Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Ms_london76 on August 25, 2024, 05:16:34 PM
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Hi day 9 of vagifem.
Now i have a burning sensation at all times. When i went for run i was fine, and worked out was fine. But i woke up at night due to the burning stinging sensation. Went to speak to male phamracists who were no help.
It is hard to live like this. I have read this is normal, it takes time….so is this normal and would a vaginal gel help at all with the constant burning. I used something just now, to see if this will make a difference. Will try to load up on water with electrolytes.
I do not have a uti never had one before. Just burns a little bit.
It is very uncomfortable, but if i stop the dryness woukd come back.
How long would it take? And is this burning normal?
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It is very normal and a sign you are healing. Imagine having raw skin on your hand. When you first put any gel on it, it will sting - anything on that raw skin is going to sting.
But when the skin barrier heals, it will stop stinging. The estrogen will help the skin barrier to heal.
You might like to ask your doctor for some Ovestin as well. This is also local estrogen but it is a cream rather than a pessary, so it can be more soothing. It is perfectly safe to use both Vagifem and Ovestin at the same time but some doctors don't realise this. You can use Ovestin internally and externally. If you are feeling stinging, it might be more external and the Ovestin might reach the area better than Vagifem at the top of the vagina....
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Exactly what Joziel has said. Yes it takes time, weeks, months even for the burning to stop, patience is a word we use a lot here.
But you have to use the treatment probably on a daily basis until things calm down then you can decide for yourself if you want to reduce. I would definitely ask for the Estriol cream, formally Ovestin, to use alongside the Vagifem, both perfectly safe to use together.
I will refer you to your previous thread, read the GSM position of statement, it contains invaluable information.
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,70546.msg956013.html#msg956013
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Also : when do U insert the preparation? Some ladies occasionally put an extra pessary up in the evening or use 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening . Also insertion may sting if 1 pushes it in too far the first week.
Ovestin/estriol on the outer labia can help - I use that internally and a smear or a smear of KY Jelly to keep the out area from becoming dry and itchy.
Once U get a regime stick with it. If a few times a week doesn't keep symptoms under control then use nightly when required.
Let us know how you get on. Water with electrolytes won't replace the lost oestrogen which is the usual cause for vaginal atrophy. Have a lookC at the several threads as well as 'bladder issues'. Make notes ;-)
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I insert in the evening. Way up there. It is a bed time, when I am just lying down watching tv.
I lay down for quite awhile after the insertion. More often than not, i end up going to the bathroom after. Even though i did before.
But i do try to lie down for at least 30 -40 min before i get up. I know it says before bed but my brain gets nervous anyways and i would have to pee.
Last night was slightly better sleep wise.
But sitting really annoys everything at the moment.
My dr is away so i will have to wait until she returns.
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You don't need to insert the pessary way up there, just enough to be comfortable as you would if inserting a tampon. The pessary needs to reach the outside too and when it doesn't that's where Estriol cream comes in, a smear on the outside is all that's needed. There is also no need for you to lay down after insertion, the pessary clings to the vaginal walls and is going nowhere, you can also choose what time of day you prefer to use the treatment, my regime is a morning one with an extra smear of Estriol and moisturiser every evening.
It helps if you know more about the condition you are suffering from and I know I'm beginning to be a bore constantly posting links but the more information we know ourselves it will give us power when speaking to medics who most have no clue to the condition GSM.
https://bssm.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/GSM-BSSM.pdf
I have been through all what you are going through now and the ladies on here told me I will get there eventually, and they were right.
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Gosh this site has been so helplful.
The male pharmacists had no idea how to help.
One was suggesting i had a uti, i am like no i know i do not.
My friend circle all who are going thru peri and menu, none of this vaginal dryness like me.
I suspect once the temps got hot in the summer between not having good ac at home, and teaching both pilates and yoga in a hot room and also my own work outs, I have made my symptoms way worse. I pulled back from doing yoga myself in the hot room which has helped.
Though i am curious to see if they calm down in the fall.
I am fairly active in the morning (workouts) so i thought night time was better. But helpful to know it does not matter when. I will be done the two week load on thursday and only time will tell what will happen.
I have seen slight improvements here or there but minor ones. I will try to connect with my dr about getting this cream as well.
Please post way, since i really am the only one of my friends with dryness i have no idea what i am doing.
I was worried it would fall out if i got up too soon.
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VA treatment should be inserted regularly to keep the walls of the vagina soft and supple. So a couple of times a week or every night, it's' a personal choice given on which symptoms are troublesome.
There is a book: Me and My Menopausal Vagina: which is worth a read ;-).
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You might want to try some non-prescription moisturisers in addition to the prescription stuff. Some lube can help the applicator and it also provides some moisture for the pessary to cling to up there...
The 2 brands which get recommended the most are YES VM, which is water-based, organic and totally natural and also Olive and Bee Intimate Cream, which is bees wax based (so - oil based) and again totally natural. Those can really help in between both local estriol cream and Vagifem pessaries. You can apply them as often as you like and as much as you like and you can coat the applicator with them...
Are you on systemic HRT or just local estrogen? I used to need all these local products, which is why I know about all this - but since getting my systemic estrogen HRT up, I no longer need to use anything locally.
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Gosh this site has been so helplful.
My friend circle all who are going thru peri and menu, none of this vaginal dryness like me.
I will be done the two week load on thursday and only time will tell what will happen.
i really am the only one of my friends with dryness i have no idea what i am doing.
When you get on top of all this you will be in a unique position if and when your friends start to experience symptoms as a lot of women do and have no idea what is happening to them. You are a Yoga teacher, another unique position to be in helping other women who might just say something during sessions.
Here is another link with lots of real life stories about GSM (Vaginal Atrophy) that I know will help you further.
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,64837.msg895647.html
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So at Day 13 of the loading phase. I have been on vacay so not
teaching hot yoga and the burning has even subsided. I have not had to use the vaginal moisturizer other than Sunday.
I am worried what will happen when i go back to work and off the loading phase and down to two days a week.
Does anyone have suggestions on how to drop to twice a week, which days work best?
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Which moisturizer R U using and how often?
VA treatment needs to be regularly inserted. U may find that a few nights a week is sufficient, some need to use nightly.
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Does anyone have suggestions on how to drop to twice a week, which days work best?
There is no answer to that as there is no situation where one day is any better than another.
If you are still experiencing burning continue with the treatment as much as you need to relieve symptoms. This advice from my own experience, my Gynae GP and my practice nurse. Its up to you to do what's best and not some out of date information in the leaflet that comes in the box with the Vagifem.
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After my workout the burning is back. Subtle but it is there. Last two days nothing but today for some reason. I know i did not drink alot of water yesterday and i was a super hot day. Being dehydrated does play a role in being dry down there. At times when i load up with water, i do get some relief before i even started any creams or vagifem.
It is def the burn today that i feel though. More so when i sit or lie down.
I do hope the burning feeling will subside.
Just over the counter stuff that does not interact with vagifem. Phemme revive is one the other is Gynatrof.
I am not from the UK so some products may not be available here
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Do bear in mind that its hormone treatment you need, moisturisers are there as an added extra to add lubrication. Replacing the lost oestrogen is what's important to relieve GSM (Vaginal Atrophy) symptoms. The burning feeling will only subside with constant hormone treatment and I would definitely say, you are not ready to go down to two days a week Vagifem.
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It can take months to get your vagina estrogenised again. I really wouldn't be expecting to notice an improvement yet. You need to commit to many months of treatment and the long term. You do NOT want to reduce down from every day until your symptoms are well under control.
Hopefully your doctor supports that... It is very safe to use loads of local estrogen, every day, forevermore....
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So at Day 13 of the loading phase. I have been on vacay so not
teaching hot yoga and the burning has even subsided. I have not had to use the vaginal moisturizer other than Sunday.
Have you seen a women’s pelvic physiotherapist who could assess you internally & give an opinion ?
Tight muscles can cause burning also & im just wondering if your very regular workouts are causing anything.
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Ok.
The real test will be in the hot room when i am teaching 2 classes back to back. Post class i always take a shower and fresh clothes.
I had dryness last summer and it cleared up and went away. I was using the vaginal moisturizer but no hormones. My period also went missing last summer. Dryness went away on its own.
Now I am 120 days or more from the last period, and the dryness has not disappeared. Hence taking hormones. I am only 47 yrs old but due to extreme stress in the last two perhaps menopause came early?
I am under alot of stress caring for two needy elderly parents. Which has been time consuming and my own self care gets put aside. I am hyper stressed from that almost all the time.
Still learning
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I am sorry that you are under a lot of stress as that will not be helping.
There is a thread on here for those looking after elderly parents I will find it if I can & bump it for you.
Are you able to find down times for yourself ? as your vacation seems to have made a temporary difference.
I mentioned the physio in order to not only find out anything but also to eliminate any other reason. Any/all knowledge around this helps. Take care.
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Are you on systemic HRT? Besides helping the VA (for many women), it sounds like you might need it by now if your own periods are irregular.
Usually they get closer together before longer, so if you're already at the longer part, sounds like you might want to be thinking about some HRT.
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When you are under a lot of stress it's difficult to think straight and too much information can be overwhelming. You are certainly at an age when your body is changing and you have to learn how to adapt to the changes. The most pressing thing right now for you is to relieve the burning and the easiest solution is topical oestrogen and when the symptoms have eased then perhaps think about the long term to what treatment is best for you, systemic or topical HRT or both.
Keep us updated as you go forward down the rocky road that is menopause, it can be a bumpy ride!
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Day 14
Taught a class in the hot room, was okay. Took a shower post class started to notice the dryness.
Here is something new I did last night. I have always worn unscented pantyliner daily, change it a few times a day etc. Last night, I came home and did not wear a pantyliner at bedtime or overnight. I did not have anymore pain inserted the vagifem. This morning so far it has been normal.
Now, maybe letting the V breathe made a difference? I will be going on my run this morning and will do the same thing.
So now i am in no mans land meaning, do i keep taking this for another week everyday or flip to every other day? I am quite nervous to drop down to twice a week especially when i have go teach 4 more classes in the hot room.
As far as systematic hrt, i have read that vagifem works better than the estrogen pill to help with the downstairs issues. Without releasing estrogen into the blood stream.
Or maybe not ready to take both estrogen and progesterone mentally.
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We've already answered these questions above...
You definitely should not reduce to twice a week just yet. You don't actually ever need to, but you should get symptoms well under control in a consistent/ongoing way - and then experiment to see what your body can manage.
As for systemic HRT, it depends. If you take a decent dose of systemic estrogen, it means your body usually doesn't need any at all locally. That's what happened to me. I can't tell you what a total fcking pain in the ass it is to be applying moisturisers, estrogen creams, pessaries, avoiding sex, having things leaking out of you blah etc. I am ecstatic that on a decent dose of estrogen, I no longer need anything locally at all.
As for 'without releasing estrogen into the blood stream' - why would you want to avoid that? You want to release estrogen into the blood stream because it will decrease your risk of dementia, diabetes, insulin resistance, bowel cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and more besides. It's not a bonus to avoid estrogen in the blood stream, it's a drawback. The number one killer of women worldwide is cardiovascular disease.
Your whole body needs estrogen, not just your vagina.
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Hi
I have had unique reactions to birth control in the past. Meaning it was not working for my body. I would get bleeding on my white pills days and my monthly got so messed up that i stopped taking them.
So my hesitancy is what will my body do with estrogen and progestrone? I am very sensitive to medications in general.
At the moment my only annoying symptom is the dryness. I do not suffer from hot flashes. Disrupted sleep due to waking up to pee yes, vaginal dryness yes. I understand what you mean i am just worried how my body will react plus the cost of monthly up keep (the pills and vagifem) i do not have insurance.
But yes i am not ready to go off the vagifem until i notice any difference and consistent difference.
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Joziel, you make it sound as if taking systemic HRT is the holy grail, the magic youth pill when we know full well that for some women it can be an absolute minefield, reading some of the posts on here and the struggles women have from the side effects of taking HRT and finding a regime that works, can be very problematic. I am glad MsLondon76 is taking baby steps here in controlling her symptoms.
I use Vagifem, Estriol smeared on topically and a moisturiser, its a regime that has become second nature, a part of my life now and a very welcome part because it controls the most horrendous symptoms that GSM causes.
I am not on systemic HRT but lead a healthy life, I am very old and I am not falling apart because of lack of oestrogen in my bloodstream and I would like other women to know that its not all about systemic HRT that keeps you healthy in old age its also about how you live your life and how you manage any symptoms if and when they arise.
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Ayesha, it is the holy grail - when you get the dosage and product right for you. It is the very small minority of women who would disagree with that. Most women who end up on forums like this are women with problems looking for solutions. We are not representative of most women on HRT. They get on it and it's great and that's that - they don't waste hours looking for answers online - because it's working for them.
For sure, how you live and lifestyle is very important for aging healthily. But research shows everything I listed above: Menopause (and the loss of estrogen it causes) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, bowel cancer, dementia, arthritis - and probably more I've left out. It's astounding how cognitive dissonance sees people object to this. It is imperative that women are given this up to date information so they can make a fully informed decision about whether to take HRT.
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I am as old as I feel - each morning it's about 90 :-\ by mid-morning about 16 unless anxiety takes over ;)
I don't know why any1 would wear a panty liner :-\. If a discharge is such that 1 needs to use them then a check up with the Nurse Practitioner should be arranged. Both Mums used them: we found packets++ in the drawers when turning the houses out.
VA treatments can be for ever. Even used occasionally it may be necessary to keep to a regime that works: don't think "Oh it's better" and stop :kick: sometimes I need to do a re-load for no particular reason. I wear cotton knickers, no liners and they are changed daily. I sleep naked. [nighty to hand when staying away from home ;)]
Some ladies find that using a moisturiser externally as well as 'vagifem' or 'estriol' internally works.
I believe that Birth Control is different to that prescribed during our peri-menopause years. Ms_london76 - R U Stateside? Disrupted sleep due to waking up to pee yes, vaginal dryness yes. this is typical of VA . Do read the thread again, as well as 'the bladder issues' and other VA topics: make notes ;)
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Yes I know all about the research but it is safe to say hrt is not a fix for everyone. I know many ppl who have not used hrt and are fine.
It’s a trial and error journey, we all experience such unique symptoms. Some worse than others some not at all.
I am taking baby steps and trying to find the right answer for my body. Which may be different from every single person on this forum.
We can support each other and share what worked for them but there is no absolute.
I am pretty sure I am not ready to let go of a daily regime of vagifem. But curious if my body would respond without for a twice a week regime. But scared for that awful dryness to return.
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I recently did an experiment to see if I could do without the twice daily smear of Estriol thinking after 4 years of daily Vagifem I might be ok but within 4 days of not applying the cream the GSM symptoms came back. For me its obvious that the Vagifem is working well inside but not reaching the outside and its only through trial and error we find this out for ourselves.
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I think, if you're not on systemic HRT, you probably will need more local estrogen - but by all means experiment and see what works best.
As for 'many people who have not used HRT and are fine'... That is just looking at this in terms of symptom control. Not disease prevention.
Many of these people who are 'fine' now will fall and break a hip when they are 80 and then go into a nursing home for the rest of their lives. Or develop dementia when they are 70. And so on. As I said, the number one killer of women is cardiovascular disease. Many of these women who seem 'fine' without HRT, will (statistically) go on to die of cardiovascular disease. Not all of them, of course. But statistics are all we have to base decisions on.
So it's not just about treating symptoms. We will probably get to a future where almost all women are routinely and preventatively put on HRT at the first sign of peri-menopause, unless they have a strong preference not to. But at the moment the health system would collapse if we did that, it is already struggling to cope.
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I found Vagifem and estriol really hard to get on with
Eventually came across Intrarosa pessaries and used in combination with Centraban to keep the urine away from the delicate areas Think it was working after about 2 months of using but haven’t been able to use for 5 weeks because of prolapse surgery Think maybe .. possibly.. I’m starting to get some VA symptoms again .. disappeared after surgery… but so much going on up there at the moment it’s hard to tell My GP has made me wait 6 weeks to discuss an alternative as I can’t insert anything Very Annoying
If things don’t settle maybe consider asking for Intrarosa It has the same use but works differently But as others have said it’s a long slow process Be lovely if it was a quick fix
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Update.
To experiment, i did not take vagifem last night. It would have been day 16.
I had done the two week loading.
I taught in a hot yoga room times two yesterday. I skipped the post class shower. Drove 2 hrs north, had a couple glasses of wine not hydrate much with water. Slept terrible due to the drinking and waking up to pee several times.
Woke up with burning as if i had taken vagifem.
Sitting was painful. I started to cry….
I took a pheemme gel moisturizer, it calmed completely down half way thru my morning coffee plus water.
Now sitting is not painful.
I appreciate how many of you said to keep taking it daily. But at the same time, how do i really know if i need to take it daily? Unless i experiment? But it is still only the first couple weeks of taking this product.
And waking up with burning as if i had taken it last night was frustrating.
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How much experimentation do U need to risk? U did the 2 week loading period, many of us require at least 3 then nightly. Or 3rd and 6/7th nights.
The choice of course is your own. "how do i really know if i need to take it daily? Unless i experiment?" U already know that and if U have been using the product correctly every night, there should be no burning at this stage. If the vaginal walls remain thin and tender, insertion will cause a little soreness - mayB do not insert as deeply but in the vagina entrance and as burning resolves then push a little deeper to allow the vaginal walls to soak up the product.
I have used 'ovestin'/estriol 4 over 10 years and have never had burning or soreness, every 5/6th night plus an occasionally reload suits fine.
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I have been sticking it in as far as the applicator will go.
People on here have said it could take awhile for the burning to subside. So I am confused with the info that I get on here.
I have a female dr and female pharmacist who said to stop after the two week load and twice a week. The burning is normal etc.
You are saying after two weeks it should not burn but others say it will take longer.
Do you see why I am so confused?
The burning is just as uncomfortable as the dryness. If not more depending on how I move or sit.
I was managing the dryness with gel every few days. Now I have made it really angry and burning is everyday. And this is a normal reaction?
So I am very confused
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Probably normal if U are putting other medications/treatments into an already fragile area rather than using VA treatment.
Your GP and pharmacist: although female: are incorrect which is why Dr Newson is trying to get the details in the leaflet altered. 'others say that it will take longer' - it will vary from lady to lady as well as depending on how long she had symptoms B4 being prescribed appropriate VA treatment. Many suffer with VA symptoms which go un-diagnosed due to medics not being informed or knowing nowt about how VA affects women.
Which 'gel' were you using ? I would insert a pessary now and again this evening. Then continue every night for as long as necessary. If you meet with prescribing resistance from your practitioners then ask for a referral to a dedicated menopause clinic.
Also buy a copy of 'me and my menopausal vagina' written by a lady who was a member here for many years. Informative and should be read by every medic B4 they qualify ;-).
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If U are using an applicator it is likely to be 'estriol'/ovestin that has been prescribed. If U have been prescribed 'vagifem', I believe it's in pessary form .
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I have been sticking it in as far as the applicator will go.
People on here have said it could take awhile for the burning to subside. So I am confused with the info that I get on here.
I have a female dr and female pharmacist who said to stop after the two week load and twice a week. The burning is normal etc.
You are saying after two weeks it should not burn but others say it will take longer.
Do you see why I am so confused?
We can only advise from our own experiences, we are not medical.
Its far too early to experiment
The burning is just as uncomfortable as the dryness. If not more depending on how I move or sit.
I was managing the dryness with gel every few days. Now I have made it really angry and burning is everyday. And this is a normal reaction?
So I am very confused
We can only advise from our own experience, we are not medics.
Its far too early to start to experiment with your treatment. It took four months for my burning to stop using one Vagifem pessary and Estriol cream with moisturiser every day, that's how long it takes for some women.
I have already advised you on what to do, the applicator does not have to be inserted high up as far as it will go because it needs to work its way down to the outside but hopefully you will be prescribed Estriol cream to go with the Vagifem.
I suggest you read back on all your posts, look at the links posted and learn how to deal with this horrendous condition, its how I learned all about it by reading all the posts on here, the medics knew nothing about it four years ago.
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Is it safe to do a double dose in the same day?
The leaflet said to not do that?
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I also suggest previously: Do read the thread again, as well as 'the bladder issues' and other VA topics: make notes : that U read back through the thread. Make notes.
Also: i.e. "are incorrect which is why Dr Newson is trying to get the details in the leaflet altered" .
U seem to cherry pick from the thread .......... :-\. Our experiences are to be shared because most of us know more about vaginal atrophy than many medics seem to do!!
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I have been sticking it in as far as the applicator will go.
People on here have said it could take awhile for the burning to subside. So I am confused with the info that I get on here.
I have a female dr and female pharmacist who said to stop after the two week load and twice a week. The burning is normal etc.
You are saying after two weeks it should not burn but others say it will take longer.
Do you see why I am so confused?
The burning is just as uncomfortable as the dryness. If not more depending on how I move or sit.
I was managing the dryness with gel every few days. Now I have made it really angry and burning is everyday. And this is a normal reaction?
So I am very confused
I would strip back to just the vagifem so that you can monitor what is happening with just one product for now.
Now that you have done the two week load it is your decision how to go forward. I would make a plan & write it down. So far you have been using 70 mcg per week. Vagifem weekly maintenance years ago was 50 mcg per week you could try that for a while. The 20 mcg advised weekly now may well not be enough. You can always do a 2 week reload to get back on track a bit if necessary.
Keep a note also of how things are on your yoga days to see if there is any difference. Ideally cotton underwear & loose clothing help with va I somehow imagine that you are wearing Lycra I may be wrong.
I have suggested seeing a pelvic physio just to see if your yoga days are making a difference eg muscle tightening.
Ayesha is using vagifem CLKD isn’t. Estriol is different to Estradiol that is in vagifem.
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Thank you all for taking the time to answer my questions. Maybe often on repeat. I have no one to talk in my real life cuz no one has these particular symptoms.
It’s horrible, this morning I wanted to harm myself cuz I could not imagine living daily with this pain. It so embarrassing as a woman.
I am very active by nature. This only started to happen less than a month ago. When the temps were super hot and I was sweating every minute of everyday.
So I am learning thru all of you. And often need a few moments to let it all sink in. I apologize if I am repeating myself or things are not “sinking in” just scared
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I would suggest also to read the various areas of white writing on the pink background at the top of the page ......... make notes.
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It's way too early and you are far too symptomatic to stop taking it daily IMO.
Heck, I have ZERO symptoms and I take Vagifem DAILY for 3 weeks before a smear test ;D just to make it a bit more comfortable!! I'm also on high doses of systemic HRT as well.
As someone else has mentioned, you might want to look on Amazon for the book called 'Me and My Menopausal Vagina: Living with Vaginal Atrophy' by Jane Lewis. You will find that what you're going through isn't unusual, although not everyone gets it this bad.
As for the leaflets, you are really not hearing the fact that they should have been updated and haven't been. I'm afriad there is a lot of history here, with the WHI study, which you don't know about. You are either going to need to decide to trust the medics or the people who have learnt it the hard way on forums like this. But if you want to go and do some reading, go to the Balance Menopause website and read everything there.
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Thank you all for taking the time to answer my questions. Maybe often on repeat. I have no one to talk in my real life cuz no one has these particular symptoms.
It’s horrible, this morning I wanted to harm myself cuz I could not imagine living daily with this pain. It so embarrassing as a woman.
I am very active by nature. This only started to happen less than a month ago. When the temps were super hot and I was sweating every minute of everyday.
So I am learning thru all of you. And often need a few moments to let it all sink in. I apologize if I am repeating myself or things are not “sinking in” just scared
As already said you are reading varied experiences on here. Some are from private consultations where different advice might be given.
There is a facebook Vaginal Atrophy group i will message a member who maybe can give you details. It is a closed group.
Get all the info that you can and make a plan for yourself. Seek out some counselling if needs be too. You have already mentioned other stress in your life.
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Thanks for sharing your experiences ladies, I started vagirux a week ago and your advice has been really helpful to me.
The info around previous doses is particularly helpful and gives me confidence in terms of the disses that I'm choosing to take.
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Hi Ms_london76.
As Minusminnie mentions, there is a private 'Vaginal Atrophy Facebook Support Group' that you might benefit from joining. You can find it by using those words in Google. It is excellent and well worth joining for the advice and resources available there.
I haven't read all of this thread, but please be reassured that it is possible to get this condition under control. Eventually you will find a routine of treatment that keeps you comfortable and you will be able to carry on with your life without giving it a thought ☺️. It can be a rocky road to start out with, though.
Best wishes,
JP x
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Thank you all for your help. I will take notes.
One thing I have noticed is the more hydrated I am the symptoms of burning virtually disappear (wine, coffee, water)
Than only when I need to go to the bathroom slight burning until I pee than it all goes away. It does not hurt while peeing, my urine is pale if not clear at times.
I am trying to make sense of that but I guess the less hydrated I am does affect the downstairs as well. Coffee and wine have the opposite effect where they both make you more dehydrated. And pee more often which is as per normal for me. It has a diuretic which will cause you remove fluids and was i drinking water with wine no of course not.
Yesterday, taught two hours in the hot room, barely drank water, skipped the shower. Drove two hours north in the heat, sweating. Drank 3 glasses of wind barely any water… did all the wrong things.
Always had a weak bladder so this is nothing new. I bought a note book and will be writing all this out like daily notes.
Yes I wear Lycra, I have too for work. The pantry liner I have worn for years but will start not wearing at night on a regular basis.
I also bought a probiotic today designed for women vaginal health. Curious to see if this will help in any way
Drinking any alcohol will make me pee more always had this issue. I only drink when I am only vacay. Which I am at the moment. I will pull back today and see what happens.
I will source out this Facebook group thank you all for the tips. Keep them coming
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I did not take a double dose today but took one at night (my usual time slot) i did not insert as high as i did before.. tomorrow is a new day
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Any breathable material would
be better for yoga wear rather than Lycra. Also something loose fitting.
As is wearing cotton pants & going commando when you have the opportunity to let air around the vagina. You are now letting air around at night.
Wash the area with just water or a suitable wash there are several threads on use of various products to wash with. But again it is trial & error with any products.
There is also a long running thread in private lives area of the forum called the Burning Club I will bump it up for you.
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Welcome seaside girl - if the vagirux doesn't ease symptoms try vagifem and/or estriol/ovestin.
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R U in the UK Ms_london76?
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Thanks for sharing your experiences ladies, I started vagirux a week ago and your advice has been really helpful to me.
The info around previous doses is particularly helpful and gives me confidence in terms of the disses that I'm choosing to take.
Research is everything when it comes to this condition because it gives you reassurance and confidence when applying the treatment, and it really puts you in charge of how you use the treatment.
Four years ago I had never heard of GSM (Vaginal Atrophy) and neither did any of the medics I was involved with in trying to diagnose the condition, it came as a shock to find out its very common and part of the ageing process but a condition that is not talked about, hence the big mystery surrounding it.
Knowledge is power, after a lot of research I am at the stage were I tell my GP and nurse exactly what I need to control my GSM (VA) and they are happy to comply, the GP knew nothing about the correct dosage that I needed but the nurse was very knowledgeable, its important to keep up to date with the latest guidelines so we can pass on the message.
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The burning club thread, an old one but same symptoms but as time goes on the language changes, product names, the condition now referred to as GSM (Genitourinary Syndrome of the Menopause) aka Vaginal Atrophy.
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,22886.0.html
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No i am not in the Uk.
I found this forum by googling vagifem and burning. Lol
I took the vagifem this morning, i did not insert as high up as i normally did.
The burning sensation is very mild in comparison to the last few days. I also inserted the full applicator right to the very end.
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Vagifem is a pessary :-\
Get rid of the Lycra, we managed without until recent years. Lycra is for professional male cyclists ;)
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Yeah no.
It is a hot yoga and Pilates studio. Meaning cotton will not catch the sweat very well and also make you feel hotter. Certain leggings are designed to catch the sweat very well.
I could change in between classes to another pair but cotton is not ideal in that environment.
I have worn cotton before and I can say from personal experience cotton is too hot to wear. Lycra and moisture wicking is what we all wear.
When I leave I could wear something more breathable but cotton in a hot room is like wearing a blanket on a hot day.
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With modern day man made fabrics they can be more cooler and breathable than cotton I find.
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When i stArted this post, i looked back at my calendar. I had just finished a 12 day stint of teaching in the hot room. One of those days was a triple, the next day i noticed the burning.
All these things combined with the super hot spell we were having, where i was at the beach all day (cuz it was too hot elsewhere). So that, plus the drinking all combined.
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Yeah no.
It is a hot yoga and Pilates studio. Meaning cotton will not catch the sweat very well and also make you feel hotter. Certain leggings are designed to catch the sweat very well.
I could change in between classes to another pair but cotton is not ideal in that environment.
I have worn cotton before and I can say from personal experience cotton is too hot to wear. Lycra and moisture wicking is what we all wear.
When I leave I could wear something more breathable but cotton in a hot room is like wearing a blanket on a hot day.
When i stArted this post, i looked back at my calendar. I had just finished a 12 day stint of teaching in the hot room. One of those days was a triple, the next day i noticed the burning.
All these things combined with the super hot spell we were having, where i was at the beach all day (cuz it was too hot elsewhere). So that, plus the drinking all combined.
Ok im probably old fashioned regarding cotton but just keep thinking along the lines you are.
Eg
What have I noted ? Then what can I adapt or change that might make a difference. Try the change between classes.
Yoga classes on the beach maybe ? I’m just being facetious now !
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I teach at two yoga studios and no teaching outside is not an option.
I do understand cotton but in the hot room it does not breathe as well as wicking leggings. And it smells very quickly, moisture wicking is better and does not retain the smell.
Plus I assist my students a lot in a class and the smell and dripping sweat on them is not appealing lol.
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Cotton. Natural. Breaths. Soaks up sweat .......... does 4 me. Lycra however :-X ...... Petrol-based ?
I don't have any problems with smelling when wearing cotton undies, not even in the hottest UK weather. Never use a panty liner which won't allow the nethers to breath = moisture retention.
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So day Day 16 of vagifem.
Drank only one cooler (wine) yesterday. Stuck with lots of water there after. Slept with cotton undies.
Still woke up 3 times to pee but i feel that i related to any alcohol in my system even though it was at 4pm. When i am not drinking enough water to match it kidneys work harder, plus did a bike ride. So probably dehydrated.
Slight burning in the morning yesterday post run, managed it with just drinking water. It went away.
This morning no burning, only drank half a cup of coffee if that. Slight burning post exercise but not uber painful.
The burning has not been as severe as it has been. Obviously the triggers are when i work out, sweat even minor. Drinking wine clearly and coffee.
Have not needed the gel in a couple of days but has been cooler outside too
I cant just call my dr, seems she does not do phone calls. So i have to make an appointment to see her about getting estrogen cream.
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You seem to be doing well on Vagifem alone, you might not need the Estriol cream, no point in rushing things if you don't have to!
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plus did a bike ride.
Maybe monitor around bike rides as that is when the perineum is pressing on a saddle. You can get or may already have an adaptive saddle.
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It appears to be triggered when working out and or sweating. Usually the morning I have some burning.
Though this morning while having my breakfast no burning.
Than during the day it just disappears like nothing was wrong.
I suspect all my working out, teaching and leading yoga and Pilates are what annoys it the most. The summer has been humid for the most part in the part of Canada I am from.
Last couple days it’s been no humidity.
Cooler weather. I am still nervous about teaching in the hot room later this week. It is my livelihood and had saved me numerous times mentally. So not being to do yoga in the hot rooms with others has been so hard.
But the change in clothing should help in between classes and continue with post classes shower.
I will omit wine or any alcohol to see if that helps me today. And hydrate
Maybe it is calming down not sure but being aware of triggers has been so very helpful.
I was watching a pod cast saying any medications could take 6-8 weeks to see any serious improvement.
So only just shy of three weeks it’s still early to tell.
The burning is not constant and often disappears for large chunks of time. There is no reason to it. For instance post workout burning with sitting.
I drank so water went for a walk and able to sit comfortably now.
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The burning is not constant and often disappears for large chunks of time. There is no reason to it. For instance post workout burning with sitting.
There is a nerve called the Pudendal nerve running through the perineum that when irritated can cause problems with sitting.
Mentioning this as bike riding can be a factor. It might be an idea to read up on it. Maybe your workouts are affecting that nerve I wouldn’t like to say again a pelvic physio might help.
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I probably would have to get a referral to one.
I don’t bike often only when I am up north. I did not bother me much on my ride yesterday.
But make sense why it hurts when I sit sometimes oddly
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I probably would have to get a referral to one.
Yes but in UK you can also self refer but generally have to then pay.
Your GP may recommend a women’s pelvic floor physio.
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I know it says to take this at night but i find when i am taking this at night.
My already difficult sleep issues get worse. I was at one point sleeping thru the night back in early june.
I was taking magniesium glycinate at night, supposed to help with sleep yet it did the opposite. So i switched to morning with it.
I am noticing that i am not sleeping well. Meaning the last few nights waking up several times to pee. Pretty much since i started vagifem or kept going (since sunday).
I am away from home right now, even though i am here alot. I tend to have more sleep issues when i am away. Different beds, different environments. I miss sleeping thru the night.
I did not drink any alcohol yesterday thinking which usually is the issue. Trying to source the issue as anything could be a stimulant at this point. I had a normal dinner time, did not drink much water before bed. I am still on vagifem at night.
I also realized that in the last two weeks I have been up north I have slept in a cottage, home for 2 nights back up north. Slept at my friends house for 2 nights, back in a cottage. So definitely off my sleep routine with different locales. Plus been watching my iPad versus the tv at night.
Maybe when I get home and in my own bed for a few nights things will calm down.
I wondered should i switch it to the morning versus taking it at night. I wondered if vagifem is more of a stimulant and taking it a different time if day? Any thoughts
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Might be something to experiment with there is a member who may be along who uses vagifem in the mornings.
As you say any change in itself can bring on lack of sleep. Sleep is so important for mental health.
Peeing in the night is annoying as you get older have you got a cut off time for any drink of any sort ?
Have you decided on a weekly dose routine with the vagifem yet ?
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I stayed on an extra week. Of the loading phase which will now be 3.
Perhaps dropping down to three times a week after. The burning is very minimal now even post run just a smidge and seems to have settled down again.
I have been monitoring my water intake so not sure if that is it. I always want to sleep well up here but the last few nights have been brutal maybe the iPad watching Netflix.
Yes I know already started to cry this morning due to lack of sleep.
Will try to stop all blue light devices at around 8pm. I try to mirror my shut down time like I do at home but it could be so many things (bed, temperature, noise, not my own bed which is brand new. I have these flare ups once in awhile and eventually I will sleep thru the night.
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ms_london, I think you really need systemic HRT if you are having trouble sleeping.
Insomnia and sleep issues are classic low estrogen symptoms.
Besides which it will only further help your vaginal issues too.
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U R over thinking.
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Yes I know already started to cry this morning due to lack of sleep.
Will try to stop all blue light devices at around 8pm. I try to mirror my shut down time like I do at home but it could be so many things (bed, temperature, noise, not my own bed which is brand new. I have these flare ups once in awhile and eventually I will sleep thru the night.
Have you spoken to your GP about your or levels of stress ?
You have mentioned stress already being constant with elderly parents and now dealing with VA (from bits you’ve said ) may be adding to it.
Excercise & sleep hygiene practices are part of staying well mentally but there are other ways not necessarily medication.
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I exercise everyday if not several times a day. So fitness is a non issue. It’s part of my lifestyle.
Last night was better because I turned off all technology, kept it out of my bedroom. Which helped immensely. I monitors what I drank and had a better sleep routine last night. Only woke up twice but something I was not aware of until yesterday is that I have a stuffy nose.
Probably cuz of the colder day I had on Monday where I was in a winter style coat. Whenever I do not feel well, I would wake up more often at night. Even this morning I am still stuffy.
Yes stress is something I try to manage with yoga, walks etc. Often not easy with the heat. When I am away I feel less stress clearly. I have been able to focus on myself not the case when I am home. Which is why I go away once a month or so.
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I tried everything to improve sleep, magnesium, no devices, no alcohol , no caffeine, relaxing meditation blah blah blah. CBD oil definitely helped but the only thing that really helped sleep has been HRT.
I'm still peeing at least twice a night despite stopping fluids at 7.30pm. It was initially better when I first started HRT (end May) and I have just increased my oestrogen dose.
I'm in the loading phase of vagirux (same as vagifem), following the wise words here I'm planning a 3 week daily phase and I'm aiming for using it twice a day (although not quite hitting the second time every day owing to work commitments).
I have found it better not to use it before bed, it seems to make me pee, maybe it irritates the bladder initially or it's psychosomatic but either way I try to use it morning and afternoon/ early evening.
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If it helps Seasidegirl vagifem used to be a 25mcg pessary so the initial 2 week loading dose was higher followed by recommended 25mcg pessary twice a week.
I will leave you to do the maths but @ 20mcg a day initially you are getting close to the old regime.
The 10mcg vagifem does give more flexibility with dosing levels & spread ability than the 25mcg used to.
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If it helps Seasidegirl vagifem used to be a 25mcg pessary so the initial 2 week loading dose was higher followed by recommended 25mcg pessary twice a week.
I will leave you to do the maths but @ 20mcg a day initially you are getting close to the old regime.
The 10mcg vagifem does give more flexibility with dosing levels & spread ability than the 25mcg used to.
Thanks Minusminnie, I'd read that and it is what has given me the confidence to "overdose", its been really helpful info from the posters here. I've managed to get a bit of a stock so I've got enough to keep the level up.
I'm planning to do a third week at as close to 2 a day as I can manage, it's sometimes difficult to do the second if I'm in the office all day as I'm avoiding bedtimes, although thinking about it I've now got a second applicator so I could do the second at work without having to faff about with remembering to bring the original with me.
Currently I'm not seeing any benefit but I didn't feel symptomatic before other than wee'ing constantly which might also be my borderline hyperthyroidism which is a whole different story!
Thanks again
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So the urinary thing started (waking up at night several times) started while I started to vagifem.
I also don’t have the best sleeping cool temps where my room has no airflow and can be 22-23 degrees overnight.
My bladder is clearly annoyed by using vagifem. I went from not waking up at all pre summer, to once during the night. And now with vagifem 2-4 nights so it’s escalated.
I have pulled all irritants and I am sore tired. I know it’s is supposed to help with bladder issues, and it is supposed to get worse before it gets better.
But I am so tired during the day now. Last Friday I went to a gas station and left my bank card in the machine, and had to replace the card that day.
I know ppl are saying systematic hrt. I will speak with my dr on Monday cuz I am miserable with lack of sleep.
Now that I thru the third week of daily doses can I pull back to a few times a week.
I don’t think it’s an infection urine is always clear. And it only burns right before I pee but not during. Or after when I emptied the bladder.
Or should I switch to another vaginal estrogen?
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I'd try systemic HRT and maybe switch from Vagifem to Ovestin internally. You might find it more soothing, being a cream... plus it will come down and coat externally as well.
If you are stinging when you pee, that is external. That is your urine flowing over broken skin. If you are just putting Vagifem up your vagina, that isn't going to be getting to the right place...
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I am confused as some say the burning is normal? And I have to wait it out so this is where I am confused.
I will be seeing my dr on Monday and go over some other options
I did insert two high last night and had to use a gel moisturer which seems to makes it more angry with the burning than better
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The burning is normal but it means you have a broken skin barrier. You have micro cuts in your vaginal tissue.
If you have ever had invisible paper cuts on your hand or really dry hands that have cracked in cold weather, that's what your vag has right now. When you wee, it burns running over those cracks.
You need estrogen so the skin barrier heals... That is why you have the cracks. Lack of estrogen causes vaginal dryness.
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That makes more sense and thank you for the visual. Vagifem is supposed to restore estrogen into that area.
But it is so early on. It doesn’t hurt to pee but sometimes right before or after. But not during.
Today was a bad vagifem day, inserted it too high last night and suffered that bad burning again at night and in the morning..
I taught my first class and changed the lower half for the second. Stayed behind to do my own yoga flow in the non hot room removed the pantyliner and after a few minutes everything calmed down.
The smell down there is different not fishy at all but weird musky I guess this is the vagifem.
Been taking it for about 21 days now and wanting to reduce to two or 3 times a week now.
I am convinced vagifem is irritating my bladder which is why I wake up so much at night to pee.
Will be seriously looking at systematic hrt when I talk to my dr
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Vagifem is going up your vagina. Not right where you are feeling the stinging. It hopefully will eventually reach your external vulva but it's going to take some time and it's going to most help the place you're putting it. It is probably a good choice for your bladder issues because it's much closer to your bladder up there, but it won't help the stinging.
Ideally you would also have some Ovestin and you would use the Vagifem internally and smear some Ovestin externally. That will help most with the stinging. That's what I was prescribed when I had this, both at once - one internal and one external, both daily and ongoing.
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The burning is not on the outside at all, it’s inside the vagina walls where I put the vagifem basically
Will ask the dr for Ovestin as well
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I did insert two high last night and had to use a gel moisturer which seems to makes it more angry with the burning than better
On that basis have you decided to leave out the gel for now ? maybe introduce it or a different product again later.
Vagifem is sold in the UK in pharmacies as a product called Gina. There is a short video (watch our guide) under the FAQs in the Gina information under 'when does Gina start to work' that might be a visual for you.
https://www.mygina.co.uk/faqs/?utm_campaign=gina-website&utm_medium=gina-website&utm_source=%2Fvaginal-dryness-menopause%2Fwhat-is-vaginal-atrophy%2F&utm_content=Site%2BNav%2Blink
Can't remember if you have said but if you are using a pantyliner during yoga is it a zero % fragrance free one ?
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The burning is not on the outside at all, it’s inside the vagina walls where I put the vagifem basically
Will ask the dr for Ovestin as well
If the burning is not on the outside vulva area and you are sticking with Vagifem i would save asking for Estriol cream until another day. Ovestin is now known as Estriol 1mg/g cream. There are weaker estriol creams at 0.01%
Just my thoughts as some GPs are reluctant to give out both vagifem and estriol together (may be different in Canada) and you are early days with the vagifem.
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You have lots of options and none which should be rushed into, I think you mentioned you are oestrogen sensitive and we always say trial and error and patience with the treatments.
We are soon to have new guidelines here from the National Institute For Health And Care Excellence on 7th November which will include the use of topical oestrogens, updates which will hopefully stop all the nonsense about dosage.
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Are you absolutely sure it is internal (the burning)? The vagina really doesn't have great nerve endings compared to the vulva and it doesn't really make much sense why it would burn when you urinate, as urine isn't going to touch your vagina...
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It burns where I put the vagifem so the inside. It does not feel like the outside
I am wearing the Pantyliners less and less. When I taught two classes in the hot room yes. Post class and shower I removed it right away.
Supposed to be unscented. Switched to frangrnce free hypoallergenic body wash to help minimize anything.
It does not hurt when I pee, it hurts when I have to pee.(when my bladder is full) Than I pee and the burns subsides. During peeing I feel nothing. Sometimes there is a post pee burn but it does not burn at all when I pee.
Today is day 21 of vagifem in a row (loading) between the burning everyday and not sleeping at night I am so miserable.
Will pull back tonight and start a 2 or 3 times a week regime. I need to sleep I am so tired all the time.
I suspect vagifem is irritating my bladder at night. Once a night to pee but three times a night! Didn’t have this problem prior to starting vagifem.
I don’t know how much longer I can hang in without sleep.
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If you can, I would get on systemic HRT. It will help all this.
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Seeing her on Monday
What does help immensely is not wearing Pantyliners.
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Still am not sleeping properly, 3 times i wake up to pee. I am over exhausted.
I stopped at day 21 of loading. Prob in a couple of days will add it back. Now at the maintenance part
I am losing this battle with the burn, the run this morning made it miserable.i used PhEmme gel which stung like heck but slowly calming down.
Yoga and running, working out have always been my outlets and now everything is so painful with this burn. I am miserable and adding lack of sleep.
I am struggling here cuz i keep hoping to turn a corner with vagifem.
Did anyone else feel this miserable when starting vagifem? I want to believe it will get better but how long really before i notice an improvement? I do not feel myself anymore, with lack of sleep and planning outings making sure there are washrooms. I was never this bad before with peeing and it seems to be more annoyed now.
Or should i swap to something else?
I have broken down and cried a few times this morning. I am venting, i have no one to talk to irl. My senior father does not understand women issues, my mother paralyzed on one side has her own health issues. My mood has def taking a nose dive in the last three weeks (since starting vagifem).
I am literally so tired, and in pain alot of the time. I am seeing my dr tomorrow to revisit vagifem and if works for me.
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I don't know why you have decreased Vagifem to twice a week, despite all the advice in this thread to continue daily until you have no symptoms.
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I am losing this battle with the burn, the run this morning made it miserable.i used PhEmme gel which stung like heck but slowly calming down.
I have suggested dropping the gel for now & sticking with just vagifem to see how that goes with just one product.
I want to believe it will get better but how long really before i notice an improvement?
I am literally so tired, and in pain alot of the time. I am seeing my dr tomorrow to revisit vagifem and if works for me.
Probably 12 weeks minimum.
Please speak to your GP as well about your stress & tiredness none of us make good decisions or can look at facts straight when tired.
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But how do you know if symptoms decreased if you try going off of it?
The burning happens if I am on and not on it. Sleeping has been amazingly effected as I am just waking up to pee to many times. This was not this big of an issue prior to starting it
I have a journal and I noticed in July I was postive and upbeat. Waking up in the middle of night more than a couple times was not noted (unless I had been drinking) the last three weeks my mood has dropped, I don’t sleep more than 2 hrs in a row (wake up too pee 3 times) another hour or two etc. burning etc.
Maybe it’s an infection cuz I def do not feel myself since I started vagifem. Usually when I am not well I do wake up a lot at night to pee.
I have not used the gel in over a week but this morning I was I agony.
Plus when I am not sleeping my anxiety has tripled cuz I am not sleeping.
I understand until symptoms subside but if new ones develop like constant peeing, not sleeping at night. Burning off and on all day. How do you know what the root cause is?
I will sleeping at least 4-5 hrs with one wake up. Now it’s 2hrs and wake up too pee a few times.
I have not been myself in the last 3 weeks so either it’s an infection or the vagifem.
There was another lady on here or the Facebook group who also struggles with the constant peeing at night while on vagifem. So she stopped using it and switched to another form of estrogen.
I have not stopped but trying to move to 2-3 days a week. Maybe the 3 week load has been too much for my body. I am not sure.
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You could well be having a bad reaction to the Vagifem, a lot of women do plus also suffering from other conditions that make the whole situation more complicated. You will be able to explain to your GP tomorrow and be offered alternative treatments.
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I think so.
I have always been sensitive to medications. Which is why I stopped birth control back in the day.
The lack of sleep due to constantly waking up is the biggest issue for me.
I just had vaginal dryness when this all started which is why I went with a localized treatment. Now I have bladder issues and lack of sleep and consistent burning.
Maybe a side effect. All our bodies are different and what works for some women (so lucky) may not work for all.
Today even though I am super tired and emotional. I also feel more like myself (cuz my last dose of vagifem was Friday) the sleeping has not resolved itself but I am ever hopeful.
My bladder was not this active not this bad. Where I would leave one place and feel the desperate need to pee in the next place. And that was a recent issue since on vagifem.
Now I am cutting things out of my diet and watching what I drink or eat in fear of needing to pee.
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Sounds like you are ready for the GP hope it goes well for you.
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I had taken menusmart every morning and magnesium glycinate. Yesterday I did not take it just to see. I switched to non gummie melatonin at night.
I also purchased d mannose and used last night and this morning.
I had loads of water with my half cup of coffee. Which I did not do yesterday.
I only woke up twice last night and that’s a bit of an improvement not much but slight.
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So had a long talk with the dr today.
Really like her.
She didn’t like hearing about the side effects like I could not sit properly this morning with her. She thinks I am having a bad reaction to vagifem and has heard that this has happened before.
I peed like 8 times this morning. They did a quick swab of urine nothing but it will go in for deeper testing at the lab. She didn’t see anything concerning on the outside.
She is also doing bloodwork for diabetes etc. also to keep taking d mannose to remove sodium something from my urine. And hydrate with just water and nothing else.
She is putting me on the cream instead and we are waiting on systematic hrt until we see what happens. Not ruling it out but to not overload my sensitive system.
Like many of you suggested to not put anything else up there cuz I may be exceptionally sensitive and it is irritating everything at the moment.
Since I loaded for 3 weeks she said just to go right to 2-3 times a week with the cream.
Maybe it’s Bv I am not sure but sitting has been impossible this morning. The burning has been bad this morning.
The cream is Premarin. Not sure why the bladder is more agitated but the dr said the estrogen is making everything okay and alive and could add irritation to some.
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It all sounds more positive for you now and all good advice from your GP, definitely right to take baby steps and not rush everything, that's something I've learned over the years.
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I hope so. Since vagifem was taken Friday it is still in my system. The constant peeing is annoying. I did not pee this much before taking vagifem.
Maybe the overload of the extra week 3 instead of 2 overworked my bladder.
Obviously I am stressed out which makes me more nervous.
I do hope the peeing calms down. This was not normal for me. But at the same time I do drink a lot of water cuz it helps calms things down. So…..
I always had a sensitive bladder which is why I thought it was a uti. But you never know right.
Soooo. Upon reading more about d-mannose. It is also a diuretic cuz it’s sugar and it makes you pee more. I :)had a crazy morning thinking I could not hold my bladder, running to see the dr had to go twice while at her office even though I went before I left home, I thought it’s an infection meanwhile the two d mannose pills were behind the whole episode.
I also read on a different forum if you plan to take it make sure you parked near a bathroom if you are sensitive to sugar d’oh
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So i think i had what is called an ic flare up with d mannose yesterday.
That was so odd. I wanted to warn people with a sensitive bladder perhaps do not use this. Or stay at home if you do take this.
The amount of times i went to the bathroom yesterday was unreal. Even with loads of water. To a point where i did not think i would make it to teach my 1hr yoga class. Eventually it calmed down
So the thing is the last 3 months or so I have been upping my electroyoltes all the time. Up north, every class I teach etc. Which may or may not have added to the extreme dryness since I peed it all out. I never thought until this moment that because of that I could have done this to myself. I will try himilyan salts instead.
I did have a sensitive bladder before but not nearly as bad since i had started vagifem. It went into overdrive i guess as the dr said, everything is being woke up again.
I started with a small dollop of premarin cream last night. I did not think such a small dollop would make such a difference.
Starting to understand what my triggers are helps.
Coffee only half a cup and half a thing of water. Yes i will pee more but takes the edge off the coffee.
The reason i use electrolytes is cuz the hot room is hot. But now knowing it is just a diuretic which i have used all summer now i have the education about it. Same with Gatorade all just sugar…
So i can get dizzy without it but last night i tried coconut water not alot but just enough. Did not spark a crazy pee session.
I do not drink normally, and stay away from pop anyways. I am sad i cannot drink grapefruit juice i love that.
Even though my dr recommened d mannose i may stay away from it. I do not want to repeat that episode again.
All the crazy burning went away almost immediately after taking the cream (what is this magical stuff) but i guess after 3 weeks of loading vagifem maybe that is normal.
I was peeing so much yesterday, i was prob dehydrated and just burning from peeing like 50 times.
That was my first flare up.
So along with the cream what would be the best moisturizer to use that wont burn?
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As you are so sensitive that's something you will have to find out for yourself, we tend to throw money at products until we find the one that suits eventually.
Shame about the D-Mannose, I found that very helpful four years ago when I waiting to find out what I was suffering from, its good for cleaning the bladder but since being on treatment I have no need for it now.
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Yeah I was excited for it too.
But that reaction yesterday was brutal. Never in my life have I had such a reaction.
Everything I have used so far has that Hyaluronic acid. Just wondered if Yes or the repa gyn was worth trying.
Phemme revive and gynatrof both causes a burn sting
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Yeah I was excited for it too.
But that reaction yesterday was brutal. Never in my life have I had such a reaction.
Everything I have used so far has that Hyaluronic acid. Just wondered if Yes or the repa gyn was worth trying.
Phemme revive and gynatrof both causes a burn sting
Let us know when you find the answer, it will help many others.
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Omg after 142 days of no period today I had break thru bleeding. wtf? Is this the cream that did this? Or did I actually get my period ? I have been wearing no underwear and they are black liners for the shorts. So I went to the bathroom this morning and thought ok maybe something due to pooping not a concern. Didn’t pay attention as I am gardening and feeling comfortable with no underwear.
I have been feeling funky all day and almost forgot what this feels like. I feel like I got my period….this is so bizarre as this was something I was not expecting after 142 days of nothing am in a little bit of shock.
Oddly enough this happened last summer just disappeared, dryness surfaced managed with just gel. End of summer period came back and dryness went away.
Just went to the bathroom and it appears I may have gotten something resembling a period. I think, I had to put a liner on to see… stay tuned
In the last few months I have not cried much at all and Sunday I was a mess. Usual signs of a period but I dismissed it. Today I have bleeding and my boobs are Uber swollen. I also feel normal which I have not had since starting vagifem (I felt off) today was the first time I felt like me in weeks. All I did was a small drop of cream and lots of water today.
Some slight burning this morning and drank two bottles of water and started to work in the garden. Then this happens so bizarre
Last summer my period disappeared for July and August and returned for Sept. during that time some dryness period came back and it was gone no issues.
This time I lost the period earlier in May and now it’s Sept again and is it back again?
I don’t get it
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These things can happen during the menopause but best to keep a diary and make notes of all the changes, its easy to forget times and dates.
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Yup have the journal.
Plus I have a flow app on my phone. So I was able to look back and see when my period disappeared last year. And than when it returned.
Oddly enough, it came back the first week of Sept last year. So at least that is consistent ;D
I am so confused
So it’s hard to know if this because of no vagifem? Or 3 weeks of estrogen or now lack of estrogen in the system. Which was very minimal to begin with. The cream dose last night was so tiny.
I went from this extreme flare up of peeing to not feeling myself, to the next day of period like symptoms and feeling like my old self inclusive of a functioning bladder.
It is fascinating ….lol
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Morning. My periods waxed and waned for several years. Whilst in my regular menstruating years I knew what was 'normal for me' throughout my cycle, though would forget each month: until symptoms returned = period.
Waxing and waning - several months without a bleed and no pre-menstrual symptoms. Then a few lighter periods. Etc. Fortunately the dreadful pre-menstrual syndrome feelings were less.
It was many years after my last period that vaginal atrophy symptoms began: with intermittent urine infection-type feelings which my GP diagnosed as VA and prescribed appropriate treatment.
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I had all but written off my period.
Stopped worrying, tracking…. My flow app was still on the phone.
I was ready to throw out all the sanitary products i have.
So yesterday really threw me off, even though i had the pre- mens symptoms for months.
I just figured this is what my body does with lack of.
Even though I had some side effects from vagifem, clearly the 3 week load jump started my body to have a period after 5 months.
And yes it is a full blown period, cramping last night, heavy flow. I have to teach today and now i have to use either a tampon or the the diva cup cuz i am worried of spillage from just a pad and standing for an extended time. However, not sure if i should. Actually I won’t use one and wear black tights.
I will keep using the cream, twice a week as prescribed. As i am still feeling twinges when i sit this morning. It was so painful for about 5 minutes and than some water and movement and it went away. I guess time will tell if the dryness is here to stay or will disappear and the vagina is working again.
It it is not comfortable so i am not giving up the treatment.
To be honest i was never good with water intake. Coffee in the morning right into a work out sometimes go to teach or take a class where i would drink some water. Now water in the am and very little to no coffee.
Learning what i did to add to my issues
With teaching so much and working out I do not hydrates as much as I should have been and with a hot summer…. Learning new tools
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I was 5 years after my last bleed B4 I stopped carrying protection when we were on holidays ;)
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Full blown period with cramps. Heavy too definitely not a break through bleed.
I recall this happening last year, some dryness still while on period. Than it went away by itself. And I have cramps boobs are big. Cranky lol my anxiety and anxious feeling is also gone.
This morning was sore to sit, drank 3 sips of coffee and water. It was burning so bad and than went away. A little of burning post my first yoga class but peed and showered and it was fine with all the water I drank.
I am curious to see what happens here.
Now my period came and now what? Do symptoms linger post period? Does dryness stay or go away? So confused
I was using the diva cup religiously with my periods now I am scared to use them due to the dryness factor. Or did it cause this whole thing to begin with. I don’t know