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

OK I'm sold. I'm on full HRT too but there's something going on down there and it needs sorted.

Just wanted to update on this as I know helpful if others scroll/search.

After some googling I realised I had been subconsciously tensing my bottom/tummy muscles/pelvic floor (after a stressful period) and this tension links to so many things - bladder issues included. I've been to see a pelvic health physio who confirmed this tension and has given me exercises to help to relax and relieve the muscles. I am really hoping this helps.

I'm off to enquire about the cream soon, in the hope that I'll stop getting up multiple times in the night to wee!

I’m back for some advice. I’ve been on Estriol for about a month but am noticing minimal effects. I have had a very thick gloopy discharge for about a year. Definitely cyclical, but it’s changed now and sometimes is very watery. It’s horrible, am having to wear a pad to stop it soaking through. It’s definitely a discharge rather than urine. I was hoping Estriol would help, the GP thought it would but could take months, do I just persevere? Has anybody else had anything similar? The only thing I can describe it as, is like semen dripping out. I’m never experienced anything like this before. It’s really horrible and uncomfortable.

Hi, I haven't read the thread back but have they ruled out infection? Have you thought of seeing a pelvic gynae? They are often experts as they see so many women with various issues. Cheaper than a private gynae!

what's a pelvic gynae?

In the UK, there are only 'gynaecologists'.

Sorry meant to say pelvic physio...

Mine is expert in all things. It was her that sent me for estriol cream, which led to HRT from GP.

Yes I had swabs taken previously to rule out thrush etc. The consistency changes like there’s a cycle. Thick, gloopy, creamy curd like to runny, watery mucous. No smell. I’d begun to get sores, thankfully they have gone with the Estriol cream but the discharge hasn’t. The GP thinks I may be in overdrive. Not much help! Periods most of your life and still this shit is ongoing.

@roobyred it took months before mine settled down & had to experiment with cream & pessaries. It does take a while and you do need to persist. It’s one of the crapest parts of menopause :/

I thought I’d got on top of it all though. I’m wondering if this is the very end. I’m 55. It’s a really unpleasant feeling. So you’re thinking the cream will do the trick? @TheeyeballsintheskyIt has only been 4 weeks of use but the symptoms are really getting me down.

No improvement on estriol here either. Been on it since before Xmas and still always feel like I need a wee. Pelciv physio said hypertonic pelvic floor and given exercises but just had swabs done and urine sample again to check. If clear bloods and scan. Trying to be calm!