Some GPs simply have no idea how peri-menopause can affect women.
How long did you use each VA treatment for? If the vaginal tissue is thin and dry, application may sting initially. Also some try to insert the pessary [vagifem] or applicator [ovestin] in too deeply so find it very painful.
Very occasionally women may be sensitive to fillers or packaging of VA treatments. Have U looked at the 'sylc' and 'yes' product web-sites, U may be able to get free
samples ;-). KY Jelly has been my friend over the years, as well as 'ovestin' regularly.
Hormonal blood tests are reliably un-reliable
. To get a try level 1 has to have a session of tests depending on where your are in the menstrual cycle. With a hysterectomy tests may give a better result, I see that you kept the ovaries; however, even after removal may continue to pump out enough oestrogen to be problematic.
Your GP was totally incorrect and should have their head put into a toilet bowl and the flush pulled. LOTS oF TIMES!
Peri-menopause are the years when we notice alterations: The Change, does what it says on the tin: periods may wax and wane, skin becomes dry, anxiety may surge; until the last bleed = menopause though we are advised to count 12-14 months B4 deciding that we are 'there'. I carried protection for 5years after my last one, in case
Many GPs simply don't seem to understand The Change.
.
Could you take a cancellation appt to see the Gynaecologist though this may be barking up the wrong tree because many are not au fait with The Change. Even those that consider themselves to know about menopause. Sometimes even though in menopause clinics don't 'get it'!