Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Nonnie1983 on July 16, 2021, 11:03:41 PM
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I'm so fed up.... So after a couple of months where my libido up & left, it's now made a come back (much to the hubby's delight!) however the pain during was so intense for me we had to stop... It was like what I can only describe as labour pains. So intense I was crying... I've heard many of you discussing "atrophy"... Is that was this is?! Currently awaiting gynecology appointment due to premature ovarian failure age 38, diagnosed peri 5yrs ago... Every symptom of menopause present 😭
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If the pain is high up, in the belly region, you may have a slight prolapse . Have U been diagnosed with endometriosis?
In the mean time gently, gently. How long will you need to wait for your Gynae appt.? Do read the 'bladder issues' and 'vaginal atrophy' threads. Make notes.
You should have been advised when you were diagnosed, on appropriate HRT too, in order to protect bones and heart . Browse round!
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Yes this can be a symptom of atrophy and also without oestrogen the vagina can narrow and shrink. At your age, as Hurdity mentioned in your other thread, then HRT is definitely advised at least up to the usual Meno age of around 51. You will be merely replacing what your body would have made naturally up to that age and any risks don't come into it. Also, as CLKD says, oestrogen is necessary for your heart and bone health. Has this been suggested to you by the GP? Hopefully the gynae will sort this out and you will begin to feel much better.
Taz x
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Thank you both for your advice/suggestions, the pain is low in my cervix area, no, never been diagnosed with endometriosis, although I've always suffered with horrendous period pains which have never been investigated... got a text asking me to ring & book my appointment with gynaecologist, so referral has been accepted which is a bonus as my GP said expect it to be rejected as I've not had my ultrasound appointment yet... But that "it was worth a try" they're not willing to put me on HRT until I've gone through all necessary investigations 🙄 doesn't help that both my recent bloods didn't detect meno... so when I rang they offered me lots of different hospitals, but the one closest to where I live must have a waiting list as the lady said she'll "pass on the referral request & they'll be in touch soon" I just feel so lucky that I have a patient, understanding Husband, he was amazing. Stopped as soon as I said it was hurting then sat with me for a good hour whilst I cried like a baby in agony, rubbing my tummy for me 💖
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Your gp should go by symptoms not blood tests which are notoriously unreliable. There's no reason why she can't prescribe local oestrogen for your VA. In fact no reason why she can't prescribe hrt either.
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They did say originally that they'd put me on HRT regardless of blood results, however I have to have my ultrasound first to outrule any other causes for concerns so I'm presuming if that's satisfactory, they'll be happy to start me on the HRT. The vaginal atrophy is a very recent new symptom (although I've had just about every other symptom for 5yrs on & off with things getting worse over the past few months)... Suppose I need to speak to GP again & see if there's something she can prescribe for the atrophy ASAP
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Hello Nonnie1983,
Sympathies for your distress. Please do ask for the topically apllied cream. Estriol 0.01% is very safe (it stays only within and around the vagina) , and works quickly to relieve. An application every night for the number of days the GP advises - mine said 10 and up to 14 if things were not quite right at 10, and then a maintenance application twice a week.
I have VA, which came along suddenly only four months ago. The pain makes me wonder if the dryness and atrophy upsets the clitoris as well as the obvious effects in the vagina and bladder. It could explain mine for sure.
I don't know why diagrams of women's anatomy show only the reproductive organs but leave out the clitoris. It is larger and more important to our wellbeing than many women know about. It is positioned to be affected by cramping that the dryness brings on.
I do hope you find your GP is sympathetic. I don't know if it is possible that you contact the gynaecologist to ask as well?
With best wishes.
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Women are badly designed >:( who would put vaginas and anus close together :bang:
Good idea to wait until you've had the scan as this gives a base line. Blood tests for hormone levels are reliably unreliable. Keep that symptom diary to take along to your appts. and let us know how you get on.
You don't need to wait for VA treatment - have U read the 'bladder issues' and 'vaginal atrophy' threads on the forum: make notes ;-)
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Thanks so much for your understanding ladies, it means a lot. I'll be ringing my GP 1st thing tomorrow with regards to the atrophy, I've had bleeding after intercourse many times since being diagnosed peri which turned out to be cervical erosions which I've been treated for twice now (not a pleasant experience!) however I've never suffered with pain after or during sex/penetration. It was a shock to say the least... It's definitely hard work being a woman!!! I'll keep you all posted x