Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Tindia on September 30, 2019, 11:07:18 AM

Title: Advice on vaginal itching and urinary issues on hrt
Post by: Tindia on September 30, 2019, 11:07:18 AM

Hello, I've been on estrogel and utrogestan for 3 years, low dose, now 51 and doing ok apart from severe insomnia. I had to stop using utrogestan vaginally due to irritation of my bladder - increased urination and cystitis symptoms. In the past month I have had itching and watery discharge and after some research assume this is linked to the menopause, it's driving me crazy. Ive tried BV pessaries and no soap etc. Alongside otc antihistamines but nothing has helped.
Does anyone know whether I can ask for vaginal estrogen alongside my ongoing utrogestan and topical estrogel regime to address this symptom, or is it one or the other? I have a GP appointment this week and find if I'm clued up it helps them to prescribe
Thank you

Title: Re: Advice on vaginal itching and urinary issues on hrt
Post by: CLKD on September 30, 2019, 11:29:09 AM

Maybe read the threads on vaginal atrophy and 'bladder issues', make notes  ;)

Have you had appropriate direct vaginal treatment for dryness, either 'vagifem' or 'ovestin'?  Maybe ask for one of these for 3-4 months to see if it helps.  Also take some pain relief which can ease the need to pee and use KY Jelly or 'yes' products on the outer labia.  Let us know how you get on!

Title: Re: Advice on vaginal itching and urinary issues on hrt
Post by: Joaniepat on September 30, 2019, 11:49:31 AM

Yes, you can ask for vaginal oestrogen as well. Systemic HRT doesn't always address the issue of VA and many need both. There are oestrogen receptors in the lower urinary tract as well as vulva/vagina which require targeted treatment. That aside, Yes vaginal moisturiser will help to maintain correct pH of the vagina (which KY jelly won't; sorry CLKD, I agree with all you've said otherwise!).

I think others here find Utrogestan used vaginally can irritate the bladder. I don't take it, but someone here will be know.

JP x

Title: Re: Advice on vaginal itching and urinary issues on hrt
Post by: CLKD on September 30, 2019, 12:09:59 PM

KY Jelly keeps my area moist. I didn't mention anything about pH .......... the nights I use Ovestin I smear a little around the whole vaginal area.

Title: Re: Advice on vaginal itching and urinary issues on hrt
Post by: Tindia on October 02, 2019, 05:17:33 PM

Thank you all for your replies. Just another question -  Do you continue to use topical estrogel alongside a vaginal estrogen or move solely onto that? Confused.

Title: Re: Advice on vaginal itching and urinary issues on hrt
Post by: Tinkerbell on October 02, 2019, 06:25:49 PM

I use both systemic HRT, Estrogel and Vagifem.

Title: Re: Advice on vaginal itching and urinary issues on hrt
Post by: Tindia on October 02, 2019, 09:00:45 PM

Thank you Tinkerbell