Stinging/burning undercarriage

[PandaG]

Not the itchiness of thrush, but burning/stinging vulva and labia minora. Is this a perimenopausal symptom, and any ideas of how to relieve? I started hrt recently.

Yes it is a perimenopausal symptom. If HRT doesn't relieve it, you need topical oestrogen in the form of Ovestin cream or Vagifem pessaries. In your case, because you have external symptoms, Ovestin might be best - talk to your GP. My GP said it's OK to use 1% hydrocortisone externally for a week to calm things down, and I found it helped a lot.

I started using Ovestin and honestly it's like a miracle cream. I felt like I had thrush, a uti, clitorus was driving me insane and groin pain. Took me ages to figure out it was menopause related after months of using creams and sachets. One visit to the gp and it was sorted

Thank you both. Trip to the GP then. Much appreciated. :)

Same experience as you. Researched Ovestin cream, GP prescribed it and it’s been life-changing x

I’ve also experienced this. Agree Ovestin is great. Also a little home remedy someone told me was to put some castor oil on a pant liner and it does help

Gina, which you can buy over the counter https://www.mygina.co.uk/buy-now/ is the same stuff - good if you have a slow gp, but my gp gave ovestin very happily and quickly. It is indeed a miracle cure.

Use some Vagisil to see you through. Also look at the range of YES products as an addition.

I get this around ovulation, on HRT too, but I just use Multi Gyn gel..... Does the trick for me.

Another vote for Ovestin cream, it's amazing stuff. What you are suffering from is called "vaginal atrophy".

Thanks again. Much appreciated.

I've got the same issue. It's horrendous around my labia but definitely not thrush. Think I need to see the GP

Oh gosh, I've just googled vaginal atrophy and think this is happening to me too :( The menopause really is the gift that keeps on giving isn't it?

These days it's called genitouronary syndrome of menopause which (a) sounds slightly less grim and (b) is slightly more descriptive as it does affect the wider area than your vagina. Good luck - treating it early and then keeping on with that should mean it's all Ok.

I think it's a lot more common than we think because women don't talk about it. Good news is that it's really easily treated with creams/pessaries, you can use this in addition to HRT patches/gel/spray/tablets or on its own.

Your GP might want to examine you but this is way quicker and less uncomfortable than something like a smear.

Also as someone else pointed out it is not just the vaginal area but your whole urinary system which can deteriorate and lead to many UTIs. It is important to get support for this whole area.