't as good. It is trial and error but for me it is about ease of use, positive benefits and value for money.
Maybe go online and buy a few different types and see which one suits you e.g. Hyloafemme, Replens, Sylk and Multi Gyn Actigel etc. - you can get them all on the 'well known' website Dg x

[andius]

Do you really have the discharge that goes with thrush? Is it possible it is referred pain from your bladder?

I had that feeling when I used progesterone in any dose or route after about a week or so. Never any itching like thrush causes, just red and sore.  When I got off the progesterone the feeling went away. Was treated for thrush, bv, multiple times and never dissipated completely until I got off the progesterone.  Now using a synthetic one (progestin) with no problems.  Progesterone can be used by the body to make other active compounds and can interact and secondarily change the levels of your other hormones. FYI, my urine burned me and so did my sweat (felt like bugs biting when I got hot) when I was on progesterone. Bladder pain can be referred to the vaginal area.Took me a long time to figure out it was the progesterone.  Had no other side effects that are more common though like the sedation, drunk feeling or headaches most complain of. 100mg is a pretty big dose to use with 25mg patch if you are postmenopausal already. The patch at that dose doesn't give much estrogen.

One more thing....on progesterone my urine was always very acidic ph 5 and off it my urine is slightly acidic/neutral ph6-7.  Can you test your urine each time you go for a few days to see if this could be the problem?  Ph strips should be pretty easy to find and all you have to do is hold it in the stream when you go and look at the color of the strip to match up to chart on package.