Clitoral atrophy

[canorcant]

I’ve been on HRT a few months as well as the oestrogen cream. I’ve got a bit more energy and my libido has come back a bit but still my orgasms are either non existent, or a sad little ‘meh’ rather than my usual ones. I’ve noticed recently that my clitoris has basically shrunk as to be almost invisible, which explains a lot. Everything else is fine, no pain or dryness etc. Has anybody had a good result at reversing this? I’ve got a doctor’s appt soon and want to go in prepared. Should I be asking for HRT to be tweaked, for a referral to try testosterone, for a meno clinic or specialist? I’m devastated and feeling like I'm defective or something, as I’m only 42 and up until the past few months enjoyed a good, healthy sex life with my partner. I don’t want to believe that this part of my life is over already!

I noticed similar and I'm the same age so went on the oestrogen pessaries which have really helped and I notice if I don't use them, but you're already on the cream and I think that does the same. I'd say go back and get your hrt tweaked, perhaps pessaries would suit you better.

Discuss this with your gp obviously, but libido/sexual function is the one thing a gp might prescribe testosterone for. (It would be off licence, your other HRT would have to be optimised first, not all GPs will do it).

Thanks @olderbutwiser that is what I have read about testosterone, and GPs aren’t always the ones who will give it, but it’s worth me asking anyway.

@watchingplanesicantafford I don’t have a pessary, it’s just the cream with an applicator so I use it internally and externally. Actually it’s only since I’ve been using it that I’ve noticed the atrophy, but that’s probably coincidental as I don’t see how the cream would shrink it! I’ll ask about the pessary just in case.

The cream would absolutely not shrink it. Check if you can use a pessary tablet internally and the cream externally. I think you would be able to. Then ask for a blood test to measure your testosterone levels and a referral to a menopause specialist. I am on testosterone and that was the missing piece of the puzzle for me (already on oestrogel, coil and the pessary). Good luck

Also in the same situation.
I’ve been on topical/oral HRT since February, I discussed at the time with my GP about lack of libido and she advised 6 months of HRT first to see if anything improved.
It didn’t, I had blood tests - I had good estrogen levels but my testosterone was very low, and my lovely GP was happy to prescribe. She also gave me the pessary to help improve the situation ‘down there.
I’ve been on it for 4 weeks so far, nothing really has changed as yet, sadly!

Testosterone, and masturbation. I have erotic dreams again and keen to shag DH.

I have this and have found that a good amount of lube on that area helps a lot for manual play. Oral helps too, but even so, it takes much more ‘technique’ and time to reach orgasm. I know it might not be a great help but maybe worth trying (if you don’t already) until you get sorted with the testosterone.

@JaneIves Testosterone is a slow burner and my very lovely female menopause specialist that prescriped Testorsterone to me said it may take up to six months. Also, testosterone is not 'just' for sexual libido, It is about the get up and go, motivation, brain clarity, better sleep. A libido for life. I hope it starts to work for you. It has really helped me and @BigSkies2022 sounds like you have too

What cream are you using? There are two strengths. However, even on the stronger strength, it still didn’t help my atrophy and I was instructed to use it every other day as twice weekly wasn’t enough. I still had atrophy until I switched to Vagifem, but I need Vagifem every other day, which is still supposed to be very safe. Some women do need more than twice weekly, if that’s what you’re on?. I’m also on HRT.