Vulva itching/soreness

[jenkel]

I’m pretty sure I’m peri menopausal, still having periods though a little more erratic. I’ve had night sweats which I have got under control with sage tablets. However I have one sympton that I just can’t get under control, itchy and sore down below, not deep inside, just the labia really but it drives me mad and I have tried various over the counter remedies that haven’t really worked, it’s not all the time, just comes and goes. I have a phone consultation tomorrow with a gp, first time I have spoken to a gp regarding menopause symptons. What can I expect, what should I ask for, any tips. I am 52.
Thanks

Look up lichen sclerosis. I was treated over and over for thrush before my textbook symptoms were finally recognised

They will want to examine your vulval area. I went about 2 years ago with the same symptom. The GP saw lichen sclerosis and I used a prescription cream (a steroid cream), it cleared up and has never bothered me since.
You may not have anything wrong or maybe something totally different. The main thing is they need to look.

I had this - the itching becomes really debilitating so I sympathise. GP prescribed me steroid cream which helped a bit but not for long. Then I took a course of Hubner Silicea tablets (for skin - got them on offer in health food shop) and it went away completely. When I stopped taking them it came back so took them again for another few months and it’s never come back (about 2 years now). Your GP will hopefully be able to help but if not, these are worth a try!

I had similar following a bout of thrush and it was eventually diagnosed as vulvar eczema. Also prescribed a steroid cream and it gradually went away.

Might it be vaginal atrophy (awful expression). It's yet another common side effect of peri menopause/ menopause

Vaginal dryness often feels like itching. Try something like Vagisan or Vagisil.

See your GP but it's most likely vaginal atrophy which is from falling estrogen.

Treatment is pretty simple- Ovestin cream, used on your labia.
From your GP on prescription.

It's so weak you could try it without coming to any harm and if it works, that's what you needed.

I use Cetraben ointment but sounds like that might be the sort of thing you've already tried?

Another itchy one here, but it comes and goes on line with my now erratic cycle. Mostly notice at night for a couple of nights then dissappears again for a month or so. I use vagisil cream at night which takes the itching away enough to sleep.

Just a heads up to everyone on this thread...
if you aren't using full HRT, do consider going to the Dr and asking for vaginal estrogen (cream for external use.)

Using over the counter stuff doesn't usually work and can make things worse.

The itching is part of the whole vulva/ vaginal atrophy syndrome and often gets worse. The labia shrink and so can the clitoris. Not fun.
Even if you are not sexually active, it can becomes painful and nigh impossible to have a smear test.

Almost all women have this issue but few know what it's caused by and how to treat it. The treatment is really simple and works.

I’m convinced I have lichen sclerosis but the GP keeps giving me canesten cream or steroid cream, neither works. My itchiness soreness goes up my bum area too at times. I have no other menopause symptoms other than dry crepey skin, but this is a really irritating symptom as I’m aware of my vulva ALL the time 😞

@Mylifestartstoday

I’m convinced I have lichen sclerosis but the GP keeps giving me canesten cream or steroid cream, neither works. My itchiness soreness goes up my bum area too at times. I have no other menopause symptoms other than dry crepey skin, but this is a really irritating symptom as I’m aware of my vulva ALL the time 😞

@Mylifestartstoday You either need estrogen cream OR referring to a dermatologist who is experienced in LS. Fiddling around with creams that aren't working are not a good move.

Rarely, LS can develop into cancer, and it can also 'fuse' the labia together. It's important it's treated and I guess your GP is not an expert in this area.

Insist you are referred to a specialist or try Ovestin cream for a few weeks first.

@Mylifestartstoday This mentions LS and why it needs treating as it can develop into something more serious. That's why you need a diagnosis of what ever is going on.

eveappeal.org.uk/gynaecological-cancers/vulvar-cancer/

It's a symptom of vaginal atrophy and a prescription of vagifem will have it sorted.

@Bloodyfuckit

It's a symptom of vaginal atrophy and a prescription of vagifem will have it sorted.

I agree 100% it may be VA but Vagifem (pessary) stays inside the vagina, whereas Ovestin cream is also used on the vulva.

Vagifem addresses the atrophy, which in turn addresses the itching.

@Bloodyfuckit

Vagifem addresses the atrophy, which in turn addresses the itching.

@Bloodyfuckit Vaginal estrogen only works where it's put. If the pessary goes in the vagina, it doesn't deal with the labia, it just changes the tissues in the vagina where it's abosrbed. Just like if you used Ovestin cream on your labia, it wouldn't do anything for your vagina.

Some women use both.

I like Ovestin as I can use it internally and externally. I use it internally 2-3 times a week and externally when needed. (I have also used systemic HRT for over 12 years) but that doesn't always help VA enough.