Vaginal dryness after hysterectomy

[ShetlandTony]

Hi all

I had a hysterectomy in August. Lost uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes but kept ovaries. I'm 45. There have been some bumpy times since the surgery with a UTI and another infection. I'm still not feeling right which is depressing.

So to my question - has anyone had increased vaginal dryness after hysterectomy? If so I'd be interested to hear your experiences and if you solved the problem.

I have been using vaginal estrogen and am on systemic HRT as well. Saw a gynae recently who suggested moving to Ovestin (1mg/g estriol) and repeating the loading dose. I'm a little over a week into this and not feeling any better and am still uncomfortable a lot of the time.

Anyhow I'd be interested to hear your experiences or even if you are the same age as me i.e approaching menopause but haven't had these symptoms after hysterectomy.

Thanks in advance xxxxx

Not hysterectomy, just menopause. I was told to get a vaginal moisturiser such as Yes VM. These are moisturisers rather than lubricants, although I don't know what the difference is.

SweetSpot Labs Rescue Balm,
Mia Vita from FemmePharma

ive heard these are good

I've had the same surgery- keep up with the vaginal estrogen, it takes a while to make a difference. I also use two products which really help- the expensive option is Naydaya victory oil, and the cheaper option is Yes oil based lubricant (the vaginal moisturiser does nothing for me). I moisturise after bath/ shower every day!

Thanks @hemulensdress . Interesting what you say about the Yes moisturizer not being any good as I've also tried that. I'll see if the oil based one is better.

Did you feel 'normal' in the end?

Yes, I'm fine now despite having a prolapse which has its own set of symptoms... my gynae recently commented what great condition my vaginal tissue is in (weirdly proud of that) - the vaginal estrogen is the magic, though it took a couple of months to really work... I will never be parted from it!

Also, may I ask @unsync or anyone else who's had the same thing. Did it make you feel 'UTI-ish' at the same time?

Not as such. No burning when you pee, but hot and uncomfortable. I actually use a French moisturiser which contains hyaluronic acid. There's much more choice over there. (The one I referenced was recommended by nurse).

I've had same surgery (though kept cervix as well as ovaries) and noticed I'm actually more lubricated than I used to be. I thought ovaries caused that with the hormones but maybe cervix has something to do with it too?

Thanks @Disturbia81 . I've read that the cervix has a role in keeping you hydrated down there. Unfortunately I didn't have the option to keep mine.

Hi OP, menopause rather than hysterectomy here but yes- mine also made me feel UTI-ish and was miserable on a daily basis.

A rotating combo of Ovestin, Vagisil and a v plain Vit E/coconut oil based emollient helped; but progressing onto full HRT has probably helped the most- is that an option for you?

Thanks @BenditlikeBridget . I am on full HRT estrogen only as have no uterus. The gynaecologist did suggest upping it to two pumps from one but I have yet to try this. Perhaps I should.

I know about the feeling miserable everyday thing!

Thanks for your other tips.

Are you having any other menopausal symptoms?
I have both ovaries out and I’m on 100 patch, I think 1 pump is the same as 25? If it is then I think increasing the dose to 2 will help a lot and you still won’t be on max dose so you could go up further.

I would definitely try upping to two pumps. It improved almost overnight for me and it isn’t 100% still but nowhere like it was. Good luck:)

Hi @Gaz98 . No other menopausal symptoms apart from the issue described above. Mood and night sweats improved on one pump. I'll give it a go anyhow and can go back down again if no improvement. Thanks for the advice xxx

Thanks @BenditlikeBridget I'd love overnight improvement!

Hi all. Well here I am 6 weeks into treatment with Ovestin (and also systemic HRT). My symptoms are very up and down. I sometimes feel almost normal but then I'm back to sore and irritated vagina plus feel UTIish. On days when I feel OK I'm optimistic but on other days when symptoms are worse I'm pretty fed up. Can anyone offer me any rays of hope? Xxx

Menopausal too and my last smear so sooo uncomfortable - they told me to see a gp regarding dryness but not done it yet - l totally took my vagina for granted

Totally get what you mean @Raindropskeepfallinonmyhead . I used to have a very good vagina that just minded its own business.

Do go and see a doctor soon though. Best to start as soon as possible.

Xxxx