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Author Topic: Vaginal itching and redness  (Read 8196 times)

Tink22

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Vaginal itching and redness
« on: November 14, 2018, 05:32:11 AM »

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
« Last Edit: September 15, 2019, 10:10:32 AM by Tink22 »
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NorthArm

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Re: Vaginal itching and redness
« Reply #1 on: November 14, 2018, 06:40:09 AM »

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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Tink22

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Re: Vaginal itching and redness
« Reply #2 on: November 14, 2018, 09:08:34 AM »

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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Blot

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Re: Vaginal itching and redness
« Reply #3 on: November 14, 2018, 09:35:21 AM »

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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Hurdity

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Re: Vaginal itching and redness
« Reply #4 on: November 14, 2018, 05:50:49 PM »

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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Tink22

  • Guest
Re: Vaginal itching and redness
« Reply #5 on: November 14, 2018, 10:30:39 PM »

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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Tink22

  • Guest
Re: Vaginal itching and redness
« Reply #6 on: November 14, 2018, 10:34:25 PM »

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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Tink22

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Re: Vaginal itching and redness
« Reply #7 on: September 15, 2019, 10:08:45 AM »

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. 

 
« Last Edit: September 15, 2019, 10:23:13 AM by Tink22 »
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CLKD

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Re: Vaginal itching and redness
« Reply #8 on: September 15, 2019, 10:13:46 AM »

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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Tink22

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Re: Vaginal itching and redness
« Reply #9 on: September 15, 2019, 10:21:19 AM »

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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CLKD

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Re: Vaginal itching and redness
« Reply #10 on: September 15, 2019, 10:22:20 AM »

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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Tink22

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Re: Vaginal itching and redness
« Reply #11 on: September 15, 2019, 10:24:32 AM »

It really is. 

No I haven't.  Thank you, I will get it.  :)
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CLKD

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Re: Vaginal itching and redness
« Reply #12 on: September 15, 2019, 11:42:16 AM »

There is lots of info about MaryJane's book on the Forum.
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Tink22

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Re: Vaginal itching and redness
« Reply #13 on: September 30, 2019, 08:58:04 AM »

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
« Last Edit: September 30, 2019, 09:17:54 AM by Tink22 »
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Tink22

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Re: Vaginal itching and redness
« Reply #14 on: October 01, 2019, 11:41:47 PM »

Anyone? 
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