Hi SEU666
The moisturisers are not exactly ‘clearing the cells' they are putting back moisture that allows for some lubrication - so this will bring some discharge and if there is any build up of fungus, or other matter, this will come out with the discharge.
The problem is that even if you are on systemic HRT the urogenital area will often still become atrophied and dry - not every women is affected badly and some seem to be lucky and not get too many problems. With the menopause the vaginal area becomes more dry, the flora balance is therefore not as it was during our productive years and so less able to combat mild infections like bacterial vaginitis ( which is seldom treated as will often clear itself) or thrush. The skin also thins and becomes more prone to irritation. Scented soaps and washes, wearing tight trousers etc. encourage infections like thrush so the intimate area is no longer combating the onslaught of day to day life.
Vaginal oestrogen will plump up the skin in and around the vagina and can also improve bladder function. The local Oestrogen will also help to maintain some natural vaginal secretions which helps to keep things healthy.
Vaginal Moisturisers don't simply clear things out, they help to maintain some natural moisture and the flora balance and therefore reduce the chance of thrush and infections taking hold. I believe the vaginal moisturisers that were deemed the most beneficial in studies are the YES products, SYLK, and Replens but ideally they need to be used in conjunction with local oestrogen to get maximum benefit. Using local oestrogen and the moisturisers should give some clear or slightly yellow discharge but regular and continuous use is essential to maintain the whole area. It's also essential to avoid too much sugar, alcohol, caffeine and fruit juices as these will also encourage infections, particularly UTIs - burning and soreness is often to do with some sort of infection.
There is no quick fix and sadly it is a matter of maintenance and avoiding activities that aggregate things.
I'm afraid I speak from 20 years experience of this problem due to premature menopause and despite being in systemic HRT - the various doctors I saw did not diagnose urogenital atrophy and therefore did not give me the treatment I needed.
It wasn't until I saw a practise nurse at my new GP practise 6 years ago, who was used to dealing with so many older women, that I finally got the local oestrogen I needed.
I had discovered Multi Gyn Actigel some years before and this had been really helpful when BV and thrush emerged but is too acidic to use daily. I now use Vagifem 2-3 times a week and SYLK at least once a day after the shower, and i am now more comfortable than I have been for years but I still get flare ups of soreness and burning and I then use the Multi Gyn again.
Keep using the YES moisturiser once or twice a day, everyday and wear loose trousers or skirts. Your panty liners need to be very thin (preferably unscented) so the area can breathe and change these regularly through the day. Take showers not baths and drink plenty of water.
Coconut oil is good to moisturise the skin near the intimate area as well.
DG x
