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[linfit]

Hi
Just wondering.....how would I know if the stinging, burning and throbbing on the outside of the vagina is due to VA ? I am struggling with external stinging and soreness, using Vagifem which seemed to help for months but now have the external problem. Ovestin hurts and seems to make matters worse. I just feel so confused at all these similar symptoms and where to go t find out what is what and what could be causing the other. I seem to be going round in circles at the moment.

[Maryjane]

I have both VA and V .....my gynae says that you can only throw so much oestrogen at VA and when you still get symptoms its then V as well.....

HRT has helped a lot , but histamine and mast cells can cause a viscous cycle in the vulva area , Vulvodynia is just an umbrella term of we haven't got a clue , have you been checked by a vulva dermatologist for LS / LP and other skin conditions?

Some ladies with V take drugs like amitriptyline.

Also women's health physio which I have.

[linfit]

I have both VA and V .....my gynae says that you can only throw so much oestrogen at VA and when you still get symptoms its then V as well.....

HRT has helped a lot , but histamine and mast cells can cause a viscous cycle in the vulva area , Vulvodynia is just an umbrella term of we haven't got a clue , have you been checked by a vulva dermatologist for LS / LP and other skin conditions?

Some ladies with V take drugs like amitriptyline.

Also women's health physio which I have.

Thanks for this. I haven't been checked for skin conditions. I have had VA since August 2016. I am 53. Vagifem seemed to be working, was hit by a flare up a couple of weeks ago, still struggling with it hence wondering if it is V. Ovestin is hard on me, don't think I can tolerate it. When you say HRT, are you on systemic? Do you use Vagifem? Where is your gynae? Are you the lady who has had ML? How easy is it to be prescribed Amitriptyline?

[babyjane]

Ovestin contains some quite harsh additives and the 0.1% estradiol it contains is quite strong, I can't tolerate it either.  I use the weaker and kinder 0.01% estriol cream externally and that helps a lot

[linfit]

Ovestin contains some quite harsh additives and the 0.1% estradiol it contains is quite strong, I can't tolerate it either.  I use the weaker and kinder 0.01% estriol cream externally and that helps a lot

Thank you, is your VA under control. How long have you had it and how often do you get flare ups?

[babyjane]

Yes it is very well controlled now with vagifem and estriol cream.  I have had it for about 6 years now.  I started on the 25mcg pessaries twice a week but these were stopped and there is only the 10mcg available now so I use one every other night but needed to do a reload about every 4-5 months.  My GP said this is fine to do.  I started using the cream as well about 2 years ago and I don't need to do a reload as often now. I haven't had to do one since before Christmas 

[linfit]

Yes it is very well controlled now with vagifem and estriol cream.  I have had it for about 6 years now.  I started on the 25mcg pessaries twice a week but these were stopped and there is only the 10mcg available now so I use one every other night but needed to do a reload about every 4-5 months.  My GP said this is fine to do.  I started using the cream as well about 2 years ago and I don't need to do a reload as often now. I haven't had to do one since before Christmas 

That's great, can I ask how frequently you use the cream? And in between the re-loads are you symptom free or just low symptoms? How do you judge when to do the re-load, I mean how do you know it's not enough and not too much Vagifem, if you know what I mean? Hope it's Ok to be specific, it's just that I thought I was getting control until this latest flare up which has lasted about 10 days now. How old are you, I am 53. Are you on any other medication for VA?
Thanks

[babyjane]

Hiya, I can only tell what its like for me and we are all different.  I use the cream when I feel outer dryness or soreness, can be 2 or 3 times a week. I don't really notice any other symptoms on the whole, this regime works for me.  If I feel the signs of VA returning is when I will do a reload.  Don't worry about too much vagifem as the 10mcg can be used every night if need be as it is topical and very little, if any, is absorbed into your system.

I just judge by how it is all feeling but may I say try not to overthink it all too much.  If you feel you need a bit extra help then use a bit extra, you won't hurt yourself.  It isn't an exact science.

Please remember this is my own experience, another member may say something different.  You need to decide what works for you at the end of the day.

Good luck.

[Katia]

I'm not sure how old you are, but I read a study this weekend that Qlaira is licenced in the United States for VA.  It's a birth control pill (2mg estradiol, 2mg dienogest, then steps up to 3mg dienogest).  There is a HRT called Climodien that matches the 2mg estradiol, 2mg dienogest.  I'm trying to find info on it as that combo works well for me.  The step up to 3mg in Qlaira gives me night sweats.  Everything seems to be sort one thing and something else goes off.

[linfit]

I'm not sure how old you are, but I read a study this weekend that Qlaira is licenced in the United States for VA.  It's a birth control pill (2mg estradiol, 2mg dienogest, then steps up to 3mg dienogest).  There is a HRT called Climodien that matches the 2mg estradiol, 2mg dienogest.  I'm trying to find info on it as that combo works well for me.  The step up to 3mg in Qlaira gives me night sweats.  Everything seems to be sort one thing and something else goes off.

Thanks Katia, I am 53 years old. You are right though, one thing sparks the other. I think Ovestin cream worsens my stinging and so have halted that.