Soooooo sore!

[SeekingRelief]

I've nc'd for this because way tmi to link to my usual name.

I've had a hysterectomy and ovary removal and have been on estrogen patches for a few years. My patch is currently out of stock and I've had to switch to a lower dose (two thirds of the strength of my normal one) for the last month.

For the last week, my vulva has been uncomfortable and, in the last three days, I've developed a rash and some swelling. It looks a bit like a nappy rash and it's very sore, stingy and a bit itchy but no discharge. I've tried sudocrem but it hasn't done much so I've switched to a moisturiser which is providing a bit of relief as long as I sit down carefully. I don't feel unwell in any other way.

Is this likely to be related to the lower dose HRT or something else that might need a doctor? I've just picked up a prescription for a higher dose patch so I'm hoping that it's just the lower estrogen and, when the higher dose kicks in, I'll feel better.

Hi, OP. I think what I'd do in your shoes is immediately buy some over-the-counter product called Vagifem or a similar product (the pharmacy will advise), and going forward ask your GP for a prescription for Ovestin.

I must admit that sometimes I'm on a three-way regime of applying Ovestin, a suitable emollient, and a cream for thrush for a few days, spacing them out every few hours until it all settles down.

(I've had the same surgery as you btw. Shocking how we are left to 'cope'.)

Deffo try the Ovestin cream as pp has advised x

That sounds like vaginal atrophy - another joyous part of the menopause!

as PP have said you need done vagifem or ovestin which I think you can get over the counter now. Also recommend YES VM vaginal moisturiser

When it gets too uncomfortable I plaster on Vaseline. It helps me and you don't need to keep applying.

Are you using oestrogen cream on your vulva? If not get some pdq

Thanks all. No, I've not been using any cream routinely as I've not had a problem with it before. My HRT has been pretty effective at keeping most of the symptoms under control with the exception of a bit of brain fog, well, up until the dosage switch anyway.

You need oestrogen cream/ pessaries.

I use a combination of the below to keep everything happy ..

Ovestin cream
Deo Doc oil wash
Deo Doc oil
Nadaya oil
Vagifem pessaries
Vagisil cream

Of course not all at the same time! I tend to cycle through them as and when needed

Oh and if I ever use a panty liner type thing, it's always organic ones and I only use Fairy non bio pods

My fanny costs me a fortune

Thank you.

Definitely Vagifem

And ibuprofen will help with the swelling and pain.

I'm on hrt but also use vagifem pessaries twice a week plus ovestin Cream on my vulva.
Also occasional canestan if I think it's thrush, some vaseline with cocoa butter on outside if I get chafing and sometimes some steroid cream if chafing won't settle.
Plus moisturiser and lubricant.
It's like the Forth Bridge here. 🙄

Ovestin cream. Better than Vagifem as you can apply the cream externally as well as using it internally using the applicator.

The recommendation for the deodoc was really helpful

@IfOnlyOurEyesSawSouls oh good, glad it was of use. Both the oil and the oil wash are nice and natural for a day to day thing.