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[Minnie]

Hello, I'm new to menopause matters. My question is to do with the use of ovestin. I started using it back in September 2021 having been on vagifem for 2 years which wasn't helping. It seemed to be working better but around 6 months later the UTI type pain came back. I also have lichen sclerosis, which unfortunately didn't get diagnosed until age 34,this has been a lifelong condition that I first became aware of around age 11. For years I was treated for thrush when it's wasn't thrush, was told by several doctors and consultants that it was all in my head. The end result was finally seeing someone who recognised LS immediately. Unfortunately lots of scarring and incredible pain due to the changes that had occurred. Had to have surgeries to try and ease the effects of the disease. Getting back to the ovestin, the gynaecologist that I see for my LS suggested doing a reload and again it seemed to help. That was the end of June last year and now I am so sore again. Can't sit down. Recently saw a menopause specialist to discuss HRT and I asked if it was ok to reload every few months and then drop back down to twice a week. She didn't seem keen and said only do it if you absolutely have too. I did mention that I'd noticed some ladies on here using both vagifem and ovestin but was told you can only use one. I'm not sure about systemic HRT as all of my adult life suffered debilitating migraine, fainting being sick etc but since menopause no migraine. Always felt hormones were the cause .Also I lost my dear mum to breast cancer and she blamed HRT , she was only 62 when she died. Not sure how to proceed. I use E45 as a barrier and dermovate ointment for the LS. I decided to start reloading again out of desperation as I feel so raw and prickly, on day 5 now but have anxiety that I shouldn't be doing this. Sorry for rambling, any advice greatly appreciated.

[CLKD]

Menopause 'specialist' 

   go with what you learn on here ;-).  It is absolutely OK to use vaginal atrophy treatments nightly if required. Why did you go to see a 'specialist'?  Have you been discharged from the Gyane who was over seeing your LS?

When I get the need2P I take 2 nurofen 3 times a day to ease that nip as the urine flow shuts off.  There are various types of moisturiser too, you will see how others manage VA when you find the threads. 

Quality of Life is important.  Pity that medics still don't seem to know what ladies require with regards VA treatment, you will see how many of us here use 'as necessary'.  There is a good book written by a Member on the Forum: "Me and My Menopausal Vagina".  A book that every medic should read ;-).  It's available on Amazon so might be worth while you having a copy.

Whilst your Mum blamed HRT was this in fact the cause of her breast disease?  Was she specifically diagnosed with oestrogen BC ....... how long had she been taking HRT, there are so many variants as to if/not this causes BC.

Let us know how you get on.  Browse round.  Ask away!

[Amazing grace]

Hi Minnie, sorry to hear about your mum and I can see how losing her to breast cancer is making you unsure about how to proceed regarding systemic hrt, your doctor is the best person to advise you about that , sorry to hear you have LS too.
I just wanted to offer you some reassurance with using ovestin everyday my GP is happy for me to use it daily on a continuous basis he said it’s perfectly safe, also I suffer from Migraines with aura and I use transdermal hrt and have not had any problems with migraines using it in fact I’ve had hardly any since being on it , my GP won’t allow me to use oral hrt has this has a bigger risk with migraines so if you were to use systemic hrt if your doctor agrees it’s safe for you then transdermal is the best one to use.
Don’t be anxious about using the ovestin daily it is perfectly safe xx

[Tinkerbell]

I have seen menopause specialist and she is quite happy me using Vagifem and Ovestin daily. Do a reload and up how many times you use it a week. I have never managed on 2 doses a week.

[Flossieteacake]

Hello Minnie and welcome to the forum. I am so sorry you lost your mum.

What a nightmare it is been for you trying to get your LS diagnosis. I notice anything to do with vaginal pain is always assumed to be thrush by GPs even without any signs.

I am so puzzled why a menopause specialist was not keen on you using Ovestin daily. I have used it every day for two years and have no intention of ever reducing it. If I were in your situation I would use it daily and insist that it is safe. It really is odd you were told otherwise.

[Minnie]

Thank you ladies. I am still under the gynaecologist for my LS, she wanted me to see the meno lady for advice. I was told she could put me on utrogestan, softer for the breast and prevents blood clots apparently. It is a real dilemma. I feel like I've been sore, burning and uncomfortable my whole life. Sometimes I don't know if by using the dermovate I'm making things worse. All the symptoms of VA, LS and thrush are very similar. Right now the very dry soreness is a bit better but the prickly, needle like feeling is driving me crazy. I do have problems with lubricants, sylk is probably the least irritating but still not great. I am so glad I found this website, knowing I'm not alone really helps. Thank you all so much for your replies. I will keep you posted.

[Flossieteacake]

Thank you ladies. I am still under the gynaecologist for my LS, she wanted me to see the meno lady for advice. I was told she could put me on utrogestan, softer for the breast and prevents blood clots apparently. It is a real dilemma. I feel like I've been sore, burning and uncomfortable my whole life. Sometimes I don't know if by using the dermovate I'm making things worse. All the symptoms of VA, LS and thrush are very similar. Right now the very dry soreness is a bit better but the prickly, needle like feeling is driving me crazy. I do have problems with lubricants, sylk is probably the least irritating but still not great. I am so glad I found this website, knowing I'm not alone really helps. Thank you all so much for your replies. I will keep you posted.

If you have a search for information on here about LS there are members who talk about a very helpful facebook group that they use. Perhaps that is something you may want to join to see what other women are using.

Just to add, I get that awful prickling but from VA so I understand how that feels. It feels like a total nightmare and it is hard to sleep. I really feel for you.

[CLKD]

4 me it was like razor blades    up there!

[Minnie]

I will definitely have a look at the Facebook group. It is great to have all this support nowadays. In my younger days when I was first diagnosed with LS it was very frightening and I felt so alone. Thank you all again.