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[PearlJ]

Can anyone tell me if HRT can cause cystitis? I’ve had this for about three weeks now. It was just mild at first but getting worse. There’s no burning or anything - just the constant urge to pee. This has only started since taking HRT and blissel gel. What with the sore boobs and this I’m starting to think my mood swings were less of a problem!

[Charleyfarley]

I had this aswell! Although I think it pre-dated starting HRT so maybe a peri thing? I’ve never really had uti’s or cystitis but I started to get a massive urge to pre all of the time, no burning, just cystitis, everytime I got a period….a couple of the sachets from the chemist usually did the trick and kept it at bay until the next period! x

[CLKD]

I would have the need2P prior to a period.

However, this may be the beginning of vaginal atrophy.  Due to a loss of oestrogen the body may become dry: inside and out; vagina, deep in the ears, eyes, skin .......

[shrosphirelass]

When I first started vagifem I had that feeling too and do still get flareups from time to time. Reading on here it seemed that this feeling may be caused by inital treatment and the vaginal area plumping up and getting moister. This settled down for me in a couple of weeks. I do have to use vagifem 3 to 4 times a week to keep symptoms under control. Hopefully things will settle soon

[CLKD]

If I have a break from 'ovestin', the 24 hours after the next dose I feel like the bladder is irritated.  This lessens after the next dose.  I also take 'nurofen' to stop the nip when the urine flow stops.

[PearlJ]

I think I must be  in the middle of or post menopause as I’m 56 and haven’t had periods for about four years. The last time I had cystitis was ‘honeymoon disease’ as they used to say! I haven’t had this for at least 15 years and it can’t be a coincidence timing wise with HRT. The comment from Shropshirelass does make sense. I guess things are changing down there due to hormones. The feeling is in my urethra rather than an urge in my bladder. Just running a bath to try and ease it! I suppose lots of water will help. I’m quite bad at not drinking enough.

[CLKD]

Peri menopause is the years leading to the final period = menopause, determined by being 12 months without a bleed.  However, Nature may throw a curved ball in that we get a show or proper period at almost 12 months and then ..... we have to begin counting all over again  . Once in menopause that's it, however, hormone upheaval may still continue. 

Cystitis [honeymoon symptoms] is usually due to intense activity in the whole vagina/vulval area, i.e. continued rubbing, fondling etc..  VA can mimic repeated urine infection-type symptoms really really well.   

Be gentle with yourself and use appropriate treatments gently to ease symptoms. 

[Ana21]

Hi PearlJ

Low estrogen can cause the symptoms you've experienced (GUSM).  Many doctors advise applying estrogen cream/gel around the urethra.  The concentration of estrogen receptors in the urethral mucosa is similar to that of the vaginal mucosa.  Estrogen deprivation can result in atrophic urethritis and sometimes urinary incontinence.  Estrogen replacement therapy can reverse this trend.

[PearlJ]

Hi PearlJ

Low estrogen can cause the symptoms you've experienced (GUSM).  Many doctors advise applying estrogen cream/gel around the urethra.  The concentration of estrogen receptors in the urethral mucosa is similar to that of the vaginal mucosa.  Estrogen deprivation can result in atrophic urethritis and sometimes urinary incontinence.  Estrogen replacement therapy can reverse this trend.

I have blissel gel but had no problem UNTIL I started using it. It’s a menopause minefield.

[Ana21]

Hi PearlJ

If I were in your situation and thought I had cystitis, I would make a doctor's appt.  There could be other reasons for the constant urge.

I'm concerned that you think the HRT and Blissel may be causing your discomfort and you'll discontinue treatment.  Speaking to your doctor will ease the uncertainty.  I'd hate to see you suffer with GUSM, for example, because you were hesitant to use the Blissel.

I hope you're feeling better soon.

[PearlJ]

Hi PearlJ

If I were in your situation and thought I had cystitis, I would make a doctor's appt.  There could be other reasons for the constant urge.

I'm concerned that you think the HRT and Blissel may be causing your discomfort and you'll discontinue treatment.  Speaking to your doctor will ease the uncertainty.  I'd hate to see you suffer with GUSM, for example, because you were hesitant to use the Blissel.

I hope you're feeling better soon.

Thank you. I have a nurse appointment in a few days so will definitely not do anything until then. 👍

[PearlJ]

So… started off the day not too bad but by about 3pm I was sat at work willing it to be 5pm as I couldn’t stand the desperation to pee any longer! Rightly or wrongly I’ve had an online consult with a pharmacist and will have UTI specific antibiotics by post tomorrow! I didnt even know you could do that!

[CLKD]

I didn't know that without a sample being sent to a lab for testing that there are such things as 'UTI specific antibiotics'  .  They should ease symptoms but a fresh urine sample must be sent to a Lab to 'grow' - if no bugs then it's probably atrophy.

In the mean time drink plenty, take pain relief and make a list to discuss with your Nurse. It mayB that the Blissel doesn't suit so you may benefit from 'vagifem' and 'ovestin'.  Don't let any medic tell U that we can't take both!  It isn't possible to overdose on VA treatment. 

[PearlJ]

Yes! I didn’t know either until I started looking. It’s called Nitrofurantoin and is slow release specifically for UTIs. I had to answer questions and got a doctor’s note with it recommending that I seek an appointment if this does not work. To be honest dealing with an online pharmacy who delivered the medication I ordered at 4pm by lunchtime the next day was far more efficient than trying to see my doctor. They even sell urine tests! It’s not ideal I know and all of your advice is really helpful! 👍

[CLKD]

If Pharmacies are supposed to be taking over a lot of treatments from GPs, mayB this will be the way to go in future?

How R U feeling?