Vaginal dryness

[Spidey66]

I'm 53 and currently going through the menopause. I had a hysterectomy coming up to 5 years ago, so obviously no periods since then but they left my ovaries behind as is standard if there is no clinical need to. I had it for fibroids.

I haven't really been bothered by symptoms though in the last year started getting migraines (used to get them in my late 20s) and my GP thought it was menopausal.

In the last few months, roughly since lockdown started, my I've really been bothered by vaginal dryness. Tbh I've not had sex for ages, have lost interest and my husband has ED. That's not really bothering me though. But I'm itching like mad, especially at night. It's stopping me sleeping, I'm not getting to sleep till about 3 or 4 am. I'm on leave this week so its ok but usually I get up at 6.30 for work (worked throughout lockdown.) I tried every cream in Boots that looked like it was suitable without success, also taking piriton.

I've spoken to my GP who's given me vaginal pressures, started a couple of days back and there's some improvement. I've also taken to wearing knickers in bed with a rolled up damp cool flannel (so like a sanitary pad) which eases it a bit.

Anyone else bothered by this? It sounds so minor but is seriously driving me mad.

Btw there's no discharge so I don't think it's thrush.

Pessaries not pressures.

It's really common.

You might be helped a bit more by using Ovestin (like the pessaries but a cream) and applying that externally to help soothe the soreness. You can use it internally too but some women use a tiny amount (pea size blob) on the vulva.

It can take a few weeks to improve but you will get there and don't stop- if you do, it will all come back.

Thank you jingling....The GP suggested canestan externally. I had bought some previously but didnt use it as i didnt think itvwas thrush. I'll give both a go and see how i get on.

Hi ladies I use Blissel an Estrogen gel I use vaginally - I had the itching , dryness , bladder issues , 2 weeks in and it’s definitely working X

@Spidey66 if you read about vaginal atrophy, which is dry vagina, bladder, and so on, a diagnosis of thrush is often made in error) as the symptoms are similar.

Canestan is not the right treatment. You don't have thrush. Ovestin cream (on prescription) is the treatment for vulvas that are suffering from loss of estrogen.

I had years and years of burning and thought it was thrush and went through gallons of Canestan and pessaries and Diflucan (oral treatment) and it was all down to loss of estrogen.

@Sheop- can you link to that? Never heard of that type of estrogen product. You in the UK?

I have this. Same age as you. I use YES WB gel moisturiser and it’s been extremely helpful. You can Get it off Amazon.

I dont think its thrush at all, and know canestan is frontline treatment for thrush. I'm not quite sure why my GP, who agreed it was likely to be vaginal atrophy, suggested it(though it was a phone consultation due to coronavirus so wasn't examined-mainly going by my age, symptoms and the fact I'm almost 5 years post-hysterectomy and other menopausal symptoms apart from periods stopping usually happens then).

I'm the same age as you and someone on MN recommended this company, www.yesyesyes.org I've been using the wash and the moisturiser and it has made a huge difference in reducing the dry, itchy discomfort.

Don’t go buying products yourself, your gp should be at least listening to you “menopausal” she either isn’t clued up or not listening
Can you have hrt? The YES moisturiser is good(on prescription) but you may need an estrogen cream as that’s what depleted as we get older.

Granadagirl, I do have oestrogen cream, in pessary form. I've been using it the last few days, with some effect, but I understand it takes a little time. The GP had suggested canestan on top as the itching is as much external as it is internal.

Oh and the reason why that was suggested as opposed to patches etc is because I'm not having any other symptoms. No hot flushes or mood swings. As I mentioned I've had a few migraines over the past year which it was suggested maybe caused by tg e menopause but while I had 3 in a week at new year, I've not had one since.

Oh and I've lost my libido, and if my fanny continues as it is I won't be getting it back for a while

@spidey66. Ovestin will work quite well hopefully but needs time to build up.

Multi gyn is an excellent product. They do multi gyn actigel which is ph balanced and really helps with itching. It stings slightly at first but after it’s great and a good lubricant. They also do a femi wash which is very gentle and moisturising. Both products can be bought on amazon.

Hi Jinglehellsbells

I am new to this and not sure how to do a link I am in the UK and it is available on prescription- Blissel 50mcg estriol - are you on HRT ? X

@Spidey66 you need to use the pessaries every night for two weeks as a 'loading dose', and you should find by then you are feeling much more comfortable. You then switch to two or three times a week until you find the dose that suits you.

I'm considering asking for Ovestin instead of the Vagifem because I don't like having to use a single use applicator, it's an awful waste of plastic.

My GP, who is clued up on menopause, also suggested a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream, the over the counter dose, to help calm down the external soreness and itching. I can confirm it works, but I wouldn't use it long term.

@DramaAlpaca
The GP told me about the 2 week thing, so I'm aware. Is this supposed to be a long term thing, ie should it be a repeat prescription, or do I just take it till the packs finished and then stop?

The hydrocortisone makes much more sense than the canestan seeing as canestan is an anti fungal treatment!

@Spidey66 You may need to use it for life.

I am currently into my 14th year having started with with in my early 50s.

It will come back if you stop, just like your hands will get dry if you stop using hand cream.

@Spidey66 yes, you need a repeat prescription for Vagifem, you'll need to keep using it every few days after the initial two week loading. It isn't a cure (unfortunately) it's a treatment that you need to keep doing, to replace your oestrogen. It's the lack of oestrogen after menopause that's causing the problem. You may need to get your prescription adjusted when you work out how many pessaries you need to keep you comfortable, for example my own prescription says 8 per month, which is one every three to four days. You may need to use it more or less often than that, every woman is different.

It may well solve the itching too, as that is also caused by lack of oestrogen. No amount of anti-fungal treatment is going to sort that out! Many women think they have thrush when they start getting itchy inside, when in fact it's the start of vaginal atrophy. I tried over the counter canesten without success, thinking I had thrush, until my clued up GP told me it was more likely menopause related given my age and prescribed Vagifem - which works, thankfully.