Estriol causing even worse burning sensations

[IrisAnon]

Hi, I'm 44 and I've had symptoms of a UTI for over seven weeks - not the urge to pee so much as the burning.
I had a course of Cipro two weeks in and that cleared up the early UTI symptoms of cloudy wee etc.... but for weeks after a slight burning continued. No bladder pain, no urgency, just a mild continuous burn. One culture came back positive so had two rounds of fosfomycin, with no real effect.
I've now been given Estriol cream to dab around my urethra.
On reflection, I feel I have had symptoms of peri menopause over the last few months. Weight gain, random insomnia, wanting to be completely alone and off the scale period pain/PMT. I also think I've lost a lot of volume down there. The doc didn't agree, but wanted to try the cream anyway. So I'm hoping beyond hope that this cream is going to fix the constant burning.
However....three days in and I after application it feels as though I'm spreading actual battery acid down there. I can then feel burning pain on and off all day - worse than the UTI symptoms.
I'm so miserable.....

I've read on other posts here that some people recommend sticking with the burning as it means the extra oestrogen is needed and it will settle over time. Could I ask for your experiences please? I'm going to call the pharmacist tomorrow, but would really appreciate hearing if this seems normal. I don't insert it vaginally, but wondering if I should...

[IrisAnon]

Anyone?

[Wizzywoo18]

Ovestin/estriol began to cause burning by about day 11 of the loading dose for me - very very painful so I empathise. You can't think straight, let alone sleep. I was using it internally and around the labia.

Perhaps estradiol pessaries (Vagifem) would be better? Any chance you have thrush, btw? The vaginal pH gets seriously messed up by perimenopause. Some people swear by Multigyn Actigel.

[IrisAnon]

Wizzywoo thanks for replying. I'm on day 7. I think I'm building up a bit of a tolerance, but if I get any of the cream in a new place, it burns like acid. I can't tolerate it inside, so perhaps I need to ask for pessaries. Applying it on the outside doesn't seem to have shifted the UTI-like symptoms.Thanks for your understanding re the pain - I feel like my face is stuck in a constant wince!

[Wizzywoo18]

Try the Menopause Matters forum - lots of threads about vaginal estrogen. It seems quite a few women do badly on one form and better on another.

[IrisAnon]

Thanks Wizzywoo that's so kind and I have just looked at the forum you recommended - it's a mine of information!