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[mimumonschein]

Hi my name is Mimu and I'm 55 years old. I still have a regular period but I have been bleeding most of the days in between since three months... The smear test and ultra sound test are negative. I had thrush symptoms but after different treatments it didn't help. Today my blood test shows that the iron level is high and that is why it's burning down there. My question is that is it menopause symptom to bleed almost every day and the iron blood level is high? What will be the treatment for this? This condition has started three months ago. Please advise me.

[Dancinggirl]

Hi and welcome mimumonschein -
Your symptoms do sound like classic peri menopause and we can offer you support about this. 
The burning around your ‘lady bits' will probably be vaginal atrophy and there is treatment for this  e.g. Vagifem together with vaginal moisturisers.
Do read up all the information on this site to clued up.  DG x

[mimumonschein]

Thank you for your reply, Emma.
I took Trophigil for 10 days which is like Vagifem in French version I think. Also I'm having three months treatment with:
duphaston (dydrogesterone) 10mg x 2 for 10 days.
Now my iron level is high and I'm still bleeding with burning sensation. I have been bleeding almost everyday since three months. I'm a bit worried.... is there any Progesterone cream to stop burning?
Thank you. From Mimu

[Dawncam]

Who is Emma and why is she editing posts?

Dxx

[Dancinggirl]

Dawncam - the thread got moved.

mimumonshcein - The Duphastan was given to help control your problems with bleeding.  Erratic and problematic bleeding is typical for the peri meno stage. 
Controlling the bleeding is probably your most important issue right now and I wonder if the Mirena would be a good option for you. What have your doctors suggested regarding the continuous bleeding? Have you been offered a Mirena?

It is oestrogen that will help with vaginal burning  - I looked Trophigil up and I think it has some oestrogen, progesterone and live cultures - it seems to be a treatment against vaginal bacteria and if you are bleeding all the time then it's difficult to get rid of this bacteria.  10 days of this product would not be enough to reduce and control vaginal atrophy discomfort. Did you take this orally or vaginally?
Progesterone won't help your vaginal burning so I'm not sure why this product has progesterone???!!. 
If you are bleeding continuously then this would unbalance the vaginal flora and natural secretions and make the area more prone to infections - so getting the bleeding under control is important.
Also local oestrogen wouldn't be as effective if you are bleeding - Vagifem, which is the main local oestrogen treatment here in the UK, is a little pessary that you insert into the vagina at night and it releases the oestrogen to restore the whole area - if you are bleeding this might get washed away.
To reduce the burning you need to get the bleeding under control first -  avoid scented washes and use vaginal moisturisers e.g. Sylk or Multi Gyn Actigel, as these will help maintain a healthy vaginal flora. Also ask for vaginal oestrogen - Vagifem is the most popular - this needs to be used every night for 2 weeks and twice a week after that. If the burning is around the urethra then make sure you drink plenty of water, avoid caffein and acidic drinks like fruit juices and alcohol.   
Go back to your doctor with a list of your questions and symptoms and ask about the Mirena and local oestrogen. 
DG x

[Hurdity]

Hi mimumonschein

  from me too!

There is information about control of heavy bleeding here on this site:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/periodtreatments.php

Are you in France then? It sounds like you may well benefit from a Mirena to control bleeding as Dancinggirl suggests, but I presume your doc will be following up if there are any concerns about having a high iron level?

In UK we do not use progesterone for vaginal problems but yes local oestrogen would be the thing - if in fact you are low in oestrogen. The heavy bleeding implies not although some unlucky women do start to get vaginal atrophy and bladder problems before peri-menopause starts and oestrogen declines overall (from what has been reported on here).

Hurdity x

[mimumonschein]

Hi dancinggirl and Hurdity,
Wow, what a great response thank you so much. My first question is can I get Vagifem online or should I ask my GP? This sounds good.
I think Trophigil was for vaginal atrophy but more likely anti-fungal treatment? I found it quite strong and it felt like it was burning more. I quite like to try Vagifem. I live in London but I went to the French Gynaecologist recommended by a friend. Now I'm back to my normal GP. To be honest with you, this burning and bleeding drive me crazy as this is already three months. Is it going like this all menopause years? I feel like I'm getting depressed, too.

[Dancinggirl]

Hi mimumonschein - you get Vagifem on prescription from your GP.  However, as I mentioned, you do need to get the bleeding under control, so discuss this with the GP.  Don't use tampons if you are bleeding and don't use scented sanitary pads either - the perfume in these things can upset the flora balance and aggravate things.
Get the bleeding under control - a scan would be a good idea so hopefully the GP will refer you for that.  A Mirena might be a good option and you can simply add in some oestrogen if flushes become a problem.
Drink plenty of water - the burning could be atrophy in the urethra as well so avoid acidic things that can make your urine burn.  Sylk, Replens or Multi Gyn Actigel are great for helping the burning and discomfort.
Feeling slightly depressed is also normal - hormonal fluctations can affect mood and this should settle with HRT treatment.  Go with info printed out from this site plus your symptoms and questions written out so you can get the best of your appointment with the GP. Good luck  DG x

[mimumonschein]

Dear DG,
Your message helps me to understand my situation. Thank you very much. Apparently I do need to see a specialist about haemochromatosis as my iron level in blood is high. Also they found that I have three small fibroids in uterus but apprently not concerning. I will try to get the cream you recommended for burning and be careful with eating habits and washing with no perfumed or chemical stuff. You are the best From Mimu xx

[Dancinggirl]

mimumonschein - fibroids can cause this type of problematic bleeding and in fact the Mirena is often put forward as an option as it can, and often does, shrink fibroids.
Do seek some specialist advice over everything if you can.  I don't know whether you have mentioned your age?  We all understand how difficult the peri meno stage can be - fluctuating hormones can be awful.
do keep us posted about your progress.  DG x

[mimumonschein]

Hi dancing queen,
I am not a dancer but I used to do a lot of latin. I bought REPLENS last night. This is to apply inside but is there a cream just to apply not so deep inside? I am going back my GP and gynaecologist to control my bleeding. I'm 55 years old and starting to understand about the changes. Most important is that I have to keep my spirit high. I will keep posting my conditions here. Thank you very much.

[Dancinggirl]

mimumonsschein - I like to use Sylk (I buy this online) as it is moisturising and you simply use a small amount on the end of your finger and apply up inside a bit and around the outside of the vagina.  Sylk is made from natural ingredients, has a natural scent that is pleasant but is the only thing that doesn't irritate. I use it at least once a day usually after showering or washing -  I also use Vagifem. Regular use of Vagifem helps to keep the skin healthy around the vagina (less likely to itch and burn) and can also improve bladder problems. 
I have tried Replens and it was good but very expensive - it was also a bit messy for me and the benefits didn't last.
When I am aware that I may have a bit of infection emerging, I then use some Multi Gyn Actigel (I buy this online) as this will rebalance the vaginal flora and fight the infection - this will be a bit like the Trophigil you were given before, only a bit more effective.
We are here to support you and we really understand how the mood can drop with all these meno symptoms, so keep posting. DG x

[mimumonschein]

Hi DG, I have a period now and I have a small rash there and it's burning. I can feel little spots which are sore but every time I go to GP, They don't take it seriously because they are invisible. I really would like to go to the dermatologist and they must be able to see. Would it help to give me medication ? Or they give me the same kind of cream.... what is the best cream for the sore skin down there? What you suggested don't seem to help. My GP doesn't help me at all. I also need to go to the blood specialist because the high iron level in blood. Please advise me. Thank you, Mimu

[Dancinggirl]

Oh Mimu - I am not an expert on all these things - my advice to you has been based on my own experience with these problems. Has your GP actually examined you when you have had this rash?   Where are the spots? Are these spots like little blisters that heal up within a few days or just little lumps that are tender?  Are they always in the same place?  If you are generally sore then the Vagifem and vaginal moisturisers are the best option but it takes time for these treatments to take effect - there are no instant treatments.
You say you have a period but in your previous posts you said you are bleeding all the time - what has your GP or gynae advised about this constant bleeding?
If you can see your gynae soon, then he/she is the one to advice about the bleeding and this rash. 
Keep us posted  DG x

[mimumonschein]

Hi DG, my bleeding is slightly better. I am just waiting for the result of my blood test. The iron level was high and I might have to go to the specialist.
I had a feeling that I have a thrush so I bought the canestan test kit and of course I have a thrush now. So is it normal to have Thrush most of the time in menopause as well? And I need to get this under control with Anti-biotics? Thank you, Mimu xx