Menopause Matters Forum
General Discussion => New Members => Topic started by: Twirl on March 21, 2023, 10:38:59 PM
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Hello, my name is Twirl. I'm 57 years old, post menopausal, started going through the menopause around the age of 43. Had difficult symptoms but continued through without HRT. Until recently i did try Evorel conti patches but felt quite nauseous and lower abdominal pain, I have struggled massively with hot flushes and night sweats. These are slowly improving but I am devasted to of been diagnosed with a pelvic floor prolapse. Most definitely been caused by menopause and lack of estrogen.
Vaginal health can be so affected by menopause.
Thank you for letting me join your group.
I've had a little look round at some of the conversations and its such a relief to be able to read other peoples posts that are so relatable. Thank you x
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Hi Twirl. Welcome to this wonderful forum. Sorry to hear about your difficulties with Evorel and your prolapse. Have you tried any other HRT? How long did you try the Evorel for as it can take three months for side effects to settle down? When I first started at the age of 53 I did have lower stomach pain for quite a few weeks. The other thing is to ask for vaginal oestrogen. This will help strengthen the tissues to stop the prolapse worsening and another good thing would be an assessment from a pelvic floor specialist if you can get one.
You will find lots of help and support on here.
Taz x :welcomemm:
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Hello Twirl, I just wanted to welcome you :welcomemm:& second Taz's very good advice about starting some vaginal oestrogen & asking to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist for help with the prolapse if you haven't already. I'm not sure from your post whether you're still using Evorel Conti but there are various other types of systemic HRT you can try in time if need be. Good to know your flushes & sweats are slowly improving as I know from personal experience how difficult these can be to live with when they go on long term. Glad you have found some reassurance from having a look around the forum. There are many lovely women on here & there is always someone around to offer support & advice. Nothing is too trivial, nothing taboo, so please don't be afraid to ask anything. Good to have you with us.
Wx
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Hello Twirl and welcome to the forum. I really am sorry to hear about all you have been through. Taz and Wrensong have given great advice.
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Morning. :welcomemm: Browse round. Make notes.
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Thank you sooooo much for your lovely replies, advice and welcome to this so needed place.
I probably haven't given the patches time to settle down, I'm feeling quite anxious about HRT. Really want to take it because I feel it would do me good, have felt so rough with joint pain, emotions up and down, generally feeling like the menopause has taken something from my body. So only used the patches for 2 weeks. Maybe I could try them again after your wonderful replies saying some of you have struggled with side effects to start with.
Oestrogen cream sounds just what I need. I wonder if that can be used along side HRT patches. And I'm guessing GP has to prescribe the cream?
Do any of you feel GP's don't seem to want to help woman with menopause symptoms?
Regarding prolapse, I had to push for them to refer me to pelvic floor specialist, still not heard anything, so have booked to go private in a couple of weeks time.
Thank you so much again for these replies. X
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Two weeks is a short time as they say to give HRT 3 months. You can use localised oestrogen along with HRT and your GP can prescribe it unless you wish to buy it yourself. I find using vaginal moisturiser such as Sylk or Yes very helpful. I insert oestrogen cream (I use Ovestin) then I mix a little with vaginal moisturiser to apply to the outer area.
Sadly I too feel many GPs are uneducated in meno and I think we need to do our own research as they are unable to provide us with the information we need. I have learned so much from being on this forum.
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Hi Flossieteacake,
Thank you for the advice.
Yes I agree 2 weeks is not long enough to try the patches. I know I was told try them for 3 months. I might try them again.
And thank you for the info on the oestrogen cream.
It does unfortunately seem like we have to do the reseach about meno ourselves and figure it all out for ourselves.
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Hi Flossieteacake,
Thank you for the advice.
Yes I agree 2 weeks is not long enough to try the patches. I know I was told try them for 3 months. I might try them again.
And thank you for the info on the oestrogen cream.
It does unfortunately seem like we have to do the reseach about meno ourselves and figure it all out for ourselves.
You are welcome. I had never heard of vaginal atrophy before joining this forum.
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Hello Twirl,
It's such a wonderful forum to find isn't it?
I too felt like giving in when so first started hrt, my blood swings were horredous, was crying all the time, and just in pieces...but so glad I carried on. Not saying things are perfect every day, but such a quality of life improvement.
Totally recommend both Ovestin, from gp and sylk, which I also get on prescription but is found at Boots etc I could not be without these along with th patches and coil.
I am lucky to be part of a large group of drs surgeries that all mingle together. That means a larger choice of gp, and some of them specialise in women's health. Obviously some surgeries are small, but maybe ask if any of yours have a particular interest in peri/meno?it is so helpful voyage a supportive gp who knows a bit. And listens to you.
Ours even set up a Team meeting with several local ish ladies to talk about their needs and discuss possible ways to help.
But So much information and support on this forum.
Good luck x
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That's great SarahT that the Surgeries are taking on board what women need during The Change.
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Hi Flossieteacake, I hadn't heard of alot of these issues that can occur to a womans vagina, its something that seems to be a taboo subject.
I have to say, I've felt so much shame about my failing body related to alot of symptoms due to menopause.
Hi Sarah,
That sounds such a good idea that your GP surgeries have mingled, sounds so positive that you have this access.
And yes this is an amazing forum, so pleased I have found it.
Im grateful to hear from you about what you are using to help with your meno symptoms. Having this info helps me to have more knowledge to talk to my GP. Thanks again x
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So quit the shame. It's The Change, does what it says on the tin ;).
By the way, I have a finger of 'twirl' for pudding every day ....... even two sometimes :D
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Hey you can't beat a Twirl, gotta be 2 fingers! ;)
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1 is not enough, two - too sickly ;D
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Hello again Twirl, the other ladies have given great advice but I just wanted to add that if you decide to give the Evorel Conti another go, which incidentally was my first HRT too, you could do what many of us do & start on half a patch for a few weeks to give your body a more gentle introduction to the new influx of hormones. I also remember experiencing mild pelvic cramps when I first started HRT & a little mild nausea. Though a bit unnerving, it wasn't debilitating & passed after a few weeks. Like you I was very nervous about starting HRT several years postmenopause, having hoped to avoid it, but I've since kicked myself for not starting earlier as again like you, I'd had difficult symptoms for many years. It hasn't been a panacea but I am better with it than without & at this stage of life I need all the help I can get ;D & I'm grateful for that.
As the others have said, a vaginal oestrogen product such as Ovestin (estriol 0.1% cream) or Vagifem (estradiol pessaries) can be used alongside systemic HRT & these are all very low dose. As Flossieteacake mentioned, Ovestin cream can be used internally & externally, but if you prefer to use Vagifem internally, then many of us also have a weak & soothing form of estriol cream simply called Estriol 0.01% to apply thinly to the vulva.
Glad to know you have a pelvic floor physio appointment booked; the advice of the very skilled women who choose to specialise in pelvic floor disorders can be invaluable & the one I saw was lovely. I'm sure she'll soon put you at ease as they are used to helping women like us & know that it can be hard to pluck up the courage to go along.
Wx
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Thank you Wrensong for this advice, think its a really good idea to cut the patch in half and introduce your body very slowly to the new influx of hormones.
Its also good to hear that you saw a lovely pelvic floor physiotherapist, these womans professionals are so needed for us, as we try to navigate a very difficult time in our lives. It certainly is a big change and GP's do not seem equipped with wanted to help support meno woman.
Thank again for taking the time to explain about the patches and the oestrogen products x
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No problem Twirl. I hope the physio appointment is helpful.
Wx