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[groundhog]

Hello ladies,

As some may know I'm 55 and had hysterectomy January 15.  I had my ovaries out - the hysterectomy paled into insignificance as my bowel perforated - that's on another thread.
I'm now 15 months without my ovaries and am having some symptoms which may be menopausal.  I'm quite sore down below - on the outside plus I'm quite itchy everywhere.  My scalp is dry and round my hairline is flaky.  Last week I had a rash between my shoulder blades - this has gone but now I've got a few horrible boils!  I've never really had skin issues before and wonder if any other ladies have expended this in menopause.  Also I was told that as I went through the meno about 5 years ago,  having my ovaries out would have no effect,  I'm not so sure this is right and again wonder what others think?
Thanks ladies xx

[Joyce]

Not sure if menopausal, but think hormonal. I went through a spell many years ago of having boils, mainly along my jaw line. Horrible big purple things they were & ever so painful. This was put down to hormone upheaval at the time. I also got the odd one down below, but once things were back on an even keel, no more boils.

Not sure about the rash GH, but as we're all very different, who knows. My hubby has a rash between his shoulder blades & so far as I know he's not menopausal. He thinks his is a sweat rash from sitting on horrid plastic covered computer chairs at work.

My ovaries were taken out nearly 15 years ago, but I still get weird things going on. Oh the joys!

[Keepgoing]

Are you taking any eastrogen to me that's what it sounds like you need. I had the all over itch and dry hair, boils and very dry skin.  I am peri menopause and on 2nd month of estrogel and utro which you won't need as you had hysterectomy but estrogel is wonderful has helped me x

[Ju Ju]

I've always had very dry skin, but in the last few months since having my hysterectomy ( ovaries left, but post menopause anyway), my skin had become very flaky. When I undressed a shower of dry skin would would fly away, like having dandruff on my body. Strangely, no dandruff evident from my hair. I stopped using perfumed body washes, lotion etc and now wash with emulsifying ointment. The flaking stopped straight away.

[groundhog]

Thank you all.  Maybe it's a good sign as I'm obviously fo using in something other than my abdo holes!

thats interesting  Ju Ju - do you get this wash from doctor or can you buy it over the counter?  I used to bath every night but now since my botched op I tend to shower - hot shower every evening and always with shower Gel or perfumed soap so maybe my skin is drying out too much.
 I don't take oestrogen keep going.  I've never gone down the HRT route as my bowel perforated during the hysterectomy ( when my ovaries were removed ) so that side of life was never mentioned.  I did have vsgifem prior to hysterectomy but in the basis I can no longer have intimacy I don't use it but maybe I need something to keep me comfortable.  I'm seeing my gynae soon,  il ask him - thank you.

Cubagirl - oh the joys,  yes you are right,  always something .  I'm definitely noticing a change in me - hair, nails, skin and as for my memory well don't ask..............

[Ju Ju]

You can buy emulsifying ointment over the counter at the chemist without a prescription. It comes in a tub 500ml. Some assistants haven't a clue and ask what it is or what make and you have to say that's what it's called! It lasts a long time and costs under £5. You can try aqueous cream, which is cheaper, but I find it rather runny and too easy to use too much in the shower. Take care with your feet, as it is slippery. My skin feels a lot smoother and comfortable. I was using it to wash my nether regions anyway. Not glamorous stuff, but if it cleans and soothes......who cares! I think it the same stuff I used years ago when eczema was more of a problem. Soap has always been a problem, but I seemed to be alright with shower gel until recently. I do use HRT , but not high doses because of my age.

[Dancinggirl]

Hi groundhog - so pleased you have got through all that terrible time with the last operation. I believe you are suffering with oestrogen deficiency and the effects can take some years, after post meno, to emerge.
At 55, whether you are post meno or not, some oestrogen may well be beneficial for you, especially as you have had a hyster. Even one pump of Oestrogel daily could really improve many things for you.  Even if you don't have systemic oestrogen,  I would definitely try some local oestrogen e.g. Vagifem that could improve the whole area around your 'lady bits' - local oestrogen can also help with bladder function.  You never know, you might be able to embark on intimacy again???!!! I find using some vaginal moisturiser daily is really great as well - I use Multi Gyn Actigel after my shower, use minimal soap around that area and only use unscented vegetable soap and sometimes washes specifically designed for the 'intermate area'.  Also have a look at your diet - some Omega 3 is great for the skin.  Dg x

[Dorothy]

I've had all your symptoms apart from the rash.  I'm single and expect to stay that way, but I still use ovestin cream, as I got to the stage where it was sore all the time and hurt to sit or walk!  I also use vagisil for washing down there - doesn't sting (as long as I keep using the Ovestin) and keeps everything smelling fresh too!

Washing elsewhere, I use either emollient cream or some of the gentle oil-based soaps.

[CLKD]

As oestrogen levels drop off so the body becomes dry = itchiness.  Both inside and out.  How about treatment for vaginal atrophy?  When my inner/outer vaginal lips get itchy I use KY Jelly or LIVE yoghurt ……. it is soothing and eases the itching.  Also, the feeling of razor blades up there went once I was using localised HRT.

If I am out and about I use 'vagisil' wipes to ease symptoms.

[Hurdity]

I agree that you would definitely benefit from local oestrogen whether or not you try systemic HRT. Absolutely as you say, using Vagifem isn't just to do with intimacy - but to keep your tissues healthy and plumped up - also the bladder as well as vaginal area.

I can't remember why you didn't start taking HRT - I seem to remember your mentioning a reason but can't remember what?

Hurdity x