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[Halloner]

Hi, I am 43 and have been using vagifem for nearly a year. I use it every other night. It has really improved the soreness and itchiness however, I am still struggling with dryness, no sex drive, issues with arousal and sexual dysfunction with orgasm. I have had multiple UTIs and have an irritable bladder. Sex causes UTIs as well. Touch on my skin generally almost feels sore/annoying and not sensual. I have a right sided headache most of the time accompanied by constant tinnitus and low level trigeminal neuralgia. My periods come every 20 days and I swing between feeling depressed and anxious. I experience palpitations and random chest pains. I suspect all of this is related to my hormones. I do also have a thryroid problem but this is well treated. However, I don't get hot flushes but do have trouble getting warm or feeling warm sometimes. I ran some hormone tests a while back and my progesterone was very low and estrogen OK but on the lower end of normal. My GP seemed to want me to hold out from taking more HRT about a year ago. Should I be doing something else before I go down the route of requesting something stronger? I am quite young so am worried about how long I can use stronger HRT for? Thanks to anyone who responds to me.

[Banjo1973]

Hi,

I don't think Vagifem would be classed as HRT as there is only a tiny amount of oestrogen in it.

If you are willing to try HRT then I would give it a go sooner rather than later. Your symptoms sound very peri to me. HRT might not work for you, but it was a game changer for me and I wish I'd tried it sooner rather than suffering with Mt symptoms.

Good luck xxx

[CLKD]

Morning.  Change your GP!

Use the Vagifem every night as well as 'estriol/ovestin' on the outer labia.  GPs are worried that we can overdose if we use both products, which means that they remain un-informed.  Some require VA treatment nightly for many years.

Who have U seen with regards the right sided headache, tinnitus and neuralgia ?  Has your GP suggested any tests and referred U appropriately?

Being intimate will increase VA symptoms, have you been asked to give a urine sample to go for testing in a Lab to check if there is an active bug = infection?

Some find that they do require other forms of replacement.  MayB keep a list of food/symptoms/and mood to talk to your GP about?

[Ayesha]

You're right to be cautious about starting systemic HRT, you just have to do a study on this forum to find out why and your GP's advice is good in that respect, its something to think really hard about.

Topical oestrogen is what it is, a hormone that reaches locally but can be very effective in treating all GSM symptoms. In your position I would use the Vagifem daily but also include Estriol cream, give both a trial run and see how you go then you can decide if systemic HRT is what you need.