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[Sweetscarlett]

Hello , new to this site and would very much appreciate any advise

Been on vagifem twice weekly for a few years , recently started getting  a few urine infections , last one came back negative but I'm still getting the cystitus type burning sensations , I have read your pages on the ' burning issue' and can very much relate to it !
I'd love to hear from ladies in the same position , I don't believe the vagifem is helping my urethra and surrounding areas.  I was prescribed estriol cream to use instead but it made my lips swell , so I just used it externally which seems to help a bit . I believe from the info on this site that my estrogen levels are low which are causing this AV externally ,so would systematic Hrt as well as local help?
I'm due to see my doc next week I'm thinking of asking to be referred to a gyno, for more specialised advice
I would appreciate any input please xxx

[SadLynda]

I am no expert as just started on the estroil cream myself.  From what I have read here though, often taking hrt can help too, or multigyn I think thats what it is called is good too.

Hopefully one of the 'experts' will be along soon to advise.  But as part of the 'burning club' thought I would offer a sympathetic ear at least.

[Sweetscarlett]

Hi Lynda, thanks for the support , appreciated it! 
I took the estriol for two days before I started to swell , and was unable to see my doctor to ask if this was a normal thing to be happening .
Good luck on your journey xxx 

[SadLynda]

I am on day 2 and feeling more comfortable than I can remember.  Sounds like you need a return visit to check a few things out.

best of luck to you too

[Hurdity]

Hi Sweetscarlett

I presume by "lips" you mean your inner labia started to swell where you had applied the cream?

Yes I would definitley post in the Burning Club too because your post with this title may be missed and there are plenty of members who have suffered similarly.

Some women do find they need systemic (full) HRT as well as vaginal oestrogen in order to keep things comfy down there - as well as the other way round ie I take full HRT but later on I started vaginal oestrogen too. I use internal vag oestrogen and cream on the external bits too. if you are able to be referred to a gynae through your practice then that's brilliant - I would go for that!

Do you have other menopausal symptoms and have your periods begun to be irregular?

I hope you get the help you need and are more comfortable soon

Hurdity x

[Sweetscarlett]

Hi Hurdity , thanks for your reply , I have no other menopausal symptoms  to speak of  , not had a period for 3 years , early menopause .
  xx

[CLKD]

 

[Dancinggirl]

Hi Sweetscarlet - you say you had an early menopause - when did your meno start and how old are you now?
If your meno started early then it is no wonder you are having vaginal atrophy problems. You should have been advised to use systemic HRT until at least your early 50s to prevent these problems and also to protect you from osteoporosis and heart disease.
Vagifem twice a week is probably not enough and trying systemic HRT might be a good idea.  Until you get a referral, in the mean time, I would use Vagifem at least 3 times a week and possibly the oestrogen cream as well. If things become a bit swollen then this possibly means things are plumping up, back to what it should be like. However some women find they react to the fillers in these local oestrogen treatments - in which case you could try 'The Ring', which I personally found better and more effective as it gives a more continuous flow of oestrogen where it is needed. 
I had a premature meno which started in my 30s - I was fortunately advised to use HRT (I dread to think how things would have been if I hadn't) but still developed VA problems which are ongoing - I am now 59 and still on systemic HRT which seems to be the best treatment for me. I also use vaginal gel called Multi Gyn Actigel which I find keeps the vaginal area healthy. Your symptoms sound like VA and the swelling could be part of this and less to do with the local oestrogen treatment.  DG x

[Sweetscarlett]

Thank you Dancinggirl , I am 48 and have been menopausal for about 4 years. This is the first time I have had problems as I have been coping very well with vagifem, but now I guess it's not enough .im due to see my doc Wed , so I will keep you posted . I thank you for your advise, I feel better knowing ( hopefully) I shall soon start to enjoy life again
Xxx