Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: KarineT on June 30, 2020, 05:46:03 PM
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Does every women going through the menopause get VA? Who is more at risk of getting it? Is it reversible? These stupid hormones don't do us any favour when they decline.
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I hope not, I don't have it yet! Once you have it I believe you need treatment for life.
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Actually, I've just read somewhere that it can affect 50% - 60% of women. I hope that I won't be one of them.
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Seven years post meno and never had it.
Don't believe everything you read. How can they possibly know.
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Stop reading ! what are you looking 4?
It didn't start with me for years and my GP sorted it.
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It can still jump out and bite you on the bum when you are well post menopause. I was 67 when I first became aware of symptoms. There are many ladies in care homes who have got it and of course get no treatment. It is good to be aware that it can happen, as forewarned is forearmed.
JP x
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I feel so sad at that Joaniepat - I have taken leaflets to advertise "Me and My Menopausal Vagina" to several care homes but whether it's been taken on board :-\ .
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CLKD, one can but try, and you never know, something might get through. And Jane continues to highlight the issue in talks and on social media. But you're right, it's a sad situation and something that never got discussed when these ladies were in their prime. :'( Hopefully things are getting better for our generation :)
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Maybe we should have a few copies of the leaflets in our cases so that when the time arrives we can wave them at the Manager of the Care Home ;-) but shouldn't GPs be on top of the situation too? Advising the Managers :-\
I feel a Campaign coming on again ;D
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No, every woman doesn't get it. You're comment about the care homes CLKD, brought back a memory I'd forgot when my Mamar was in a care home with alzheimers. They asked my Mum if they could use some treatment as she was sore down there, I assumed it was because she was in incontinence nappies but now i think it was probably VA. If so, they were on the ball.
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Dr Newson says 70-80% will get it , & TBH the majority of women have bladder issues with old age and don't realise it's part of VA.
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>wave< Maryjane ......... :thankyou:
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Diane Danzibrink has started up a CIC ?community interest company? another lady & myself are there to be part of it & we very much have elderly care in clear view, I have done enough research & spoken to enough medics to confirm that it is a big problem just brushed under the carpet.
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Oops one more I will also be doing an Instagram live video with a doctor confirming the state of elderly care, UTIs & dementia & how UTIs make it all so worse and just aren't treated correctly.
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Dr Newson says 70-80% will get it , & TBH the majority of women have bladder issues with old age and don't realise it's part of VA.
My mother never had it, she died at 90. My sister is 72 and never had it.
I'd like to see some research before I take this on board.
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BMS says 60% being considered an underestimation & stats by various medics say 70% as it's not all about soreness, it's the need to P a lot, repeat utis , bladder weakness etc as it's official name is ?genitourinary syndrome of menopause? & medics I have spoke to say that women in care often end up in care due to dementia & double incontinece & basically end up with nappy rash repeat UTIs are very common post menopause with a GP telling a patient it's at epidemic state, & the biggest problem is women shut up & put up about the issue with an estimated 7-10% only seeking help or discussing it & when GPs dig enough with the correct questions then women who said they didn't have a problem actually did, smear tests are also at the lowest amongst menopausal women as pain is a big barrier, I have heard a few medics talk now & it is a big problem , sex becomes painful women stop having sex there pain goes so for them there isn't a problem that was there VA . No idea why there are ? marks everywhere in the post
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That's great information, thanks. However I like to learn from sources such as research papers, preferably peer reviewed. If you have any links that would be great. If not publication details, as I have a British Library readers card and can access them online.
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Dr Newson posted this today & other medics do similar %
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCDDv_kHtcG/?igshid=1o8adi4prmuss
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I was 68 when I was dx'ed. Never had any problems beforehand. I went through my puberty - no issues...went through my 30 something years - no issues....went through menopause - no issues and then BAM! Urethra pain and discomfort along with UTI after UTI. All women in meno have atrophy but many will never have problems. Every female I know who is my age have zero issues and haven't got a clue when I tell them what happens. I get the deer in headlights look BUT almost all of them have some form of incontinency whether stress from sneezing or bladder urgency. Don't sweat it. It's a natural progression and *if* you ever get VA, VVA or GSM there are very effective treatments.
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Email her for peer reviewed papers as you have access, the 'standard? it's obviously a problem from this page the burning club & VA / bladder issues are the top discussions it would seem .
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I don't think I will email her for info as don't know her. I may do a search online at the British Library myself, if I have time.
One curious thing. I had urinary symptoms through peri, but none since. How does that work??
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Her web page is accessible for women to email her, I have another GP I follow on twitter who put a post up saying the recent research she has seen says 80% but obviously this is from very mild barely notice to awful, the trigone area of the bladder also dries out & why we can become susceptible to UTIs the urethra also & who knows why & I hope it remains the case for you video up this thread I just posted is with Dr N stating 80% from research, it's also obviously I big problem from all the products for sale for itching, soreness & burning and why women self treat, the intimate health business is a mega money making industry world wide along with P pads which so call normalise it all 🙄
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I had surgery on a Bartholin Abscess, in my twenties. The surgeon gave me some advice afterwards. He said, only wear natural fibre underwear, don't use bio laundry products or softener, never wear tights or tight fitting jeans etc., and never use soap on the genital area. I have followed this advice ever since.
I wonder if a lot of urinary problems in older women are caused by not following this sort of advice?
As I said the only blip was during peri which maybe was caused by fluctuating hormones.
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Surgical menopause. VA. I had no problems whatsoever up til 53. Ovaries removed and VA within 3 months. Surgical menopause is brutal. All the things that come on slowly over years happen overnight. I was diagnosed with VA by a gynae 3 months after my oopherectomy. If you have ovaries removed dont wait to see if you will get VA. These figures about women who get it refer to natural menopause. In surgical meno please take steps for vaginal health straight away. It is more likely than not I hate to have to say it but it's true. I wont bog down with links but if you look it up sadly it does seem to be more likely in surgical meno. And it can be severe more quickly. I can provide links but . I also speak from experience. Xxx
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You are right Avalon, there is nothing exact about science. However, in order to make personal decisions it's necessary to gather as much information as possible, and that does involve looking at the research.
Personally testimony is invaluable but it is just that, personal and won't apply to everyone.
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The more I am in this area the less peer reviewed papers mean to me I'm afraid across all boards, another video just put on Instagram by a GP saying 70% this am.
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But where did that 70% number come from. I am thinking a research paper.
Sorry, I don't mean to come over as haranguing. I'll leave it for now and do my own investigation, when I get the chance.
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Why query something that is out there in the public domain :-\ ?
If you haven't suffered VA why don't you believe those of us that have done and I don't use the word 'suffer' lightly! As for not using soap, it hasn't affected my vagina . I bath with bubbles most evenings and use basic soap in the vaginal area. Some do find that soap products aggravate the condition.
As for the word 'epidemic' - VA etc. are not something to be transmitted and caught :-\ - apparently there's an 'epidemic' of diabetes across the UK .......... nope. We need a specific word for 'lots of people have this enough to seek medical treatment'.
The ? issue is unsolved ::). I use a laptop, no problems. Some using phones to join in find that they get ? instead of what they would like to print.
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Oh I forgot to say thanks again Maryjane. This is a new subject for me and your information is very interesting and useful.
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I had a hysterectomy and still kept my ovaries, within 4 months virginal atrophy. It was my first premenopausal problem. I was 44 years old I'm turning 46 this month and still struggling to get it under control. If you don't have virginal atrophy you are truely blessed and hopefully it will remain that way for you
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Lyncola - what are you using and how often?
This subject has several threads across the Forum from years back ....... fortunately my GP recognised my systems :-* and prescribed treatment.
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Hello ladies.
My experience of VA seems to be a little different.
My VA symptoms are confined to one bathroom visit at night but no problems during the day. My last smear was painful and intercourse is a non starter.
A year ago I came off systemic HRT and within weeks I developed the burning and itching that so many ladies report. I experimented with various moisturisers and have found a morning and evening application of YesVM keeps me comfortable. I have never used Vagifem and only apply the moisturiser externally. Additionally I used to but my knees together before a cough or sneeze but noticed recently that I don't need to do this anymore.
Obviously VA doesn't go away and clearly I had mild symptoms but after the initial shock of stopping HRT my body seems to have adjusted. I now find that I am no worse off than when I was taking it and maybe a bit better.
Although my VA isn't too bad I have other distressing meno symptoms so I don't feel particularly fortunate.
Take care ladies.
K.
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I'm using Vagifem, Ovestin externally and yes two times a day.
Two weeks ago I finished doing a Vagifem reloading and back to two times a week, but the last 4 days I been the best I've been since Christmas, I would say 95% normal.
it's seems strange to have a normal feeling virgina. But why is it if one problem is good something else will play up, now if I could stop pooping blood I will be happy
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Lyncola, have you had the blood in poo checked out. If not you really should, asap.
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Lycola - is it fresh blood or black .......... maybe have a chat with your GP? It may be a small tear or something that needs investigations. We shouldn't blame menopause for everything.
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Hello again ladies.
Avalon - I think my experience is a bit unusual because my VA really got going after coming off HRT but then seemed to resolve with only minimal treatment. All of which seems very peculiar and I've probably jinxed it now lol.
I'm still struggling with other meno symptoms namely anxiety, irritability and tearfulness every day. In the evening the horrible jittery feelings in my stomach /abdomen disappear and I feel okay but the whole thing starts up again the next morning.
I had the same experience with meno headaches years ago and after six months they stopped completely and never returned. I was hoping that the jitters etc would follow the same course but if not I will definitely consider HRT again. Perhaps our varying symptoms are caused by a different distribution of oestrogen receptive cells and for some reason I have more of these in my abdomen than in my ahem, lady parts.
I have read many posts about the misery that severe VA can cause so it's a shame that Tibolone didn't also help with your other meno issues. Nothing is ever straightforward is it!
Wishing you well.
K.
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I don't know if it's true but heard that smoking could contribute to VA, also not having children? I was on the mini pill ( contraceptive) for a number of years because I used to smoke. I did not have a period while on it, unlike when I was on the combined pill. It didn't seem a problem at the time but not having a bleed all that time maybe contributed to my VA later.
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I would say the majority of ladies in my group didn't smoke, the majority have had children. The pill can cause dryness. My gynae will say it's simply due to decline in oestrogen which cause physiological changes collegan etc & it's very common.
I never smoked, or went on the pill & I had 3 9lb babies .
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Vaginal atrophy is due to a drop of oestrogen which may cause the body to become dry, including the vaginal area. I never smoked. No children by choice. Anorexic from age 3. Was on The Pill for 11 years be4 being sterilised in my mid 20s. VA is a fact of Life for many ladies which GPs don't recognise and which women didn't talk about.
Until now ;)
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morning ladies
this may be TMI but here goes
i started with my first menopausal symtom were from the normal flushes as watery discharge i thought i was piddling little drops of urine but no smell clear like water . after seeing gynocologist was told possible VA although didn't hurt having sex didn't feel dry really and no soreness however this is the part i found interesting in that when i've inserted finger to apply ovestin to a particular spot i did notice at the start that the inside of my vagina walls were like a web effect and have noticed over the last 18mths this is no more the tissue are smooth once again i still get the odd watery discharge but just thought i'd share because this may be a sign for some of you ladies even if you don't feel sore dry or hurts with intercourse the other thing to note is that from what gynocologist has told me is with VA some ladies can be very dry down there and others can have this watery discharge so have a feel inside because although u may not have the obvious symtoms like myself the web effect inside is a sign x
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Regardless of 'stats' the condition requires regular treatment to keep symptoms at bay.
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Hello again ladies.
I was interested to read that vaginal tissue can become inflamed as well as thinner and dryer. I wonder if anti inflammatory drugs could be of help? As I have my blood tested every six months I know that my inflammation levels are below normal range so could that be why my VA seems fairly mild? Food for thought perhaps.
Wishing you all well.
K.
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Yes, hot baths and bubbles are a definite no. Messes up the tissues natural moisture in that area. Wipes in that area are also problematic.
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Hello again ladies.
Perhaps I am just one of those women whose VA is mild and easily managed. Perhaps the itching and burning that begun after coming off HRT will return at some point. Until then I'll plod along with my YesVM cream and hope for the best.
Take care everyone.
K.
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I have never had problems with warm bubble bath etc.. However, 1 canastan capsule sent me into a cool bath for several hours :-\.
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Sorry for the late reply, I reply last night but for some reason didn't go through.
I'm on day number 7 with bleeding from my bottom. Am I concerned not really, this has been a problem for the last three years. My doctor know my problems and I do have a appointment on Tuesday for ovaries ultrasound results. And will tell her again, I all ready know her reply ?give it two weeks if you?re still bleeding come back and see me?. I've had a colonoscopy coming up to three years ago and two and have years ago talked to the same doctor about my problems. He said I'm not bad enough to do something about it and put up with it.
Another reason I'm not concerned it usually takes over two weeks for me to stop bleeding. I would say I would bleed about 5 weeks a year. I believe I've internal and external piles plus a rip every so often. I survived by eating a high fibre diet about 35 grams a day, going back to bed for 15 minutes after I poo, salt baths, cotton wool ball with salty water on there in between my but cheeks and suppositories and cream.
I've had external piles for over 11 years now. Three years ago I got internal piles I saw a doctor, not my as she was on holiday. Explain the situation to the doctor, she asked me if I was bleeding, I said no, so she did an internal with her finger. After she finished with me before I left the doctor surgery I needed to go to the toilet. There was blood on the paper, I thought how strange I'm not due for my periods, then I worked out it was coming from my bottom. It took me a month to stop bleeding and the pain was terrible. And I've had bleeding problems ever since :'(
I will let you know how I get on, maybe on the poo post, since this is about poo. I also will asked if I can have my ovaries removed. I had a hysterectomy two years ago, and can't take vitamins Remifemin for menopause because my ovaries play up, which means I can't go on HRT :'(
:bighug:
Lyncola
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Hi Lyncola,
If the piles are becoming a hygiene issue they should be treated. If you have insurance or can afford to go private, ask for a private referral.
You shouldn't have to live with this especially with such long bleeds.
Shadyglade
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You may have too much fibre in your diet! That idea of adding roughage went out with the Ark ;-)
Any unexplained anal bleeding should be fully investigated though it is unlikely to be cancer in your case as you have had symptoms for thus long, do you get the chance to do poo stool samples to send away for testing? The NHS sends them to people over 60 in the UK.
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Hello again ladies.
folklass - you raise an interesting point. I assumed my previous itching and burning was VA brought on by stopping HRT. However maybe it was due to increased dryness which the vaginal moisturiser is keeping under control.
Lyncola - a family member suffered terribly with piles and had an operation to treat them. Perhaps you should ask for a referral to a surgeon and have them removed.
Take care ladies.
K.
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Over 50 in Australia, and I'm about to turn 46.
And yes my doctor pointed out the hygiene problem with piles, but as the specialist said to me, they want me bleeding every day for 6 months before they will do anything. If you know anyone that had internal high piles removed you would know the pain is very very bad. That why they won't operate until last resort. I know a woman that was in so much pain after the operation she just kept screaming, I've heard of grown men crying because the pain is so bad.
I've see plenty of specialist and do my best to do what they say. About 11 years ago on Boxing Day I had to rush to emergency department. My external pile thrombosis, I couldn't walk, they did emergency operation on me and removed 5 blood clots. I was crying after because the pain was so bad. So after that I eat a high fibre diet. And everyone I see every time I complain I'm told to up my fibre.
I've done my research and specialist said if you have bad pile problems your poi should be 6 on the Bristol stool chart. it's what I aim for.
I'm more concerned when I talk to my doctor on Tuesday why on Monday when I pushed and push and poo was not coming that there was a big lump just on the inside? Prolapse or poo waiting to come out?
Just one of my questions for my doctor :o
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Hello again Lyncola
Your doctors are clearly aware of your circumstances and are trying to help you.
I hope you get some answers at your appointment next week. Good luck and keep us updated.
Take care.
K.
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Went to the doctors this morning, and the usual was said increase fibre and water. She said usually in winter it's because we don't drink enough water.
Today was the first morning I didn't bleed, so only 6 days of bleeding. Hopefully that keeps up, still a little bit sore.
Got to love piles.
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Why increase fibre :-\ - did she examine you? Ask for poo samples .........
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Hi done a reply on the poo post, as this is about poo.
With my virginal atrophy I'm the only one in my family with it. My mum is 72 never had it, and she can't even asked me how I am because she can't say the word virgina, which makes me angry. And my sister who menopausal too doesn't have it. I never smoke, I don't drink and I've had two babies.
This year has been hard for me in the virgina department, but after doing three reloads this year, I'm doing okay at the moment and I'm back to Vagifem two times a week and Ovestin externally two time a week. Plus yes two times a day, but because I've been doing okay I forget to do the afternoon of yes.
Hopefully this will last a long time before my next flare up :)
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That's good news. It really is about managing the wretched condition :-\ until 1 feels comfortable :)