GSM genitourinary symptoms in perimenopause

[StunnedCrab]

Hi all,

Age 40, increase in anxiety, breast pain and sore gums seem to be only symptoms so far except I had a UTI about a month ago, treated and got better with antibiotics. However, I have been left with what can only be described as a tingly urethra opening? Google seems to suggest this may be perimenopause and the thinning of everything down there? Does anyone have any experience of this? Will the GP laugh me out the room if I ask for vaginal estrogen cream? I have tried canestan orally and the pessary incase a weird thrush. It's very annoying- feels like I could always go to the loo.
Thanks

I don’t think so. I’m 41 and got it last week for ongoing issues - excess discharge but no thrush or Bv. I’m giving it a go. On day 4 and it’s not any better if a little worse so far

Ask your GP. I had dreadful urinary symptoms until I started on the cream. The GP may want to examine you to see whether you are showing signs of atrophy.

My GP took this very seriously and I use estriol cream liberally and regularly.. Makes a massive difference. Good luck!

Thank you for replies! I am taking D Mannose and Antihistamines (found on a mumsney thread!) So if no improvement with those I will go to GP and ask to try an estrogen cream.

Get it sooner rather than later. Better staying pink and plump than go grey and thin and be in urgent need.

Also Gum can precipitate prolapse. I warn you, this is no fun.

Thanks all. Spoke to doctor and has prescribed some vaginal oestrogen. I don't know which one yet as haven't been able to collect but I am hoping helps as it's hard to take your mind off the feeling to need the toilet!

It has worked miracles for me. I've gone from getting up 5-6 times a night to once or twice. Good luck

Following as I have the same symptoms. I had a bladder infection and courses of antibiotics a couple of months ago, but the tingly feeling and feeling unfinished is frequently there. I also have a strange discharge which is really thick but isn't thrush. I've had this for months and think it's cyclical. I'm wondering if I need oestrogen cream. I'm interested to hear if you have positive results @keeponplodding7 @StunnedCrab

@roobyred I will collect my prescription and let you know how I get on. I have also been feeling rectal pressure so no idea if all linked or if I'm over thinking everything!

I know what you mean, tricky times.

I’m still going with it but stupidly stopped for a week as I felt it was making things worse. So I’ll let you know as started again with it now

@StunnedCrab perhaps you should press for a referral for an ultrasound and gynae appt. I had both which has put my mind at rest as nothing sinister. And maybe ask for a bowel screening test too?

@roobyred I suffer from health anxiety so have got myself in a bit of a panic about it which is no doubt making the feeling worse! If still there in a few weeks I will contact GP (who will no doubt think I'm crazy for getting in touch yet again...) My husband thinks my anxiety is making me hyper aware of symptoms but I do always feel a pressure there but has only been a few days.

@StunnedCrab by rectal pressure do you mean a prolapse? You'd be able to see it with a mirror if so.

@Soupwithstring I've just had a look and can't see anything

Then you are probably OK. I had rectocele and it was really prominent. And when I went for a poo, it was about two inches outside my vulva that needed pushing back in.

The cream is a no brainer and works with v little contraindications 👍

also - not sure if we remember but pelvic floor exercises - we should do them every day maybe when on mumsnet 😂

@Soupwithstring anusol has helped pressure so think must have been piles (lovely...)

Started estriol, hasn't helped yet and still so aware of constant sensation to wee, it's grim. For those that it worked for, hen did you start to notice a difference?

Download a kegel app and follow the instructions 3 times a day

That might help (it might help a lot)

Make sure you are using it every night, liberally for a few weeks at least.

Dont use the applicator. Put a big blob on your finger and insert it.
Then another blob rub around your urethra and vulva and perineum.

Get a couple of repeat prescriptions so you don't worry about running out. You can't put too much on.

For what it's worth, the kegels don't work for me, I still leak when I walk fast, but my physio says that she just thinks my supporting ligaments are too stretched.

Kassie Dewitt on social media is very good on urge incontinence. Also theres a good podcast called 'pelvic service announcement' you can have a look at.

https://open.spotify.com/show/6NZWqpBMoQFv7qJenv8lYq?si=ORfTwA3ETo-sjKhNLsuC7w

Thanks all, really appreciate your replies.

I'm trying not to get too anxious about it all. How long should it take to feel results with the cream?

I am tempted to book a pelvic floor physio to check everything out too.

OP, your membranes have to rebuild themselves and strengthen. You also need to change your habits and read about how to help yourself.

This can take time. I reckon it was about 6-8 weeks before I stopped needing the loo at night. Now I go about 9hrs overnight. You'll get there.

@Soupwithstring what? The HRT cream actually stops the need to pee at 4am?

Yes! I mean obviously if you've downed a pint of water at 9pm and then the dog wakes me up for breakfast, I have a wee then. But after years of getting up multiple times a night, I no longer need to.

Am also on full HRT too, but it's the estriol cream that does the wee trick.