Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: MiriamT on May 22, 2023, 04:24:13 PM
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Hi all,
Thanks to lots of advice I have now been using estriol every night and some yes moisturiser.
I'm on 50mg patches and progesterone for two weeks on and two weeks off.
My VA seemed to ease but the last few days it's really been bad and I feel I need a wee most of the day 😭 do you think I need to push to see urinary/gyni consult? It's getting me down now as reduced my alcohol and tea consumption and couldn't really eat any healthier? If I'm honest it's seems to have got worse since starting hrt is this possibly?
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Ultrogestan can irritate the bladder so if you are using that then it could explain your symptoms.
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Is there any alternative?
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Is there any alternative?
There are quite a few. Provera, 2 Destrogestal pills which are also known as the mini pill, mirena coil and combined patches. I think there are others too.
Sorry to hear you have had this reaction. It is the last thing you need after the VA flare.
In the two week break do you feel any better? If so it could be the ultrogestan.
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It's certainly very testing! I'm on the break now, I start again on Saturday? I just feel it's all got worse in the last 6 months since starting hrt, I used to have the odd problem before but nothing like this 😭
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It's certainly very testing! I'm on the break now, I start again on Saturday? I just feel it's all got worse in the last 6 months since starting hrt, I used to have the odd problem before but nothing like this 😭
Have you been on Ultrogestan for 6 months? If so then perhaps that is the cause. I understand how horrible it is. It really can make you feel fed up.
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Yes, two weeks on and two weeks off, 50mg patches twice weekly, estriol every night ATM. Testosterone eas well for the last three months
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Yes, two weeks on and two weeks off, 50mg patches twice weekly, estriol every night ATM. Testosterone eas well for the last three months
I remember you were thinking of asking to try a different progesterone. Perhaps that would be an idea. Hopefully you can get an appointment to discuss this with your GP soon.
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Don't C a gynae as they often don't know much about HRT!
What do U use for vaginal atrophy?
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I use estriol daily at night, that's all, what would you recommend?
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It has a steroid in it. Not something that I would want on my vulval area :-\
Have U tried 'vagifem' or 'ovestin' used singly or together ? Available from the GP.
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Not to confuse matters but isn't Ovestin and Estriol the same thing?
Have you given Vagifem a try, or both treatments together alongside the moisturiser.
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Vagifem is the tablet right? Yes I did try that but not as well as estriol, I thought ovestim was the same as estriol? Does it have steroid??
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I just looked at the ingredients of estriol and no steroid that I can see
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Estriol is milder than Ovestin. Some women find it more tolerable if they have sensitivities to medication but for others it may not be strong enough.
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Many thanks for that explanation, Flossieteacake.
Also VA treatment should never include a steroid as its used long term whereas a steroid cream is for short term use.
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Many thanks for that explanation, Flossieteacake.
Also VA treatment should never include a steroid as its used long term whereas a steroid cream is for short term use.
You are most welcome. :)
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I am confused about estriol cream containing steroid. The only information I can find is that it contains a natural occurring steroid hormone. Surely it does not contain an actual steroid as that would not be suitable for VA. :o
I found this to compare Ovestin and Estriol cream:
Whilst Ovestin® 0.1% cream is 10 times stronger, the amount of cream delivered per application is 10 times less than that of Estriol 0.01% cream meaning that both creams deliver an identical amount of Estriol (0.5mg) per application.
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Sorry your struggling, have u tried vagifem for inside and the estriol for outside bits. I didn't think it had a steriod in it either 🫢 I'm sure it doesn't xx
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Strange thing is that I don't have extreme dryness or discomfort down below, just these urinary symptoms, I'm considering coming off hrt and seeing if the symptoms subside, thoughts ?
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I wasn't dry but I have VA . Why not try 6 months of appropriate VA treatment to see if symptoms ease? Nowt to lose and if it works you can get on with your Life.
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I wasn't dry but I have VA . Why not try 6 months of appropriate VA treatment to see if symptoms ease? Nowt to lose and if it works you can get on with your Life.
So just add Vagifem into my regime ?
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Its a battle to get VA under control and a lot of it is trial and error. My regime is Vagifem, Ovestin and a moisturiser, I have been on this treatment daily for two years, that's how long it can take and even though I have been trying to reduce the dosage I have failed and still need daily treatment.
Up to you how you want to treat your VA but all the treatment is out there if you want to give it a go, nothing to lose all to gain!
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Its a battle to get VA under control and a lot of it is trial and error. My regime is Vagifem, Ovestin and a moisturiser, I have been on this treatment daily for two years, that's how long it can take and even though I have been trying to reduce the dosage I have failed and still need daily treatment.
Up to you how you want to treat your VA but all the treatment is out there if you want to give it a go, nothing to lose all to gain!
Thanks, yes so it seems 😒 I'm just concerned as it was never like this before a stated hrt and just used the estriol ? I'm beginning to think hrt is making it worse, but my mood is so much better than it was I just don't know what to do 😭
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Get some Vagifem and ovestin and give them a whirl? What's the worst that could happen?
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There are a lot of us on here that don't know whether we are coming or going with the symptoms we are suffering from which in turn makes us very anxious.
You can always take a break from systemic HRT and concentrate on the VA treatment alone then see how it all goes, it really is all trial and error at this stage. One thing though, VA never gets any better if left alone, it needs treatment.
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Hi miriam im no specialist but for me the ovestin was awsome as i wasnt dry but weeing all the time itchy down there stingy at the front but it was the best for me it took me 3/4yrs to find something but after 5days it all felt better after 7mths it was even better..as i didnt want and still dont want to do the whole estrogen/progesterone thing..but due to circumstances at the moment ive had to stop as i have a young cautious dr which im greatful for..but i think start out with VA creams see how you go..the old saying sometimes less is more ..and patients are a virture ..just any abnormalities please get them looked at ..gd luck hun..
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Bindi - why has your GP suggested that you stop essential VA treatment :-\. What's your problem with using approved treatment for what can be a difficult condition to treat? Better than having the vagina become so dry that the lips fuse together, rare - but it does happen and requires surgical intervention. VA treatment is a small amount of active ingredient and once the vulva settles, symptoms improve. 4 me it was like razor blades :o up there >:(
Once oestrogen helps the vaginal tissues, it is important to continue to keep the area healthy and 'plumped' up = less itchiness. Do read the 'bladder issues' and vaginal atrophy threads on the Forum - make notes ;-)
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Miriam T I wasn't particularly dry either just soreness and burning. Why not try Vagifem and see if it helps. If you feel HRT maybe be contributing to making your VA worse, perhaps stop for a while (if you can cope with other meno symptoms) and concentrate on trying to get your VA under control. You can always restart HRT if you feel the need xxx
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Hi clkd i had a transvaginal scan which showed polyps, fibroids,and thickening she doesnt want it feeding anything nasty like cancer not happy pissed off actualy 7mths down the drain as symptoms are all nearly back i do use a bit when im feeling uncomfortable as like you ..dont want the razorblades or excessive weeing,or itching back or the rest of it..my attitude is what will be will be ..1 wk to go till appt
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Miriam T I wasn't particularly dry either just soreness and burning. Why not try Vagifem and see if it helps. If you feel HRT maybe be contributing to making your VA worse, perhaps stop for a while (if you can cope with other meno symptoms) and concentrate on trying to get your VA under control. You can always restart HRT if you feel the need xxx
Thanks I think I will try, I'm going to ask for ovestin I think, it's so frustrating as my moods were awful and the anxiety off the scale but with HRT it was is much better
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HRT doesn't necessarily target the vulval area ;). I use ovestin internally as well as a smear on the vulva/out areas to keep it from itching.