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[groundhog]

Hi ladies,
5 years ago I had ovaries removed in an op that nearly killed me. Lots of here about it, perforated bowel blah blah. Never recovered, have 3 bags.  But I'm trying to move on, it's hard to tell what is causing what. It could be my general rubbish health now or meno symptoms.
One symptom that could be meno is a frequent intense itch down below.  it's been going for for years and I find a bit of steroid cream helps.  I also get urine infection but again my bladder was also damaged in the op.
Last year my GP prescribed Vagifem which I didn't use as I was too fed up of everything.  My gynae  then said to try Oestrogel , one pump daily which is also in the box unopened.
I'd like to try something to relieve the vaginal symptoms.  Which would you use ?  I am thinking as the itch is on the outside skin would the gel be cooler or a the oestrogel a much higher concentration of hormones than the vagifem. 
Oestrogel says 1 pump = 0.75 mg oestradiol .
I am 60 this year, had last period 5 years before that dreaded hysterecomy/oopherectomy

[Lanzalover]

Hi groundhog

Vagifem for me is great for internal dryness but for itching outside I find Ovestin works best if I were you I would try and get a prescription from your doctor.

As an aside at first it seemed to be a bit stingy but it settled down and now I find it works well.

Good luck
Lanzalover x

[CLKD]

Nice to hear from you.

Get that vaginal atrophy treatment started.  It won't do any harm and should ease symptoms in 2-3 weeks, used nightly.

Some ladies find that 'yes' and 'sylc' products useful.  You may get free samples from the websites.

[Joaniepat]

Groundhog, do not put the Oestrogel on your vulva as it is a systemic product intended for use on "ordinary" skin. It would sting like blazes on the vulva.

Otherwise, Vagifem and Ovestin as Lanzalover says. Perhaps you should also be examined for the vulval skin condition lichen sclerosis as this can cause a lot of itching.

My advice is to get started on the 14 day loading dose of Vagifem asap. VA, although for life, can be treated. Try some Yes VM as well, as a vaginal moisturiser might help with the itching. Good advice there from CLKD!

JP x

[Bobidy]

Yes I found Ovestin a bit stingy at first but it has settled now. I have a repeat of Vagifem and Ovestin, you can also get Yes via prescription too. Be really patient as it can take ages for things to settle down. Don't suffer though and no Estrogel on your nethers! X

[Maryjane]

Please get lichen sclerosus ruled out its missed far to often & an itch is also a symptom same as LS, obviously oestrogel is not for the vulva or vagina , an external oestrogen cream is ovestin or estriol cream.

[CLKD]

Is the itch on the 'lips'/labia?  Thats' where I get dry and KY Jelly or LIVE yoghurt is soothing ;-)

[groundhog]

Hi ladies,
Thank you.  I have reached the point of not really knowing which way to turn ad the fistula continues to
Be a wrecking ball in my life. 
But if vagifem works then there is nothing to lose, I know it's quite safe.
Thank you for explaining about the Oestrogel , I did suspect it wasn't for vulval use but wasn't sure.
Ovestin, I will need to speak to doctor about that as it's definately the outside lips that's itch.
I have been tested for lichen sclerosis and that's fine.

All this underpinned of course by the fact I had a fistula track I to the vagina when this happened 5 years ago and deep down I worry it's that causing these issues but no harm in trying the gynae route xx

[Katejo]

Hi ladies,
Thank you.  I have reached the point of not really knowing which way to turn ad the fistula continues to
Be a wrecking ball in my life. 
But if vagifem works then there is nothing to lose, I know it's quite safe.
Thank you for explaining about the Oestrogel , I did suspect it wasn't for vulval use but wasn't sure.
Ovestin, I will need to speak to doctor about that as it's definately the outside lips that's itch.
I have been tested for lichen sclerosis and that's fine.

All this underpinned of course by the fact I had a fistula track I to the vagina when this happened 5 years ago and deep down I worry it's that causing these issues but no harm in trying the gynae route xx

  Hi Groundhog  I have had this problem for a long time and actually raised it at my meno clinic and my urogynae appts. this week. Prior to this i had been given canestan cream (which worked well temporarily but lost its effect) and estriol which didn't help (but was slightly past its use by date so that could be the reason). I had also tried Olive and Bee but it didn't really help.

Both doctors above examined me and were happy with what they saw but could see the irritation. I now have Dermovate cream to use for a couple of weeks and Hydromol ointment which I asked to try because several women on the VA discussion on FB had recommended it. Too early to say for sure but it has started quite well this week. The gel seems to protect from urine irritation.

I have been on Vagifem for 18 months now. It works very well for internal irritation but doesn't help the external itch. The same goes for Evorel Conti patches.

I hope things have improved for you generally? I did read some of your account after your problem surgery and felt for you at the time.

[CLKD]

groundhog - what do you have in the house right now?  Vaseline: savlon; KY Jelly given that its' weekend and nearly closing time.  The idea is to get the area moist so that dryness doesn't cause itching.  Ring your Surgery and ask for vaginal atrophy treatment, you don't need blood tests or an internal examination.

[groundhog]

Thank you.
Hi Katejo, yes my hysterectomy going wrong has caused massive problems for me for the last 5 years.  I a, better in some ways but the fistula is still there . it's like a rollercoaster as il have a few good days and then bad again, I never know where I am.
I have got some dermal 500 and it says it's ok for vulval use.  I have found it quite soothing in all honesty, I'm  ot sure if that's similar to hydromol.  I will give vagifem a go as it can't do any harm and who knows, it may actually help.
Hi clkd, I've actually got vagifem and the Dermol which I coild use u til I get to Phone the doctors on Monday. Would be amazing to have one problem that can be treated.
The fistula because it's caused by surgery has no treatment 😞
Thanks all, good night xx

[CLKD]

So did you use the products groundhog?

[groundhog]

I used the dermol clkd
It comes and goes but the dermol is soothing. Il start on the vagifem tomorrow 🙏

[CLKD]

Keep on with the 'dermal' several times a day?