Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Pinkprincess]

Hi everyone
I am new here to this wonderful site and wondered if any of you lovely people can help? I am 59 and have been suffering with what I think is vaginal atrophy. Symptoms are - itching,burning,feeling swollen. I went to see my GP as I had some red sore spots on my labia she said I was sore and dry and gave me some cream (hydrocortisone?) which cleared to red sore patch and she prescribed Vagifem. I took a full course but the symptoms are still with me - the itching is driving me mad! I have noticed my inner labia have all but disappeared or seemed to have morphed into the sides lol is this part of VA/aging/menopause? Should I go back on Vagifem? I have also been using either Vagisil or YES cream. Sorry if this is too much information 
Pat

[Maryjane]

Hi😊I am in the VA club unfortunately, look,at a thread called " the burning club" lots of info there.

Also if you find the menopause matters online magazine on here go to page 12 and that tells my story it should answer all questions.

Problem with steroid cream it in itself cause thinning of the skin,you can use vagifem 5/7 days a week , there is also the estring , and oestrogen many of us have to,use on the outer bits also.

This is the part of menopause no one tells you about. Read my piece and then any other questions ask away.

[Pinkprincess]

Hi
I've searched but can't find the thread or magazine?

[Maryjane]

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/issue48/mobile/index.html


Page 12.

The thread started by " dancing girl" called the " burning club" will be found via the search bar.

[Taz2]

Hi Pinkprincess - just to answer your question about the appearance of your "bits". Yes it is normal for our vaginas to return to their prepubescent state as we get further into menopause. I didn't realise this until I was caring for my elderly mum and noticed while washing her. I guess it stands to reason that as it is the increase in oestrogen which starts things changing when we are young then the withdrawal of it returns things back to how they were - well not completely of course - but it's not something that gets talked about!

I too have VA and find that at the age of 63 the only thing that works is full HRT plus Vagifem.

Taz x 

[CLKD]

We have several threads on atrophy here 'My Bladder etc.' ........ have a read, make notes 

[meno2016]

Hi Pinkprincess! I know it's been a while, but I was wondering how did you go with your symptoms? Did it turn out to be vaginal atrophy and vagifem was enough? What about the hidrocortisone?

[suzysunday]

You need vagifem or ovestin for life to keep the atrophy managed.   A course is not an option as symptoms will return without treatment.  It's a bloody depressing condition that no one tells you about. When I found our I  had it I hadn't a clue .  This forum is such a help to me.

[CLKD]

Anyone aware that constipation starts VA symptoms?  ?Due to pressure ? on the bladder etc. due to in my case, slow transit  .  I had a very uncomfortable few days due to not opening the bowels properly/not at all .  During which time VA symptoms kicked in.  Treatment and pain relief has sorted it in the main. 

[Whatsupwiththis]

Hi Pinkprincess...another with severe GSM (geniturinary syndrome of menopause) or VA or VVA (vulva/vaginal atrophy).  No matter what they call it, it is difficult to get under control.  I have been on vagifem plus estrone for several months and still have soreness and stinging.  Takes time to sort out.  Keep up with maintenance as it will only get worse.  Many of the ladies on this site have been extremely helpful and offer suggestions that have worked for them.  Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[CLKD]

Why do GP Surgeries perform a 'dip stick' test on urine samples?  I read NICE guidelines earlier that these should be performed on a fresh mid-stream sample.  No real advice on if these are able to prove infection and not a lot to suggest that samples should be sent to a Lab. routinely.  What would a dip stick test actually reveal that would raise awareness of an infection?

[CLKD]

 

[Taz2]

Why do GP Surgeries perform a 'dip stick' test on urine samples?  I read NICE guidelines earlier that these should be performed on a fresh mid-stream sample.  No real advice on if these are able to prove infection and not a lot to suggest that samples should be sent to a Lab. routinely.  What would a dip stick test actually reveal that would raise awareness of an infection?

I use these at home. A dipstick test can reveal an infection by showing the level of leucocytes, protein or blood in the urine. They are especially good for when we are older and no longer get pain when suffering from an infection.

Taz x