soreness, itching, dryness - advice and experiences please

[ceecee32]

Hi All

I am 60 years old and suffer from vaginal atrophy (GP said I was very leathery !!)

I have been prescribed Vagifem - which helps for a short time but towards the end of the course gives me a burning feeling.
Also prescribed Replens for in between Vagifem courses which helps with dryness

But I am being driven mad with itching and a burning feeling. I also get boil like spots where I have scratched myself.

GP seems a bit useless to be honest, when I first went they gave me something that was only for people who had gone through a hysterectomy. I had to go back and explain that it wasn't suitable. GP also tells me that I cannot have HRT as it has been so long since my last period that the symptoms cannot be related.

Has anyone any advice please

I am not sure if you cannot have hrt, try to find another gyn who is well informed and can help.
Of course your vaginal atrophy is due to the lack of estrogen and it is absolutely related with your menopause!
Maybe a transdermal and low dose hrt can help.

How are you using the vagifem? It's 14 days every day then at least twice a week for life. I don't use it- use Ovestin cream - but I've used it constantly for 12 years. Sometimes I'm a bit lax with it and drop down to once a week or even every 10 days so the symtoms come back so I up it to a week or so daily. Vagifem is now half the strength it used to be a year or so back so friends have said, and some use it 3-4 times a week. Is your dr making you stop ? You said in between courses...? You can't stop and if you do that's why you are having symptoms.

Are the symptoms vagina/vulva? Ask for Ovestin to use externally as well. Vagifem only treats the vagina. Creams can be used outside the area too. You can have full HRT for up to 10 years after a last period even in your 60s.

my last sentence- means you can START HRT within 10 yrs of last period (not stop it then.)

You need to continue using Vagifem after you have done the initial 2 week load, it can be cured so long term ( life) maintenance is needed. You probably need to use it more frequently than twice a week too, I would try every other day and see if that helps. I also wouldn’t use the Replens, I found it irritating and if you use the Vagifem regularly you shouldn’t need to use it.
Also ask for Ovestin cream for the outside bits too.

Cannot be cured, is what I meant....so wish it could be cured!!

GP is only giving me Vagifem for about 6 weeks and then says I have to have a break.
Back to the doctor then... thanks for your help ladies :)

I had similar problems OP. Age 60 and my GP had no issue prescribing HRT but I have to go for regular reviews. Very much depends on your medical history eg heart, cancer etc. My last period had been about 8 years prior. The VA was so bad I was unable to have my final smear test and it was also affecting my sleep.

I've been on HRT for one year now - getting a good nights sleep and no VA symptoms. Definately get a second opinion.

It sounds to me that it could be Lichen Sclerosis. I have it and the itching and burning are symptoms.

TBH if your GP is so useless that they don't know how to prescribe is there any point seeing the same one again? You will get into an argument over how it often to use it! Years and years ago it was 'thought' a break was needed but the menopause NICE guidelines in 2015 put paid to all of that, as well as starting HRT over 60.

I'd find another GP.

Another numpty doctor thinking you need breaks from Vagifem, absolute nonsense, quite safe to use daily and long term.

Please get a referral to a Menopause Clinic. GPs generally know sxd all about the menopause and its myriad of symptoms. I'm back on HRT after a break because the symptoms were so vile they affected my life really badly. Good luck.

Exactly. It's a bit like saying stop using a moisturiser on your face for a few weeks and somehow expecting your skin to remain moist and in good condition.

Very good closed Facebook site called Vaginal Atrophy. Recommendation is Emu oil. You need to go back to your GP.