Gynae Issues - Urgent Referral, HRT and Prolapse

[iamoneofthosepeopleandontcare]

In March I consulted my GP about severe brain fog and exhaustion which was so bad I would have to have a nap at lunchtime and after work (WFH). I am unable to focus at work and my productivity is virtually zero.

I also would be getting up to pee up to 5 times a night. I had previously been prescribed Solifenacin for bladder issues which worked very well.

I was prescribed Evorel Conti patches and saw an improvement. I found that I no longer needed Solifenacin as this issue was caused by low oestrogen.

A few months later I felt my symptoms return so consulted GP again who has referred me to physio for a posterior wall rectocele and prolapse.

I have spotting (this is increasing) and have an urgent referral to gynaecology due to this.

GP has also prescribed Vagirux vaginal tablets which I use in addition to the Evorel Conti patches. Since starting Vagirux the bleeding is getting more pronounced but is not as much as a period.

I am 55 and periods stopped more than 2 years ago. I had no issues with peri and have never had menstruation related problems, not even period pain.

Any advice or thoughts?

You don't say how long you have been on HRT.

Spotting and erratic bleeding is normal during the first 6 months on continuous HRT even for women post menopause. It takes that long for the two hormones in conti to be balanced so the womb lining stays thin (and doesn't bleed.)

If you have used it for over 6 months, you possibly need a scan.

If it's not yet 6 months your GP should have discussed the spotting with you as it's a well known 'fact' about conti HRT. (It may even be in the patient leaflet in the pack of patches.)

Vagifux (aka Vagifem) can cause spotting at first.

The prolapse is a separate issue and not connected with HRT. In fact HRT may help to make things a bit better.

Be reassured that bleeding when using HRT is rarely anything dangerous and more often just hormones settling down.

Thanks for your reply - it is reassuring and I've been worried.

GP prescribed Evorel Conti in March so nearly 7 months ago.

Any advice on prolapse?

You might get improvement with physio on the prolapse but if not, there is surgery if it's bothering you a lot.

I have a rectocele too. Have you heard of hypopressives? They are a breathing based exercise that helps pelvic floor prolapse. I did a beginners 30 day course with UK hypopressives and then added swimming in to my weekly routine, and Pilates for prolapse, I’ve had a big improvement in my symptoms. I’ve also done a lot of research into managing bowel movements.

I have never heard of hypopressives! Did you find this helpful?

Tomorrow will be spent researching this.

Yes, I believe the Hypopressives are helpful, but I noticed the biggest improvement when I added in swimming (that was after a month of the Hypopressives). I’m speculating that if the Hypopressives got my diaphragm working properly and lifting my pelvic floor/ organs up, then getting out of breath while swimming, or the pump action of front crawl and back crawl, built this further. I also think that the Hypopressives improved my sleep.

Are hypopressives fundamentally different from pelvic floor exercises? I've been on their website and courses start at the beginning of each month so it feels like a long wait.

I see several hypopressives videos on YouTube too. Far cheaper than £££ I've seen.