Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Alternative Therapies => Topic started by: Old Frumpy on August 06, 2025, 03:36:59 PM
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Despite being told it is only slight risk my GP will not restart me on Vagifem.
Started BP medication couple months back ans within 4-5 days UTI like symptoms and burning. After 3 tests and no infection GP gave me antibotic and relief kicked in for about 10days. I told her my quality of life was impacted and that me symptoms resembled 15 years ago and that Vagifem helped, now in late sixties it is back. BP med changed and still have milder symptoms - but it naws away at you. Sadly mouth cancer (all clear) 18mths ago and will not consider.
Was given hydrocortisone for around skin just inside told only use for 1 week given product to clean as to aviod soap and it was like applying fire, Yes in single use and Silkie sting too much. Friend gave me a small amount coconut oil to try but so thick and really unsure where I can use it. Sent for Balance Active almond oil tabs to insert and try.
Just need advice on what wont react like fire.
It's dreadful I know what helps but buying Gina online seems a risk and could not truthfully answer questions asked.
Any advice what to try. Feel like an old dry walnut :(
Finally I had a PM from member and sadly not been around long enough to post PM's apologies to Lime
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Is there another doctor or practice nurse who specialises in menopause you can see? Ask for a referral to see a gynaecologist and menopause clinic. The gynae will probably be quicker as waiting lists are long for the clinics. You can buy Gina over the counter at Boots and other chemists now so I'd try that while waiting for a referral.
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Your GP needs head stuffing down the loo and flush pulled, lots of times. What's the connection with oral cancer and vaginal atrophy treatment ?
Have a word with the Practice Manager and ask what the Practice protocols are on prescribing HRT. Also ask her to speak to the particular GP to find out exactly what the problem might be and which 'risks' are possible. Then report to the BMS and Dr Currie! There are still too many medics who will not understand the risk factors which are in general, low.
Ask also for a referral to a dedicated menopause clinic, don't wait ...... there are waiting lists, if when the appt arrives U can cancel.
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I would complain to the practice manager, it's downright cruel to leave someone on pain when they don't have to be. Go armed with the advice from NICE and the bmms. So little is absorbed systemically I doubt anyone except your GP thinks it's a risk.
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That has to be one of the most ridiculous reasons I have ever come across not to prescribe ANY hormone therapy let alone vaginal - only estrogen sensitive cancers eg SOME breast cancers, endometrial cancer etc are a (relative) contraindication to systemic estrogen, but vaginal estrogen has virtually no contraindications.
Sorry but you need to see someone who has actually been to medical school.
Vaginal estrogen has no clinically meaningful systemic absorption, but even if it did it wouldn't matter here. You could gargle with it and it would have no bearing on the risk of oral cancer recurrence.
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Hydrocortisone shouldn't be used often on delicate areas ;-)
Go in with the words "Quality of Life is important so I would like appropriate vaginal atrophy treatment please or a referral to a dedicated menopause clinic". Also buy a copy of 'me and my menopausal vagina' written by a member of this Forum, read and hand to that GP ;-).
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I think I will try Boots, it was suggested I have referral to Menopause clinic - notthing since. I do have acsess to a nurse through my 5 year plan post cancer, she is great and unlike the surgery she will look at any blood test etc, I have already spoke to hear and she too like you can see no reason to not have it.
Will Boots ask questions etc like my BP meds and asthma cancer etc.....I cannot fabricate things, but have the Almond oil pessary arriving I hope tomorrow so if no joy Boots.
Thank you all for the support - when I turned the corner 18 months ago my outlook was to grab the world and go, I am certain it is related to starting BP meds as my mouth is also so very dry and now on dry eye drops......no idea what else can dry out :)
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I was going to say the same thing, in that I cannot believe a GP would think estrogen hormone therapy would be a concern to mouth cancer. Hormone therapy can only be a concern to estrogen sensitive cancers.
Then I decided to Google and there are a few things popping up, I haven't read them all, but the AI said "While there's no direct evidence that estrogen hormone therapy (HRT) causes mouth cancer, studies suggest it may play a role in the development or progression of oral cancer. Some research indicates that estrogen can increase the movement of precancerous cells in the mouth and potentially promote the spread of head and neck cancers. Additionally, HRT has been linked to an increased risk of oral cavity cancer in postmenopausal women".
There's been a study done, but I don't understand it - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9572981/
Now, I understand these are probably in relation to systemic estrogen as opposed to local vaginal estrogen.
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I think this would be systemic HRT not local estrogens as the amount that goes systemic is miniscule.
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There is absolutely no good quality evidence of estrogen causing or exacerbating oral cancer.
This is just a knee jerk reaction to the word cancer without the application of any knowledge regarding the relevant science or physiology.
A good question to ask whenever there is reticence to prescribe estrogen with any previous or concurrent medical condition is " if I were 35 and had oral cancer, would the treatment involve having my ovaries removed or being placed into chemical menopause?".
I can guarantee the answer would be no.
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I honestly thought I had heard it all, gobsmackingly mad world we live in, I have no more words.
Apart from ladies, fight the good fight!!
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And ditch AI! Like GOOGLE he don't know nowt!
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Oops ladies what have I started. Please chill :) you are brilliant.
As mentioned spoke to my CSN previously - seems to be on the ball and see if she can sort it out. She tells me not to stress about anything - so will pass it over to her, back on leave end next week and I am seeing her anyway.
CLKD agree AI and google - he don't know now't. ( not heard now't for years - makes me feel homesick ;D)
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U shouldn't have needed to 'start' anything, but with ignorant medics [ still ] Forums like this are so helpful and supporting.
How do U feel overall?
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CLKD
I feel ok - other than I guess getting older aches and pains - but in myself good - bad reaction to BP meds those smptoms gone, was extremley sore down below when on medication I stopped 2 weeks ago and less soreness and irration now., silkie helps and no string like Yes. Just doesn't last long.
Thank you for asking.....off for blood test later today.....around BP medication I gather.
How you are keeping well.
Take care
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It's ridiculous how they're following out of date advice. When I'd had one episode of a tiny bleed and was waiting for a gyny appointment I was told to stop my vagifem and they wouldn't prescribe my estriol cream either. The gyny shook her head in irritation when I told her. It really rolled my condition backwards too. So seek out anyone who will help you.
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What's the worst that could happen if a woman uses appropriate VA treatment?
What's the best that could happen: Quality of Life.
Recent News at Huntingdon over Sat evening shows that we should live every day as fully as possible and often to do that, we need to take action ourselves and not take much notice about medics who continue to worry us with 'what ifs'.
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Did U make a decision yet Old Frumpy - doing nowt ;-) will increase the chances of VA becoming worse.
U can ring round the various Hospitals to C if they have a decided menopause clinic to find out what the waiting list might be. When my vulva etc itches I either use an 'extra' application of estriol or gently apply KY Jelly there.
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CLKD
I honestly thought I had posted somewhere on here, but GP's are pushed for time in appt and when I had followup she said she had no problem with be starting Vagifem and had wanted to be sure it was ok with past history and age. (Plus I have one great CSN)
Has made a great difference and VA is back to normal and no UTI's. Usually they kick in when travelling yet my recent hols in Northumberland were a breeze. Still worry if the discussion comes back up about BP meds as I am convinced they caused it.....5 to 6 days of starting and wham. No one will change my opinion on this - sometimes you have to say that you know you own body etc.
I agree with what you says about Quality of Life. After my cancer surgery and then the all clear I wanted to grab life to the full and goodness knows we have enough turmoil in daily life.....and the blasted evening news.....hence be disappearing to the kitchen!!!!
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That's good news!
U may have posted ..... but I probably missed it :D
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I've used organic coconut oil and organic castor oil. It must be organic. But I've only used it externally. I really feel for you. I had to stop for 4 weeks because I had a small bleed. The GP initially said 6 weeks and said she'd have to send my to gyny if I didn't take the break. It felt like a threat and I had an argument with her. They wouldn't even prescribe estriol cream. It's awful when you just need your treatment and it's being withheld.
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Of course the 'bleed' could have been caused by vaginal atrophy.
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CLKD
I honestly thought I had posted somewhere on here, but GP's are pushed for time in appt and when I had followup she said she had no problem with be starting Vagifem and had wanted to be sure it was ok with past history and age. (Plus I have one great CSN)
Has made a great difference and VA is back to normal and no UTI's. Usually they kick in when travelling yet my recent hols in Northumberland were a breeze. Still worry if the discussion comes back up about BP meds as I am convinced they caused it.....5 to 6 days of starting and wham. No one will change my opinion on this - sometimes you have to say that you know you own body etc.
I agree with what you says about Quality of Life. After my cancer surgery and then the all clear I wanted to grab life to the full and goodness knows we have enough turmoil in daily life.....and the blasted evening news.....hence be disappearing to the kitchen!!!!
Well spoke too soon.....wednesday night and pain burning and frequency......yesterday feeling rough took sample and nurse rang back starting me on 5days antibiotics - UTI!!! Oh what joy ;D
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Of course the 'bleed' could have been caused by vaginal atrophy.
There was a tiny cervical cyst so could have been that. I was having breast pains at the time which culminated in the bleed so I'm guessing it was hormonal but I was desperate when they stopped the VA treatment. They said they were following guidance. Which is probably the case with this lady's doctors
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I honestly believe that they don't know much about topical oestrogen treatment and group it all together under the title HRT, aka, the demon!
Knowing what I know now, I would never give up on topical treatment whilst waiting for a clinic appointment, I would never want the symptoms of GSM to return. If they find anything sinister continuing with treatment won't make a difference whilst waiting. It seems they like to make women suffer when there is no need, enough already!
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B4 I get a Lab confirmed infection I shiver as the urine flow shuts off .......... at least you've been given 5 rather than 3 days of AB, which 1?
1 doesn't need to stop VA treatment !
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B4 I get a Lab confirmed infection I shiver as the urine flow shuts off .......... at least you've been given 5 rather than 3 days of AB, which 1?
1 doesn't need to stop VA treatment !
Hi CLKD
Given nitrofurantoin on thurs afternoon and she tested my sample then - the 5 days (think 3 is useless) was as given as sample could not be sent off to lab till Fri am and wanted to have it checked etc to see if on right antibotic....honestly thought she was more on the ball than some GP,s. Not the nicest thing to take ???
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I haven't completed a course of ABs for years as they make me really ill. Also samples that are sent to a Lab on a Friday may well sit, waiting, until the middle of the next week :-\
How do U feel?
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Will finish a course antibiotics tomorrow after 5 days (nitrofurantion)
Last August had UTI and tooks these and within day or two felt relief, this time I really feel it has improved some but certainly not 100%. I would say maybe 65 to 70% and last pill is tomorrow am. Nurse gave me 5 days as weekend was coming etc and told to ring back today. Today I was told it showed mixed growth and asked for another to be sent to lab if not cleared. There was no mention of blood in urine as nurse said when she tested it in surgery last week.
Having looked today online it could well just be the fact that this was done at home with me finding a small old jam jar which although I washed it wasn't sterile in the full sense.
I am starting to panic slightly......do I continue with vagifem or should I wait till after I send of next sample.
I am taking yakult and bio plain yog as always used to get thrush after meds - but bit uncomfortable down there.
Any advice
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CLKD posted
Re: UTI advice (urine infection)
« Reply #1 on: Today at 04:18:54 PM »
ReplyQuote
What does a 'mixed growth' actually mean: good or bad bacteria in the sample? Is she continuing with the AB regime until the next sample is returned?
Nowt to worry about with regards the jam jar, the 'show' is probably due to a very dry vagina which on being wiped tears. So any blood will be in the urine sample. [I think that I said that in your other thread :-\ ].
Carry on with VA treatment every night for 2-3 weeks, an extra vagifem can be added for 2-3 mornings to allow the vagina to become softer and less dry - (U could continue on your other thread which will stop me becoming more confused ;D - the subject heading can be altered .......) .
Good idea to take the yoghurt - it cleanses the digestive system from top to bottom helping to replace the bacteria
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Ayesha posted
Don't stop the Vagifem, its this that will protect you from persistent UTI'S in the future.
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I've just got a 5 day course of antibiotics. I suspected I had an infection and started my antibiotics from my emergency pack but they'd only put 3 tablets in. The pharmacy yesterday wouldn't prescribe because I'm over 64 and advised me to phone 111 to get a doctor prescription but after 9 hours of waiting I was told I was still on the waiting list and by then it was too late to get them anyway so I've had to get a doctor appointment this afternoon and finally got some. I'm so annoyed that I had to go through that and couldn't get help. Last time I had these symptoms I ended up in hospital. If I'd been 3 years younger I'd have been prescribed treatment by the pharmacy and instead I've had to go 24 hours with pelvic and back pain and without tablets. I just needed 2 tablets to get me through to today. The GP told me it's a failure in the system. The whole system is failing.
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Yes I too looked first at pharmacy and read treatment for under 64 only with UTI. Did get sorted with nurse and course finished but not 100% down below...wait and see I guess.
Jules just wanted to mention at weekends and after 6pm through week 111 can direct to out hours GP in my area and they are marvellous at faxing(or whatever!) to duty chemist. Worth checking if this is done near you.
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Sorry I know this is the wrong way but I'm lost on here i don't know how I can adk a message or where to do yhat even. I can find what other have done but I'm clueless as to how I do yhe same. Sorry
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Yes I too looked first at pharmacy and read treatment for under 64 only with UTI. Did get sorted with nurse and course finished but not 100% down below...wait and see I guess.
Jules just wanted to mention at weekends and after 6pm through week 111 can direct to out hours GP in my area and they are marvellous at faxing(or whatever!) to duty chemist. Worth checking if this is done near you.
I did phone 111 as advised and waited 9 hours for someone from the out of hours surgery to phone me to tell me I was still on the waiting list. She had no idea how long and said it could be during the night. I don't actually feel that safe at the moment with the health service in this country. I dread needing to go to hospital.
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Keep up with the appropriate VA treatment regardless ;-)
Urine infection symptoms can mimic VA really really well. Many dip stick surgery urine sample tests may show traces of blood etc.. ABs will ease symptoms until VA treatment kicks in ;-).
How do U feel overall Old Frumpy?
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It's definitely a UTI. Pelvic pain and lower back ache. I've had it before. I have antibiotics now. I just needed 2 tablets to supplement my supply till I could contact the GP yesterday but you'd think I was asking for heroin. I will make sure I have a full quota next time or buy them. I am using my VA stuff though. I wouldn't dare miss it.