Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Thall on August 01, 2024, 10:12:45 AM
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Can anyone suggest anything to help with vaginal itching, I’ve tried everything. Creams lotions etc. I’m going to end up injuring myself.
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Hi! Let us know how old you are, what your periods are doing, is the itching cyclical or continual?
There are lots of over the counter treatments which can ease itching. However, as we age and oestrogen levels drop the body may become dry: inside and out, including the vaginal area. Do read the 'bladder issues' and vaginal atrophy threads on the Forum. Make notes.
A GP can prescribe appropriate VA treatment. I use 'ovestin' internally with a smear on the outer labia to keep it from being sore, dry and itchy. Others find that 'vagifem' is useful. Along with suitable mositorisors this condition can be kept under control and improve quality of Life.
Is there a Nurse Practitioner at. your Surgery, mayB have a chat and ask for atrophy treatment. It won't do any harm as we cannot over dose on oestrogen and may indeed, help your symptoms.
Let us know how you get on.
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Definitely, ask your GP practice for a prescription for vaginal estrogen, either cream, pessary or both.
It is reasonable to be prescribed this without an examination if you are peri/menopause age.
Obviously if it doesn't help after 2-3 months then you should make an appointment to be examined just to exclude any alternative diagnosis.
If vaginal estrogen is helpful, it is generally continued lifelong ie a repeat prescription, as symptoms will return if it is stopped.
Vaginal estrogen doesn't replace systemic HRT if required.
And I would stop trying to treat it with random over the counter products as these can contain chemicals which irritate the area, potentially making things worse as well as wasting your money.
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Have you got thrush?
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So thanks firstly, I’m 58 haven’t had a period for a number of years. Don’t have any other symptoms. Definitely think I am at a post menopausal state. I don’t have any discharge from my vagina, my urine is normal. But the itching to my external pubic area is intense. Have been taking vagifem internally but no relief, GP useless. Have resorted to keeping a cold cloth near my bedside to elevate the urge to itch. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
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Morning. How often are u using the 'vagifem' ? There are moistorors as well as 'ovestin' - I use this internally with a smear around the labia etc., I believe that others find this useful along with 'vagifem'.
Or KY Jelly or Sudacrem until you can get 'ovestin'. Let us know how you get on.
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Hi
Lichen Sclerosis is a condition that has intense vulval itching as one of its symptoms and is often misdiagnosed as thrush or VA. Have a read of sensible/official websites to see if any of the description matches your experience and, if it does, go back to your gp and ask them to examine you again specifically for LS.
In the meantime, lots of women find an antihistamine tablet can help with itching - I've never tried it but it's something simple and safe that's got to be worth a go!
Good luck in your quest for relief.
Suzie
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Ask your surgery for Estriol cream to use alongside Vagifem. Many women need both treatments because the vagifem will not reach the outside area to be effective. If you have no joy from them book an appointment with your local GUM clinic, they are amazing at finding out if anything else is happening.
Read this very informative document, print it if you can, its a good study.
https://bssm.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/GSM-BSSM.pdf
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Suiemc - that had crossed my mind too, a biopsy would confirm LS?
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Suiemc - that had crossed my mind too, a biopsy would confirm LS?
It can be diagnosed by sight, biopsy isn't always needed (I've not had one). I suspect it's down to the experience of the gp in some instances! But guess it also depends on visible signs and symptoms.
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I'm with CKLD you need oestrogen as a cream to put on the outside. The internal stuff isn't reaching the parts that need it. Also a nice gentle moisturizer like Yes. And in this lovely hot weather go knickerless!
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There are moistorors as well as 'ovestin' - I use this internally with a smear around the labia etc., I believe that others find this useful along with 'vagifem'.
In case of any confusion for new members, Ovestin cream has had a name change and most practitioners are now prescribing Estriol cream.
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Think you might have posted in the wrong thread, CLKD
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Think you might have posted in the wrong thread, CLKD
The wrong forum I think.
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Total disrespect for a new members thread and to think GP's recommend this forum to their patients! >:(
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;D oh do keep up Both - And in this lovely hot weather go knickerless! from Gnatty ;-)
Quite honestly I don't want to keep up. Your replies are inappropriate
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I see the offending posts have been deleted.
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Well that's good. A little thought is needed when replying.
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Why are people so horrible on this site? Genuinely thought at last a website that people will understand. Well that’s me done…….
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We aren't horrible in general. Browse round, ask away.
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Why are people so horrible on this site? Genuinely thought at last a website that people will understand. Well that’s me done…….
It’s a bit unfair to tar us all with the same brush. This is a superb forum with very knowledgeable women posting on all subjects relating to the menopause.
These same women have helped countless numbers who have come here in a fragile state and have got the advice and help they badly needed to go further with conditions of the menopause.
In every organization or institution there are bad apples, and this forum is no exception. You either let it go above your head and continue to help the women who post here, or you simply click on the delete button and leave as so many have in the past, and just recently.