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[Garnet161]

Hi all,
I started Ovestin about 6 weeks back for vaginal atrophy and I have had good success.  I did read in a couple of places to limit antihistamine use because they dry out mucous membranes. I stopped using my usual over the counter allergy antihistamine when I started Ovestin but I am going through the second bout of allergic conjunctivitis so will need to take an antihistamine on occasion (eye drops are obviously not cutting it).  Does anyone have any issues with occasional antihistamine tablet use with VA?

[CLKD]

Morning. It would never cross my mind that any product would interfere with VA treatment  and my eye chap never mentioned it, even as we were talking about his wife's menopause 

It's about keeping comfy ;-)


What is causing the conjunctivitis?  It was known as 'pink eye' when we were kids and 1 had to be kept off school !

[Garnet161]

Diagnosis is allergic conjunctivitis (caused by allergies and hay fever) which has turned bacterial - I assume that over the years it has been kept at bay by the use of oral antihistamines.  I get terrible allergies and hay fever.  The worst over the past years has been itchy eyes - usually in Spring which it is here in Australia now.  I saw a couple of studies on antihistamines causing vaginal dryness, but I suspect that mine, being caused by the lack of estrogen, may not be affected now I am using Ovestin.
I am on antibiotic eye drops now which have made huge improvements over 12 hours, but this is the second time in a month.  So, the doc naturally recommended I recommence oral antihistamine when needed.

[Suziemc]

I have Lichen Sclerosus and a lot of the ladies in the LS group I'm in use antihistamines regularly to help with the itching that LS causes. A lot of members also have VA and I've never read anything to suggest that their use of antihists worsens their VA.

I'd be tempted to try using both and see if your VA is affected, if it is then you have to make the decision as to which symptom is most bearable    If you feel your vagina dries more then maybe add a vaginal moisturiser like Yes to your regime to help counteract.

We are all so so different in what works for us, it's got to be worth you giving it a try I'd have thought particularly coming into spring.

Good luck

Suzie

[Garnet161]

Thanks Suzie, good advice. I'm going to take a Claratyne tomorrow and see how I go.  Hopefully one every now and then will make no difference.
So many things seem to contribute to the VA, I have started a daily diary.  But the Ovestin has made a huge difference.

[Ayesha]

It is known that antihistamines are one of the medications that can cause vaginal dryness, it did with me and what I did was increase my dose of Vagifem and Estriol until the effects wore off.

[Garnet161]

Thanks ok - I am on daily Ovestin at the moment so hopefully it will be enough for the occasional Claratyne.  I might ask the doc for a stronger antihistamine eye drop.