Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Postmenopause => Topic started by: losttheplot on January 16, 2024, 08:38:01 PM
-
Hi ladies. I need help with understanding what my GP was saying today.
So I am postmeno, about 15 years. I still have my womb. I have lichen sclerosus and vaginal atrophy. I've had a flair up of LS and VA so visited gp today and have been prescribed estriol cream which i have used in the past, but not recently, and to continue with the clobetasole.
While we were discussing my anxiety issues she mentioned the possibility of using progesterone pessaries in the future. Forgive my ignorance, would I use them in conjunction with the estriol cream? How would progesterone help me? What are the pros and cons?
I don't want full HRT because of my families complicated cancer history.
I would appreciate your help, as I haven't got a clue ;D
-
Just wanted to empathise as a fellow LS and VA sufferer, sorry I can't help with your actual question but maybe someone will be along shortly to answer that.
There is a brilliant support group for LS on Facebook, if you are a user and are not yet a member I'd highly recommend it. Its called 'Lichen Sclerosis UK support group for women' (or very similar!)
Ah, a thought has just occurred to me, was your Dr maybe talking about Estrogen pessary, like Vagifem, rather than Progesterone? If so, these have been a lifesaver for me on the VA front and definitely worth you using.
Suzie
-
Ah, a thought has just occurred to me, was your Dr maybe talking about Estrogen pessary, like Vagifem, rather than Progesterone? If so, these have been a lifesaver for me on the VA front and definitely worth you using.
Suzie
Thank you for your reply Suzie. No it was definitely progesterone pessaries, she seemed to think it would help with my sleep problems and anxiety if the herbal medication she recommended didn't work for me.
-
Hello Losttheplot
I have just been prescribed the oral progesterone Utrogestan and I am currently using 2 pumps of Oestrogel daily. Anxiety is my main issue and I am worried that Utrogestan could make it worse. I have been reading about Utrogestan side effects and there are reports that it can cause low mood etc but also reports that it has a calming effect and can reduce anxiety. Perhaps it is this effect that your GP has in mind?
I realise that oestrogen is supposed to be the calming hormone but again I have also read this about progesterone!
I am sorry that I can't be of more help but perhaps other ladies will be along with their experiences.
Take care.
K.
-
Hello Losttheplot
I have just been prescribed the oral progesterone Utrogestan and I am currently using 2 pumps of Oestrogel daily. Anxiety is my main issue and I am worried that Utrogestan could make it worse. I have been reading about Utrogestan side effects and there are reports that it can cause low mood etc but also reports that it has a calming effect and can reduce anxiety. Perhaps it is this effect that your GP has in mind?
I realise that oestrogen is supposed to be the calming hormone but again I have also read this about progesterone!
I am sorry that I can't be of more help but perhaps other ladies will be along with their experiences.
Take care.
K.
Thank you Kathleen
This anxiety is a complete pain. Gp did suggest some herbal remedies which I will try, but I really can't go on like this and need to find something to calm me down and improve my sleep x
-
I had no sleep problems and found utrogestan made me sleep heavily which I could largely get around by using it early evening rather than last thing.
So I can see why it might be prescribed for meno related sleep issues. I had to stop using it as I also experienced low mood and a general emotional rollercoaster! I know other women have been fine with it, we are all just so individual.
A friend uses valerian tea to help with sleep, I daren't touch it as it knocks me out!!
Sorry I can’t be of more help.
-
A friend uses valerian tea to help with sleep, I daren't touch it as it knocks me out!!
Sorry I can’t be of more help.
Thanks Lesley, I'll look into valerian tea :)