UTI or menopause?

[IndieRocknRoll]

I know I need to see my GP next week but would like some advice before I go.

for the last month or so I’ve had a burning, raw uncomfortable feeling inside my vagina which steadily has got worse. Treated myself for thrush & this made no difference. My symptoms have now shifted to feeling like I need the loo all the time. I’m literally having to go every 30 mins & there’s a constant feeling of pressure in my bladder.
The pharmacist prescribed a 3 day course of antibiotics for a UTI but they’ve made no difference.

Does this sound like Vaginal atrophy?
im 45 no peri symptoms yet but is it worth me ordering some oestrogen cream? I’d need to lie about my age to order online as I’m under 50. Im getting pretty desperate as it’s so miserable. I’m unlikely to get to see a GP until later next week as I want to see a female doctor so will prob need to wait for an appointment.
Any advice appreciated!

I'd check for infection first. It could be bacterial vaginosis or a UTI which hasn't responded to the antibiotics but also perimenopause makes UTIs more likely. I'm not a health professional but vaginal atrophy would be something which might be looked at after everything else is ruled out.

If it is that, I think again that makes UTIs more likely but you can just get vaginal oestrogen (if you don't want to go on systemic HRT) which I've heard can help.

Your GP is the person to advise though so glad you're going.

Classic VA. Estriol cream will help enormously but do get checked for UTI as VA makes you more susceptible x

Thank you. Slightly better today but have taken all of my antibiotics now.
Have to admit I’d heard of all the classic meno symptoms such as the hot flushes but no one mentioned this!!

No, no one does. I thought menopause was hot flushes. I’ve never had one but the VA was apparently a medical mystery to all the GPs at my practice. Unbelievable. HRT cream will sort it x

Yeah, I really wish that people would shut up about hot flashes. It's like the only symptom GPs seem to know. When actually my symptoms were:

Brain fog
Lack of libido
Muscle pain
Worsening mental health
Worsening hangovers on barely any alcohol (I gave up drinking in the end)
Sleep issues
Sweat smelling different
Struggling with exercise but kept powering through
Weight gain despite healthy diet and exercise

Oh and probably more. As well as hot flashes. Which were pretty much nothing in comparison to the rest.