Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: Tink22 on November 14, 2018, 05:32:11 AM
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Hello,
I am new to this forum, and have a question.
I started having a considerable amount of itching and redness in my vaginal area, and has often times also extends
to my bum. It started about the time I began going into perimenopause, and has gotten considerably
worse post menopausal. I am doing a bio-identical hormone replacement cream called Biest which is compounded.
However hasn't ever seemed to helped much with the vaginal discomfort.
I was wondering if this has happened to anyone else to this extent. I also was wondering if anyone could recommend
a few prescription vaginal medications I can ask to try. I am pretty new to all of this menopause related issues, and am
needing a little bit of help.
Thank you,
Tink
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Hi Tink
Firstly, have you been to see a gp about this? It sound like it could be thrush (a fungal infection), which can start when the flora of your vagina becomes unbalanced.
It could also be a type of dermatitis, usually from soap (even the type of washing powder you use as residue / perfume can remain after washing towels, knickers, etc). I had something similar in my twenties, used to come and go, it was soooo itchy, and finally was prescribed a type of steroid ointment with strict instructions on how to use it. Also instructed not to use soap or scented loo paper and to be careful of the washing product I used. And I haven't had it since, except if I've been at a friends, and they have scented paper, but I know how to manage it.
If it's vaginal atrophy, you can get an oestrogen cream or pessary to help with thee symptoms.
So get your gp to have a look, test it if they need to and sort it out!
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Thank you so much for answering. I am in the process of getting an appointment for testing once again.
I do not use scented laundry soup, toilet paper, or body soap, do not take baths as it makes it worse, and
use cotton only undies. However this do not help. I have tried oral Fluconazol, Monostat (makes it worse),
and boric acid capsules, none of which have worked. Perhaps my new Naturopath will discover the answer
with any luck.
I hope I find an answer soon, as it's pretty uncomfortable.
Thanks again.
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Tink not sure if you are in the UK but have you thought about visiting your local GUM clinic? If it's a skin thing or even an infection they are usually better than gps as they deal with this area all the time. Then you can ask for atrophy treatments if there is nothing else going on.
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Hi Tink22
:welcomemm:
Sorry to hear about your problems with vaginal discomfort and itching.
If you are post-menopausal then it is likely to be VA due to oestrogen deficiency if other conditions have been ruled out. A Naturopath is not going to help - do save your money! What you need (as you suggest - a prescription treatment) is a local oestrogen treatment as the others have said - like Vagifem or an estriol cream - all available on NHS. These are the prescription medications you are seeking: https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/local.php
Also the compounded creams are not recommended - again expensive and not regulated - and you may not actually be getting very much from it. If you want to take HRT and you prefer bio-identical products (also known as body-identcial) then these are also available on NHS. Bio-identical oestrogen (estradiol) is available as patches, gel or pills and progesterone in micronised form as a capsule (Utrogestan) which can be taken orally but also vaginally off licence.
Here is the info:
Oestrogens: https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/treatafter.php
Progestogens:: https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/to_progestogens.php
Hope this helps :)
Hurdity x
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Tink not sure if you are in the UK but have you thought about visiting your local GUM clinic? If it's a skin thing or even an infection they are usually better than gps as they deal with this area all the time. Then you can ask for atrophy treatments if there is nothing else going on.
Sadly I am not in the UK. I live in Seattle Washington. I think I'll make an appointment with a women's specialist. Thank you so much for the information.
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Hi Tink22
:welcomemm:
Sorry to hear about your problems with vaginal discomfort and itching.
If you are post-menopausal then it is likely to be VA due to oestrogen deficiency if other conditions have been ruled out. A Naturopath is not going to help - do save your money! What you need (as you suggest - a prescription treatment) is a local oestrogen treatment as the others have said - like Vagifem or an estriol cream - all available on NHS. These are the prescription medications you are seeking: https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/local.php
Also the compounded creams are not recommended - again expensive and not regulated - and you may not actually be getting very much from it. If you want to take HRT and you prefer bio-identical products (also known as body-identcial) then these are also available on NHS. Bio-identical oestrogen (estradiol) is available as patches, gel or pills and progesterone in micronised form as a capsule (Utrogestan) which can be taken orally but also vaginally off licence.
Here is the info:
Oestrogens: https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/treatafter.php
Progestogens:: https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/to_progestogens.php
Hope this helps :)
Hurdity x
Wow, thank you for the information. I really appreciate it. I struggle with hormone replacement in pill for due to having Interstitial Cystitis, which is an autoimmune disease that affects the bladder. HRT pills of any kind, seem to set off my bladder. So I have had to find other means of delivery sadly.
Thank you so much for the information. I will check into these as well. :)
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It's been a while since posting, but wanted to come back and add to this thread as to what I have discovered thus far, in trying to figure out what all the itching is in and around my vagina....
So I went to my Gynecologist and had vaginal testing done. I have no std's, which I already new, as I haven't had sex in several years due to all the vaginal pain and discomfort, so haven't even bothered to date really. No BV no yeast..... So this must be Vaginal Atrophy. I can't think of it being anything else at this point, as we tested for pretty much everything under the sun, and then even one off uncommon vaginal infections.
I did notice that when I go back on my external hormone replacement bio-identical cream, the itching lessens quite a bit. So it seems to me, it's all pointing to VA sadly.
So I think a trip back to my Gyne is in order to see about treating for VA and see how it goes. *Fingers Crossed* As I would like to start dating again. It's been many many years.
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Tnx for the update. Ring your Gynae and ask for appropriate vaginal atrophy treatment. If necessary ask her/him to read the vaginal atrophy threads here ;-). It really does help symptoms!
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You're welcome. I thought it perhaps a good thing to do, in the event someone else is dealing with the confusion of what is going on and what to do.
Thank you for being here to listen. I really appreciate it, and am so glad this forum exists. I have learned a bunch by reading other's threads and getting some great advice here on my thread.
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It's all about networking. Giving experiences and advice that others can read and take if appropriate. Have you a copy of Mary Jane's book 'me and my menopausal vagina'? A good read ;-)
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It really is.
No I haven't. Thank you, I will get it. :)
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There is lots of info about MaryJane's book on the Forum.
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Thank you. I'll purchase the book here in a few days when I get paid.
I went to a clinic and was prescribed Estradiol 1% intra-vaginal cream. I was told to start with 1 gram at night before bed for 2 weeks, then every other day for a week, and then try to reduce to twice a week after that. I've been on it since Friday.
I am wondering, how long does it usually take for it to start working? And do most people start out at 1 gram at night before bed?
Thank you.
Tink
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Anyone?
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I had the same thing until I started on the oestrogel, never had a problem again, its pretty sure to be due to low oestrogen levels.
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You'll probably not see much improvement straight away, it will take a few weeks to start working, so be patient and also try moisturisers, YES products are good.
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Okay thank you. :)
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Hello, I know this thread is a year old now but it seems to be the most relevant one I have found to my own situation and as I have found these forums so useful, I thought I would share my story in the hope of maybe helping someone else with this horrendous problem which disrupts my sleep among other things. Long story short, my vulva itch started 4 years ago aged 47, perimenopausal. I coped with Vagisil, organic sanitary products etc etc. I started HRT 2 years ago which did not help. I changed GP surgeries to get this sorted and my lovely new GP immediately upped my HRT dose (I had lots of other menopause symptoms too), booked me in for a Mirena coil and prescribed the correct dose of estrogen in gel form. She also prescribed Vagifem pessaries for my itch saying the estrogen has to be topical which I didn't know. Tried for 6 months, no success, she changed me to Ovestin topical cream, I did 4 weeks of daily dose without improvement. She sent me for swabs last week to rule out infection, which came back clear so she has now prescribed me Clobetasol which is a potent steroid cream to apply directly as I may have Lichen Schlerosus or another dermatological complaint even though the only symptom I have is the itch. I have had Pityriasis Lichenoides in the past so, who knows, maybe I am susceptible to auto immune diseases. She also says if this doesn't work, she will refer me to the Vulva Clinic at my local hospital which is part Gynae / part Dermatology. I feel like I am in the right hands now and confident that I will get this sorted one way or another. Meanwhile, I have learned how not to scratch (use knuckles/flats of fingertips/pinch etc, sorry if TMI but skin breakages are sooo painful), I YES WB lube for sex and YES VM to help with moisturising. My GP suggested staying on the Ovestin anyway as this will keep my vagina happy on the inside! I will keep you posted on the Clobetasol. Sorry for long post, I just wanted to share as I know not all GPs are as knowledgeable as mine - as I said I had to change practices to get this far so please don't give up, I know I won't!
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Tnx for sharing. How long will U be using the steroid cream ? :-\
:welcomemm:
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I use Ovestin Estriol cream 1mg which I insert inside via an applicator. I had to take it the way that you're taking it. I've been on it for about 6 years now and use it twice a week. I find it brilliant stuff. It's supposed to be reviewed every 3 months here but since I had a total hyster/oopherectomy I will always need it. I found it took a few months before I really noticed the benefit. It works better taking it at night before bed as it gives your body time to absorb it. I suffered very badly for years with itching, burning and vaginal dryness. Sex was a nightmare. I was too embarrassed to go to the doctor and one night I read about Ovestin on this site. I went straight to my GP and after assessment was prescribed it. This cream gave me my life back. Thank god for this website.
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Hi CLKD / Jeannie 960 - not sure how to reply individually so I will reply to you both this way.
CLKD - I am using the steroid cream 2 x daily for at least a month but will carry on as it can take up to 3 months for effect then I will probably always need it as a "go to" which may be as and when I need it/get a flare up.
Jeannie - it's good to hear the Ovestin is working for you. Yes I use the Ovestin internally using the applicator just before bed. I am currently using it 2/3 x weekly and it has made such a difference with dryness and libido but unfortunately not the itch though maybe combined with the steroid cream, fingers crossed I will get results. My GP says it's perfectly okay to be on this forever which suits me, I have a fab sex life with my husband of 25 years and am invested in maintaining my fufu ;D I was also embarrassed for too long about going to the doctor but that is because I never saw the same person twice at my old surgery and when I did feel brave, I could never get through on the 'phone. And they made me cry in front of a waiting room full of people when I'd had no sleep for months through hot flushes. I will never forget that, it takes a lot to upset me.
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Steroids seem a harsh treatment, which area do you apply it 2, R U in the UK? I suppose it depends on the amount in the product but when I had it after breast surgery, I was told half a teaspoon when necessary. Hopefully localised VA treatment will take over eventually :)
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Hi CLKD, yes it is a harsh treatment but I have read up on it and if it helps re-set things, then I know that I am happy to put it one side and only use it if I need to once I get sorted - until then I am desperate to try anything as many of us this forum would surely agree! And who knows, once I have the itch sorted, maybe the Ovestin will be enough alone as a maintenance treatment going forward as it definitely helps with my general VA symptoms. I use the steroid cream directly on the skin between my labia which is my worse affected area for itching and has been vulnerable for splitting. I find I don't need to use much either as it goes quite a long way, probably quarter to half a FTU (finger tip unit which is what I have since learned that this cream is measured in). I am in the UK so I appreciate how lucky I am that I can get these products for the cost of a prescription. Did you use steroid cream for the same reason and if so, did it work for you / do you still use it?
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In 1995 I had 'burning' during radiation therapy and was told not to use any more than was necessary. Due to it being extremely strong and the skin was thinned due to treatment. It was like the breast had sat in the sun all on her own ;D. I would never think to put it on my vaginal area :o though it can take a while to heal.
I think the idea is to keep any areas that split as moist as possible. When I get a split in a thumb I apply Savlon as deeply as possible i.e. to heal from the inside out if that makes sense. Difficult elsewhere ;-)
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Firstly, here's to you for 25+ and many more years as a breast cancer survivor :) My skin is good at the moment as I've been managing well with moisturisers and careful non-scratching methods. I know I have to be patient, I know it won't be an overnight fix. Regarding healing splits, I successfully used Sudocrem which I probably shouldn't have but I thought if it's good enough for baby bottoms then it can't be that bad! I will you posted how I get on with the steroid treatment, fingers crossed! (I now have visions of a single breast sun-bathing ;D )
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;D. I'll leave you with that image. I took my own tape to play whilst I underwent each session of radiation :-). Bored everyone with Whippersnapper ;D as the music was played into the waiting room.
Occasionally the scar itches as does my appendix scar, so gentle massage with 'savlon' or a good hand cream usually eases it.
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Thankyou for letting me join. I don't know if I'm posting in the right place so bare with me 🤔🤔 I am 54 and having periods well none for three months then a really heavy one. About 6 months ago I started this itching just on a small area on one labia it is slightly bigger than the other but always has been. I can go all day without itching then boom scratch scratch and burning all over. I have been peeing more as well but no burning. I have been to the doctor but just telephone contact I have had antibiotics just three days and cream which has helped. I'm just worried about vulva cancer tes I have been googling 😔😔 any advise would be greatly appreciated thankyou
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Hello Getting old and welcome to the forum.
I am not one of the expert ladies but you likely have vaginal atrophy as a result of lower oestrogen.
I had a similar problem to you earlier in the year and I use an otc vaginal moisturiser called YesVM and this is working for me. It is available from your GP or you can order it directly from the manufacturer. The other vaginal moisturisers are Replens and Sylk which you can buy over the counter.
If these are not sufficient to control your symptoms your doctor can prescribe Vagifem which is a topical oestrogen cream. Some ladies find that systemic HRT in the form of tablets, patches or gel is also required.
I hope this helps you and I'm sure other ladies will be along soon to comment.
Take care.
K.
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U can knock Dr Google on the head Getting old .......... he don't know much - if you must google go to an NHS website.
My VA began years ago with one sore spot slightly inside the vagina, enough to make me go 'ouch'. As well as itching on one labia. Eventually it developed into vaginal atrophy - mayB read the threads about VA as well as 'bladder issues'. Make notes. :welcomemm:
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RE Tink22 I am using the same gel and the same dose. I found that it took a good month to see any results, and now after 3 months of use, things down there are much improve. ;)
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Hello, it is over 10 weeks since I last posted and I can see there has been other posts since with similar suffering. So I have been on Clobetasol for over 10 weeks now for really bad itchiness (mainly between my labia). During this time and going back as far as lockdown 1, I was also getting really bloated and so cut out wheat as made this connection. 6 weeks into the steroid cream which I found was only then just starting to work a little, I decided to have a full English brekkie and had 2 doorstep slices of white toast. Within hours, I had a major itchy flare-up lasting 72 hours and slowly the penny dropped - I thought what have I done differently? I did use Doctor Google and found a website for Celiacs and a whole thread on Dermatitus Herpitiformis which is gluten triggered dermatitus. I found a whole group of poor suffering people (men and women) who suffer this only in the genital area. I have since cut out gluten from my diet and coupled with the steroid cream which I can now start to reduce, I would say I have about 75%+ improvement. I am wearing jeans ;D for the first times in ages. Last week I thought I would have sausages, again I had an itchy flare-up because of the wheat in them. More than 80% of itchy fu fus are dermatology related not gynae. The timing is usually around menopause because we need estrogen to break down the wheat. So this is why itchiness is often treated with HRT products first and foremost which TBH we should have anyway to keep your fu fu healthy. If anyone is suffering with this, just try cutting out gluten for a week and if it is that, I guarantee the improvement is almost instant.
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:thankyou: Mrs Tigger