Hi there, I’m new here and although I’ve read lots of posts before for info, I’ve never posted before. I’m really lost with regards what to do and really hoping someone can help.
I’ve had vulvodynia for 20 years now, (since I was 28)and have only recently learned it’s vestibulodynia and more than likely hormonally mediated due to previous use of Yasmin OCP. Apparently Yasmin is one of the worst 4th gen OCP’s and raises SHBG which binds all of the testosterone in the vestibule. It used to be manageable (apart from being unable to have intercourse) but since I became perimenopausal at age 44 it has become life destroying. I’m now 48. I’m in constant pain with the burning and stinging, sitting down is awful, passing urine is terrible (I’m on treatment for recurrent uti’s) and it’s ruining my life. Most days it’s all I can think of. My children are still quite young and it just isn’t fair on them for me to be there in body but not in spirit if you know what I mean.
I’ve tried systemic HRT and various local oestrogen treatments such as Vagifem, Blissel gel, Ovestin and the Estring and all make the burning so much worse. Femoston HRT has been good for my menopausal symptoms but I’ve also recently learned that oral HRT will raise my SHBG levels and lower free testosterone even further than what it already was. My lab results definitely show this as my SHBG is 371nmol/l testosterone is 0.19nmol/l and FAI 0.1.
I asked to change from oral HRT to transdermal to see if it would help and I’ve been given Evorel Sequi patches which I’ve also heard may not be great for me due to the synthetic oestrogen and progesterone and thought I may be better off with Oestrogel and Utrogestan as they’re body identical. But researching everything in the wee hours of this morning I’ve discovered that the Norethisterone may help as it lowers SHBG and Utrogestan seems to increase SHBG.
Apologies for the lengthy post but I’m so confused and terrified to make my vestibulodynia even worse. Thank you for reading.
