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[Kathleen]

Hello ladies.

I thought I'd post a mini update on my VA experiences since coming off HRT because my methods of treating this have changed and  I'd hate  anyone to be misled by my previous posts.

I am 63,  post meno and until four months ago I was using 2 pumps of Oestrogel and 100 mcg of Utrogestan vaginally every night. Although I need to use the  bathroom once or twice a night I had never had any other symptoms of VA. About 3 weeks after my final dose of HRT I began feeling very dry and then developed the weird burning and itching that so many of you describe.  I was reluctant to add in topical oestrogen straight away so I tried using a skin emollient on my nether regions by sitting in a shallow bath every morning which  seemed to help so mentioned this on the forum. Fast forward a few more weeks and it became clear that the emollient wasn't enough so I abandoned that and instead rubbed coconut butter into my skin twice daily. This was very soothing and effective and again I think I posted about it. A few more weeks passed and, you guessed it, the coconut butter was no longer helping so this time I went to the pharmacy and looked at the vaginal moisturisers.  I bought Replens extra long lasting and use it morning and night but on the outer area only. This is where I am at the moment and I feel comfortable day and night so I'm going to continue with this routine for the time being. I was chatting to a friend and she made the point that if the outside is dry then so is the inside but I'm holding off on using the applicator as I don't feel I need it as yet. Btw my friend has never been on HRT but does use Vagifem as and when necessary.
Given my experiences I wouldn't be surprised if things continue to change and I need a topical HRT at some point but time will tell I guess.

I wanted to update you all because I'd hate you to believe that my earlier attempts at controlling my VA were still effective when infact they  only helped for a short time. I assume for  anyone on systemic HRT however the emollient bath and coconut butter may be enough.

Hope this post helps ladies and wishing you all well.

K.

[Tinkerbell]

I am on systemic HRT, 3 pumps of Estrogel, but still need Vagifem every day and Ovestin on outer bits to control the VA and i still have the odd blip even with all that!

[Kathleen]

Hello Tinkerbell.

Thank you for your comments.

I'm sorry that I can't recall where you are in your meno journey but I am nine years post meno so perhaps that makes a difference. I wonder if I have somehow adapted to needing less Oestrogen in my vaginal area and that's why a moisturiser is sufficient at the moment. However as you can see from my post  other treatments worked but only for a while so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Take care.

K.

[Joaniepat]

Hi Kathleen,

If you have Facebook, Jane Lewis (Maryjane on here) runs a vaginal atrophy Facebook page which is a good resource. There are plenty of suggestions for moisturisers and management of VA. Replens is not a popular choice due to the ingredients.

Best wishes
JP x

[Kathleen]

Hello Joaniepat.

Thank you for your post. I will check out the facebook page as soon as I can, thanks for the suggestion.

Take care.

K.

[Tinkerbell]

Kathleen, i am 56 and 4 years post meno, but i have had issues with VA since i was 46 and still getting periods, been my main issue really apart from increase in palpitations.

[Katejo]

I am on systemic HRT, 3 pumps of Estrogel, but still need Vagifem every day and Ovestin on outer bits to control the VA and i still have the odd blip even with all that!

I have found that using Evorel Conti patches has significantly reduced the number of Vagifem needed per week, particularly in the last 2-3 months. I am now only using about 2 a week instead of 5-6.