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Who knew your fanny shrivelled up and ran away when you hit mid 50s!?!

428 replies

shrumps · 28/09/2026 19:24

I certainly didn’t and I miss it! The only part of my body to become skinny and Im absolutely pissed off. Why did no one tell me about this?? And now I feel I can’t tell anyone else in case it’s just me.

OP posts:
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5
GarlicEverything · 05/10/2026 14:46

Changedforsafety · 04/10/2026 22:09

My doc mentioned Hiprex to me when I’d gone with terrible UTI feeling like it was a solution to the inconvenience of women having frequent UTIs . Looking back it makes me annoyed that they simply layer another drug on when it is likely menopause related. Anyway , a bit more vaginal oestrogen has sorted it out.

Yes, this is why the - admittedly irritating - menopause awareness campaign matters. A doctor can hear hundreds of patients associating their symptoms with menopause but, from where the doctor's sitting, it's no different to the hundreds associating theirs with electromagnetic fields or chlorine in the tap water.

Patient has a UTI - medical training indicates treatment for UTI.
Patient has itchy vulva - indicates cream to soothe symptom.
Entirely reasonable, but better 'syndrome' awareness validates patient's connection of her symptoms to her hormones. Doctor can suggest treatments aimed at the root cause.

NancyThompson · 05/10/2026 16:27

ArcangelaTarabotti · 05/10/2026 13:38

This is going to sound absolutely bonkers!
Have been using the cream for (about a week?) now and definite improvement - itching seems to been gone.
However /this sounds ridiculous/seems like my thin lips (on my face I mean 😂) bottom lip feels plumper and shinier (weird description I know!)
I definitely have NOT been applying it there!! Washing hands after application and don’t touch my iner lip with my hands anyway.
Could it be related? Is the tissue similar?
I know it must be my imagination but it does feel plumper 😂😂

My boobs got massive and very tender when I first started using the cream, it can go a bit systemic while the tissue is thin, then once it's restored not so much, so it's plausible I guess!

ArcangelaTarabotti · 05/10/2026 16:29

NancyThompson · 05/10/2026 16:27

My boobs got massive and very tender when I first started using the cream, it can go a bit systemic while the tissue is thin, then once it's restored not so much, so it's plausible I guess!

😂 not complaining.
Just sooooo happy that the itching has subsided (and that I’ve found my lovely tribe😃😃)

NancyThompson · 05/10/2026 16:30

ArcangelaTarabotti · 05/10/2026 16:29

😂 not complaining.
Just sooooo happy that the itching has subsided (and that I’ve found my lovely tribe😃😃)

May I say congratulations on your newly itch-free fanny, and welcome!

ArcangelaTarabotti · 05/10/2026 17:00

NancyThompson · 05/10/2026 16:30

May I say congratulations on your newly itch-free fanny, and welcome!

😂

MurphysColeslaw · 05/10/2026 18:27

There has to be some marketing mileage in ‘welcome to the itch free fanny’ and ‘keep your flaps’ While I’m not suggesting it’s suitable material for a t-shirt slogan I can’t help but feel we are missing an opportunity.

ElizaToolittle · 05/10/2026 22:10

GlomOfNit · 01/10/2026 10:51

This whole fucking thread needs to be pinned, and possibly published and circulated to GPs everywhere, and maybe questions in Parliament, why not? Seriously, it's one of the best and most informative and empowering threads on the Meno board - hell on MN generally - I've ever read. And while I suppose we must all, drearily, be aware that there may be an entire host of horrible men wanking away to tales of shrivelled labia, I think this is too important a topic to self-censor. If we can't talk openly about this on MN, then where??

It's a real kick up my bum to remember to use my topical oestrogen cream regularly, too. Apart from helping with thinning skin and plumpness, it also helps massively with the odd tiny pee leak overnight. Also DO MY KEGELS bloody hell, I'm so stupid to forget this stuff/can't be arsed. Grin

My fanny is rather sad now. Labia majora are thinning. They're actually skinny. Inner flaps are definitely still flapping around but they can be sore at times (USE YOUR CREAM you daft eejit). Pubes are falling out at a rate of knots, especially where my knicker elastic rubs. My clit is most definitely shrunken. Sad But it does still work, just about. Sometimes it's just impossible to get any interest down there, but other times it's better. I also recently invested in a Lem (clit suction device) and, well, we should all have one of those. They're amazing. I'm treating it as a medical aid to improve blood flow.

One thing I did try but recently have discontinued is testogel (testosterone gel). I only saw a very slight possible uptick in libido but no increase in energy levels, and while at first I didn't think I was getting any side effects apart from massively hairy inner thighs, I'm convinced my head hair is thinning fast. Sad Plus, at about the same time I started to use it, I began to get hot flushes again. Not sure if it's incidental or not but I'm on HRT and they'd pretty much gone. So - testosterone isn't necessarily a holy grail to get hold of. I'm glad if it helps with clit shrinkage and libido for some women but please do watch the side effects.

Agreed!!

ArcangelaTarabotti · 07/10/2026 15:56

Fab GP!
Saw her today (see a different one every time so not seen her before).
Told her the whole story and how I’d been recommended the Ovess which is working.
She actually asked about orgasms which really impressed me - an actual doctor who recognizes the importance of sex! So said that yes it also appears to have improved the receptors. that area too ..
So is now prescribed.
Thank you OP!!

NancyThompson · 07/10/2026 21:36

Great news!
I had a weird experience with a GP. I'd initially got a private prescription, the practice nurse was approving and urged me to see the doctor to get it more cheaply, and the GP seemed really angry with me for doing so.
Examined me physically and was rough with me, while asking intrusive questions. Quite an upsetting experience really.

RosaNovella · 08/10/2026 11:06

NancyThompson · 07/10/2026 21:36

Great news!
I had a weird experience with a GP. I'd initially got a private prescription, the practice nurse was approving and urged me to see the doctor to get it more cheaply, and the GP seemed really angry with me for doing so.
Examined me physically and was rough with me, while asking intrusive questions. Quite an upsetting experience really.

That sounds like assault
I would be taking this further

NancyThompson · 08/10/2026 12:44

RosaNovella · 08/10/2026 11:06

That sounds like assault
I would be taking this further

Thank you for making me feel validated about it.
It's a bit tricky as it's a small place and my only surgery option so I'll probably take the cowards way out and try and avoid that particular GP in future. I was quite weepy the rest of the day though.

Some doctors are so weird about HRT and the menopause, I swear they acted like I'd bought heroin down a back alley.

Autumnandwintergardening · 09/10/2026 13:45

NancyThompson · 08/10/2026 12:44

Thank you for making me feel validated about it.
It's a bit tricky as it's a small place and my only surgery option so I'll probably take the cowards way out and try and avoid that particular GP in future. I was quite weepy the rest of the day though.

Some doctors are so weird about HRT and the menopause, I swear they acted like I'd bought heroin down a back alley.

Raise it with the practise manager please it sounds like assault

JinglingSpringbells · 09/10/2026 13:52

NancyThompson · 08/10/2026 12:44

Thank you for making me feel validated about it.
It's a bit tricky as it's a small place and my only surgery option so I'll probably take the cowards way out and try and avoid that particular GP in future. I was quite weepy the rest of the day though.

Some doctors are so weird about HRT and the menopause, I swear they acted like I'd bought heroin down a back alley.

You should seriously consider reporting this.
You don't need a physical examination and being rough/ asking intrusive questions is not acceptable at all. The dr sounds a bully and completely unprofessional.

NancyThompson · 09/10/2026 14:54

Thank you both. It was a few months ago now, I know I'm being pathetic but I just can't face the stress of a formal complaint process. It was a female doctor, don't know if that makes it any better?

JinglingSpringbells · 09/10/2026 15:13

NancyThompson · 09/10/2026 14:54

Thank you both. It was a few months ago now, I know I'm being pathetic but I just can't face the stress of a formal complaint process. It was a female doctor, don't know if that makes it any better?

No, it doesn't.
It should not make any difference.

RosaNovella · 09/10/2026 18:30

NancyThompson · 09/10/2026 14:54

Thank you both. It was a few months ago now, I know I'm being pathetic but I just can't face the stress of a formal complaint process. It was a female doctor, don't know if that makes it any better?

Im sorry you experienced that, I would absolutely report

The attitude you describe is Misogyny, even if its a woman
We are worthless and a nuisance, if only we pulled ourselves together , we wouldnt need HRT or it will give you cancer ...

Btw are you aware that you can buy a pre payment certificate for a year for HRT?
£18 I think or if you are over 60 free prescriptions anyway

Barleymoat · 13/10/2026 17:44

So I visited my GP yesterday (saw a senior HCP, not a GP) and she said a resounding NO to prescribing both the tablet pessaries and the oest cream. She actually said I shouldn't use the cream around the labia and it can cause it to harden??!!??

Anyone else been told this. I am lost now. Think I'll have to try and speak to a GP instead.

ArcangelaTarabotti · 13/10/2026 17:52

Barleymoat · 13/10/2026 17:44

So I visited my GP yesterday (saw a senior HCP, not a GP) and she said a resounding NO to prescribing both the tablet pessaries and the oest cream. She actually said I shouldn't use the cream around the labia and it can cause it to harden??!!??

Anyone else been told this. I am lost now. Think I'll have to try and speak to a GP instead.

In the meantime buy Gina and Ovesse.

UnaPersson · 13/10/2026 18:11

Barleymoat · 13/10/2026 17:44

So I visited my GP yesterday (saw a senior HCP, not a GP) and she said a resounding NO to prescribing both the tablet pessaries and the oest cream. She actually said I shouldn't use the cream around the labia and it can cause it to harden??!!??

Anyone else been told this. I am lost now. Think I'll have to try and speak to a GP instead.

You can order cream and pessaries from Boots Online doctors. I'm not sure if they are obliged to tell your GP, though. If so, and you prefer her not to know, there are other online pharmacies that have it. There's a little questionnaire to fill out first.

Your HCP is mistaken. How would it cause labia to harden, it's not superglue! I'm sure none of ours have or everyone would be warning each other.

The NICE guidelines say it's fine, and can be found online, although I can't provide a link right now.

Good luck!

Munchyseeds2 · 13/10/2026 18:29

Harden??
Never heard anything so stupid!!

FergoMcFergFace · 13/10/2026 18:51

Barleymoat · 13/10/2026 17:44

So I visited my GP yesterday (saw a senior HCP, not a GP) and she said a resounding NO to prescribing both the tablet pessaries and the oest cream. She actually said I shouldn't use the cream around the labia and it can cause it to harden??!!??

Anyone else been told this. I am lost now. Think I'll have to try and speak to a GP instead.

If we were to start an awards event for most ridiculous things HCPs have said, I think we'd have our winner right here.

Autumnallaround · 13/10/2026 19:23

Barleymoat · 13/10/2026 17:44

So I visited my GP yesterday (saw a senior HCP, not a GP) and she said a resounding NO to prescribing both the tablet pessaries and the oest cream. She actually said I shouldn't use the cream around the labia and it can cause it to harden??!!??

Anyone else been told this. I am lost now. Think I'll have to try and speak to a GP instead.

What's a senior HCP? A student?

They know nothing. Fuck me. How are women supposed to cope when they get this kind of shit.

NancyThompson · 13/10/2026 19:30

Barleymoat · 13/10/2026 17:44

So I visited my GP yesterday (saw a senior HCP, not a GP) and she said a resounding NO to prescribing both the tablet pessaries and the oest cream. She actually said I shouldn't use the cream around the labia and it can cause it to harden??!!??

Anyone else been told this. I am lost now. Think I'll have to try and speak to a GP instead.

I've never heard such bollox in my entire life. My petal is lovely and soft thanks very much! Crucially, it's still there.

You can buy Gina and Oveste OTC from a pharmacy rather than on prescription, if you're over 50, and as it's non-prescription there's no way your GP surgery will know.

Fuck me sidewise though that someone that ignorant is getting paid by the NHS and set loose on patients!

MyGingerNinja · 23/10/2026 21:20

Thanks so much for starting this thread OP and everyone that has added advice. I have had the same symptoms and just thought it was part of menopause and had to put up with it. Have now been prescribed with the pessaries which have already made a massive difference. Although just to add the pharmacist I saw wouldn’t prescribe both them and the cream that has been mentioned said it was either/or not both as both the same thing 🙄 but so far I’m happy the pessaries are helping massively x Thanks all x