Estrogel / Burning sensation

[Helpmymenopausalfanny]

Hello ladies

So I’m on estrogel and testosterone. Had a hysterectomy so no need for progesterone.

I’m currently on 2 pumps a day, 1 in the morning and then 1 at night. However, on 2 pumps, I’m still experiencing insomnia/night waking between 2-3am and also hot flushes. Every time I go up to three pumps, the insomnia and flushes go, but
I end up with what I can only describe as ‘burning Fanny’. It feels like my vag is on fire. I then drop back down to 2 pumps, and the burning stops and settles down again, but then the insomnia and hot flushes return. I’ve tried alternating 2 and then 3 pumps every other day, but I still get the burning Fanny.

Does anyone else have this? It’s not thrush because it goes when I stop having 3 pumps. And it’s not itching - more burning. I don’t know what to do. I’m sick of being in this cycle of going up to 3 pumps, then dropping down to 2 after a few days due to burning Fanny, and then when I can’t cope with the insomnia anymore, I go back up to 3, then when I can’t cope with the burning Fanny any longer, drop back down to 2!! It’s like having to choose between the lesser of two evils. Can’t really discuss with my gynecologist as will have to wait for my next appointment. GP won’t interfere or get involved with HRT because it’s under the care of the gynecologist. I’m slathering coconut oil on every night and it provides minimal relief. Any suggestions? What’s causing this? I’m assuming it’s estrogen and perhaps too much of it?? 🤷‍♀️

It's a very odd reaction for sure! Usually the opposite is the case- vaginal health/ burning improves with more estrogen.

Maybe you need to treat the burning with vaginal estrogen (Ovestin cream) and see if that helps.

Thank you for posting. I’ll explore that suggestion at the next appointment.

You might have done this already, but you could maybe try 2.5 pumps a day?

You might find that the PH of your bits is altered from the oestrogen. I actually know what you’re experiencing myself. I was given an oestrogen vaginal suppository and it made things SOOOO much worse. I found washing with a MILD salicylic acid cleanser (diluted Cerave SA cleanser) helped relieve my burning bits.

@gegs73 thanks for replying. The measured dose from the bottle is 1 pump. I think alternating between 2 and 3 pumps every other day was averaging 2.5 pumps a day but it still was too much…

@Fraaahnces that’s really interesting. I have some of the Cerave cleanser so will give that a go. Fingers crossed!

Please note I specifically said Cerave SA (salicylic Acid) cleanser. (Green spout here in Aus) The other stuff won’t hurt, but doubt it will help either. The natural ph of the vagina should be slightly acidic. My guess is that it has become less so.

*Ovestin is the oestrogen cream I was prescribed. It could help, or it could make it worse.