Vulval dryness - advice please!

[Anonymous6789]

I’m 45 and think I’m peri as periods are all over the place. Recently I’ve had terrible vulval dryness. It feels so uncomfortable and when I’ve had a look down there with a mirror the lips are so dry that the two sides are sticking together and i have to kind of prise them apart (sorry tmi).

I’ve had a look online at vaginal moisturisers but feeling a bit overwhelmed at
all the different products available. Any advice on what to try?

You really need an appt with GP to get Vaginal oestrogen cream which Google says is a localised HRT used to treat vaginal and vulval dryness and irritation, particularly during menopause. It works by supplementing oestrogen.

I had something similar prescribed but didn’t use it. Now need an appt again.

Go to your doctor and get vaginal oestrogen prescribed - not Vagifem as that’s a pessary but Ovestin or Estriol cream, you can use it internally and externally. It makes such a difference. You can ask about systemic HRT at the same time if you wish. (I am 44 and been on both vaginal oestrogen and HRT since 37 as I went into early menopause due to autoimmune issues, vaginal dryness etc was the first thing to go)!

Estrogen gel amazing stuff actually works my dr prescribed it.

See your GP about HRT, at the very least you can get prescriptions for vaginal oestrogen pessaries or cream which do wonders for vulval atrophy including dryness. You can have these even if there are clinical reasons you can’t have systemic HRT.

There are over the counter treatments too eg MyGina I think it’s called but it’s cheaper to get prescription and the annual HRT prepayment certificate

Thank you everyone I’m going to make an appointment with my GP tomorrow. I did see online some online pharmacies that prescribe vaginal oestrogen but even that was confusing with all the different options. Glad to hear there is a solution!

Gina is vaginal Oestrogen in a tiny pessary with an applicator, you can buy from online pharmacies.

Op long term you probably want the prescription ones but if you want instant relief you can get the hormone free ones over the counter. Yes brand is a good one.

Gina 10 is good and you can buy it from boots. It really works for me.

@Anonymous6789 - I'm going through this as well - it's shit and you totally have my sympathy.

Anyone got any top tips?

Defo get some Estriol/Ovestin cream (prescription only) - you can apply externally as well as internally. Makes a world of difference.