Help for pre-menstrual vaginal soreness / dryness

[Justwondering36]

Hello, a year ago I had a UTI and then thrush and then a reaction to the thrush cream which resulted in dermatitis and an ulcer on my labia, which finally healed around 2.5 months ago with the assistance of steroid cream. During this I’ve been fully checked out for all STIs and other infections and everything is all clear.

I’m getting soreness in my vagina for around 10 days before my period and I think it’s down to dryness. It’s definitely inside the vagina, not vulva. I’m 37 and my periods have been a little wonky (a few days late, a few days only - definitely within normal range but they used to be like clockwork, every 28 days always starting early evening)
so I assume it’s early stage peri. I’ve tried Replens, Vagisil, VM Yes and although the soreness reduces/goes my vulva skin then gets irritated, raw and sore. I have sensitive skin generally.

I’m at a loss with what to do. The sexual health clinic sent me back to GP as they’ve ruled out everything, the GP isn’t interested as my period are normal as far as they are concerned and I seem to react to every product I try.

Any suggestions? Do I just accept I am going to be sore for 10 days a month?

Bumping

I’d love to know this too. I’m your age and it’s a nightmare.

@sawadekah Hopefully someone can give us some ideas!!

Dryness and UTI’s are all signs and symptoms of perimenopause, vaginal atrophy (now called urogenital symptoms of menopause UGSMnor GSM). Eostrogen creams such as Blissel and Ovestin or Vagifem pessaries can help strengthen the tissue. There’s a VA fb group.

Spoken to the GP today. They won’t prescribe me a topical oestrogen cream but have ordered blood test to check for ovarian insufficiency. I’ll get them done but as my periods are still regular I’m assuming they won’t show anything.

@Justwondering36 thanks for the update. At least they are still looking for answers, re blood test, but yes unlikely to show anything as they fluctuate anyway.
it is possible to buy Ovestin from an online pharmacy, if you have the funds and want to try it. The amount of oestrogen in a years worth of topical oestrogen is less than a days worth of systemic hrt, and carries no increased risk of bc, so very safe to try.

@LuckyCharmz Thank you! I am slightly nervous about just trying it over the counter with my skin sensitivity but I might give it ago. Just had another UTI. Didn’t have one for 10 years and now 3 in 11 months. I know that’s not loads compared to some people though so I’m lucky really.