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[jbean]

Hi all, I am well past menopause, but my body still desperately needs oestrogen. I was on HRT,  but reacted badly due to pudendal nerve issues (another story , but basically I am sensitive to certain drugs and creams).I have the usual vaginal atrophy, mild lichen planus, and dryness being the worst offender.  I have recently had my bloods done and wondered what your thoughts were.  I have had a hysterectomy, prolapse repair and had my ovaries removed.  Oestradiol, <44, pmol/L, FSM 62.9 and LH 29.7.IUL My B12 is also low, 97 pmol/L.

[nearly50]

Hormones look quite normal for post menopause, not that i'm an expert.

My recent blood tests had the following ranges
Oestradiol Ref Range: Post-meno    < 183
FSH Ref Range:Post-meno     25.8 -134.8
LH Ref range: Post-meno    7.7 -58.5

B12 pmol/L    140.00 -724.00

Have you been prescribed vitamin B12?

Can you use topical HRT for VA?

[Annie0710]

You desperately need b12 injections and folic acid to maintain healthy levels and functioning

Are you vegetarian ? X

[ancient runner]

What were your nerve issues with HRT? Curious - having a few difficulties here and seeking info...

[jbean]

 Hi

I have pudendal nerve damage, this occurred after a routine smear test.  This means that any products e.g. shampoo, creams etc that come near the vulva and vagina it burns.  Its like having tooth ache between your legs.  Its an awful condition. On top of that I need oestrogen, and am going to try and preserve again, even though I know I will react.  Any suggestions as to the best oestrogen based creams/gels?  No I am not a veggie. As you know my B12 levels are low, which contains colbalt.  It just so happens I am allergic to colbalt, so maybe I am not absorbing it?

[Annie0710]

If you're not vegetarian it is very likely you are suffering from pernicious anaemia and need treatment for that, and for life x

[Hurdity]

Hi jbean

Your oestrogen level is very low indeed! Do you have symptoms still - flushes or sweats, and have you any issues with bone density that you know of?

Depending on your age/medically history there is no reason not to take HRT if you need it, as the benefits outweigh the risks if aged under 60 and within approx 10 years of menopause ( or last HRT use I presume). Even over 60 and under 70 the risks and benefits are thought to be equal (if you are otherwise healthy and have no health risks/relevant issues).

I have always used patches - Estradot which are very small ( but sometimes have supply problems), bit other women like to use gel - its a matter of personal preference. You will need a progestogen too if you use a separate oestrogen and still have a uterus.

Have you not been using anything for the vaginal atrophy? At the very least you should be using Vagifem or similar. Do look at Maryjane's posts as I think she talks about pudendal nerve damage I think - she is an expert on all things to do with urogenital atrophy and different treatments. Also Dancinggirl - but she hasn't been around recently - but have a look at her thread in private lives section - the"The Burning Club" for ideas.

Hope this helps

Hurdity x

[Maryjane]

Thanks Hurdity. Jbean is on a group I admin , so I directed her here knowing her oestrogen was very low , and said the ladies here no a lot.

As I am not so knowledgeable when knocking on 60s door.

X

[Hurdity]

Haha - well I'm well on it now being a pensioner an' all that 

Hurdity x