vaginal atrophy

[confirmednut]

Ladies I have waterworks problems again (post meno 4 yrs) popped down to the doctors this morning, my sample was borderline but was given a prescription for antibiotics which I have not filled yet (will wait and see if it settles). Dr examined me and said I was extremely sore (yes I know) and have vaginal atrophy, we talked about topical HRT. I have scaring from childbirth that (now I?m post meno) tears very easily and it will only get worse, I know topical hrt will help that too (hrt is supposed to help recurrent cystitis).

However, I was using Vagifem (HRT pessaries) last year but after using it on and off for a year I had a 7 day bled, scan showed my womb lining was 10mm and I had a hysteroscopy. Everything came back ok but being on the nhs I didn?t get a follow-up so know no more. However the hospital gynie said the Vagifem may have caused it and that it shouldn?t be used for more than 3 months. My GP says lots of research has been done and Vagifem is safe to use continually and there is no longer a need to stop and take progesterone. Who is right??!

I have asked for a scan before I start taking Vagifem again- to be on the safe side (the symptoms I have now are very similar to how I was feeling before my bled (waterworks, nauseous, vaginal discomfort) and I can not get it out of my head that something may have been missed back in April). As well as the antibiotics I have been advised to use hydrocortison cream for 6 weeks then go back once I?ve had my scan.

I had normal light periods in my childbearing years, had 4 short normal labours and counted myself lucky. In the pre-meno years I had a few hot flushes and put on a stone in weight and counted myself lucky. But since my last period 4 years ago I have suffered with cystitis and dryness, it is miserable. I hate the menopause but I can not take HRT because of breast cancer in my family.

I see a consultant gynae who is NHS and private- I see him privately and he is brilliant.

I am on HRT and also use Ovestin now and then ( similar to Vagifem). he told me that if I was to use it long term, regularly ( which I don't) he would scan me every couple of years to be safe.

I too recently had a hysteroscopy after some bleeding but it has been put down to the HRT or in fact a late period.

If I was you, I'd use the Vagifem and ask for a scan later on if you have used it regularly ( by that I mean several times a week for years).

Thanks Purplepeony, I do need to use Vagifem or something to stop the deterioration, but there is so much conflicting advice out there and my GP has an opposite view to the gynae at the hospital, it is difficult to know what to do in the long term.

I?m considering taking it for 2 to 3 months and taking a break of the same length. As I?m not having periods and not taking anything to shed any build-up of lining I?m wondering how long I can risk taking vagifem for- with or without a break.

I will be asking for yearly scans from now on, even though they cause me discomfort and tearing.

You may well not have any tearing with scans if you use the cream/pessaries!

I have been told that only a tiny amount is absorbed into the system/uterus and that a scan now and then it a precaution.

You might be better off going to a menopause clinic.

You might find it useful to listen to the Listen Again of radio 4 woman's hour from last week when they devoted a whole prog to the menopause. Go to bbc.co./womanshour