Very dry sore vulva again - Help!

[dryvag]

I am almost 52.

When I went into Peri I had vaginal atrophy and dry sore vulva, so much so it got sore to sit down - HRT and oestrogen cream sorted it, but its back - I am on max oestrogen but its not helping.

I had read about a vaginal oil (victory oil) and also red light therapy for dryness.

Has anyone tried these? Do they help?

Does anyone have any other advice? I don't want this horrible dryness and soreness for the rest of my life!

Have you tried using vaginal estrogen more often? You can use the cream externally as needed- not just 2 x a week.

Yes, it doesn't seem to have helped.

Maybe you should see a dermatologist specialising in women's issues like this who can take a look?

It may not be dryness- could be something else that needs a different sort of treatment. Thrush? Other infections of conditions?

Have you excluded everything that might cause the irritation- synthetic clothing, laundry products, bath stuff, etc?

I think it must be menopause related. I haven't done anything differently in the times I have and have not had this. And I use scentless bath products and only use water to clean my vulva ( other than a moisturising thing the GP gave me). And cotton pants.

Can I go through the GP for such a dermatologist. Or maybe I should ask for a referral back to the women's clinic.

Can I go through the GP for such a dermatologist. Or maybe I should ask for a referral back to the women's clinic.

Yes but you will get a faster appt if you search private hospitals and look a their wesbites for one who deals with women's issues like this- if you can afford to pay for a private appt. NHS waits for dermatology can be years .

Get a gp to have a look and check for lichen sclerosis.

I can't really afford private.

Thanks for the tip about lichen sclerosis.

Have you tried vagifem? I used ovestin cream to start with as I felt it was more of an external issue but it wasn't until I switched to vagifem that things improved - and the improvement was huge for me.

I use Vagifem every day. Atrophy is one of my worst symptoms, but with HRT and daily Vagifem it’s ok.

Thanks for the vagifem tip @Kissedbyfire1 and @Wigglypasta . Do you get that from the GP or over the counter.

You should be using pessaries as well as cream! Gp's can be so under informed sometimes when it comes to HRT. Also, definitely don't rule out bacterial vaginosis, thrush or lichen sclerosis etc.. I get burning and dryness since menopause with both bv and thrush. No other symptoms. Took me a while to work this out as pre menopause thrush symptoms were totally different. Ask the GP to do a swab.

Even if you haven't changed anything you're doing, as you age your vulva /vagina are changing so things can crop up irrespective of making sure you wear cotton underwear etc...

Ps vagifem pessaries are stronger than ovestin pessaries/cream. You get them from the GP.

On prescription from GP.

Thanks everyone

I have similar and just purchased a red light probe thing 😀. No so much dryness, but difficulty with PIV with new partner who large of penis, after a couple of years of no sex and previous partner very small. Have used red light previously on neck and cleavage with good results so hoping this so make some difference.

Can you keep us updated on what you think of the red light therapy please, is it the Joylux one 😅?

Gah, went on holiday and forgot to pack it - will check when dm home. Only used it once so far and easy to use which surprised me.

Any updates on the redlight?