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[Kris]

Hi

I've been suffering with Cystitis symptoms plus constant burning. I have tried everything to help! I was prescribed vagifem which seemed to help st first but it also gave me thrush. I since returned to the doctor, and have now been given oestrogen patches 25, these seem to be better. Put it this way I've had the symptoms since April this year and I now feel like I can go for a walk safely without the urgent need for the loo. 
Ladies there is hope yet!

[Dancinggirl]

Hi Chris - welcome to MM
You symptoms are common when meno hits - this is Urogenital atrophy - I've suffered with this on and off for many years.  You need local oestrogen and some lubricant or vaginal moisturiser.  Keep using the Vagifem alongside the oestrogen patch and ask for some Sylk which will ease discomfort and help to maintain the right flora balance.  I also find Multi Gyn Actigel very good for preventing and treating BV and thrush - do look this out on the net as it is well worth trying.  Drink lots of water in the mean time - half a teaspoon of bicarb in a glass of water morning and evening helps to sooth the burning. Managing vaginal and bladder problems tends to be ongoing once they start.
Here is the section from the NICE guidelines that tells GPs how they should treat women with VA and bladder problems during and after the menopause:

Urogenital atrophy

1.4.9 Offer vaginal oestrogen to women with urogenital atrophy (including those on systemic HRT) and continue treatment for as long as needed to relieve symptoms.

1.4.10 Consider vaginal oestrogen for women with urogenital atrophy in whom systemic HRT is contraindicated, after seeking advice from a healthcare professional with expertise in menopause.

1.4.11 If vaginal oestrogen does not relieve symptoms of urogenital atrophy, consider increasing the dose after seeking advice from a healthcare professional with expertise in menopause.

1.4.12 Explain to women with urogenital atrophy that:

symptoms often come back when treatment is stopped

adverse effects from vaginal oestrogen are very rare

they should report unscheduled vaginal bleeding to their GP.

1.4.13 Advise women with vaginal dryness that moisturisers and lubricants can be used alone or in addition to vaginal oestrogen.

1.4.14 Do not offer routine monitoring of endometrial thickness during treatment for urogenital atrophy.


Do note that it recommends that systemic and local oestrogen is often necessary and ongoing treatment is advised to prevent symptoms returning.  Hope this helps  Dg x

[Kris]

Hi
Thanks for replying. I'm trying to find out that when using the patches, why, when I change to a new one my symptoms seem to come back for a few days. Do I need a higher dose. All avice is greatfully received.

[nothappybun]

 Hi Kris,
Have you been given the patches just for your cystitis and burning sensation or do you have other symptoms?
I'm not an expert (new on here) but in my case the patches and gel didn't target those issues and the local cream is helping, the urge to urinate is so mild I don't notice it, still have dryness and burning.

Try reading the info Dancinggirl has posted, it has helped me a lot to understand.
 Also read these links from this site;

http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/vaginalsymptoms.php

 http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/dryness.php

Take care and WELCOME 

[Dancinggirl]

Kris - it would help us to help you if we knew a bit more about YOU - how old are you? where are you in your meno journey e.g. peri or post meno? Have you had a hysterectomy?  If you haven't had a hyster, then have you been given some progesterone to take for 12-14 days each month? 
To answer your question though, the 25mg patches are a very low dose so problaby not sufficient to help the VA and Bladder problems - so if you aren't using the patch alongside some local oestrogen this may simply not be enough to reduce this burning.  Do cut out caffeine and citrus juices but drink plenty of water.  Avoid all scented products around your ‘lady bits' and make sure you clean really well after opening your bowels - try to ‘AIR' your fanny as much as possible as well. Multi Gyn Actigel and Sylk could really help the situation. 

I gave you the info from the NICE guidelines so you can get clued up about how these symptoms should be treated.
Here is the link on this site that explains about oestrogen patches: http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/treatafter.php

Such a low does will take some time to kick in and do it's magic but you should probably be using systemic and local oestrogen to really control things - as explained in the NICE guidelines.
Your GP should be following the NICE guide lines 
DG x

[Hurdity]

Hi Kris

 

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

GPs often don't though.