Is this bloody vaginal atrophy?!

[BadgersSuitcase]

Just dawned on me that it might be. Ugh.

I’m 53 and must be in late perimenopause by now. I still have periods but just recently they’ve been all over the place in length, heaviness, etc etc.

I started HRT 3 weeks ago - 1 pump of oestrogel each day and 12 days of utrogestan. I dithered for ages about HRT but my sleep isn’t great right now and I’d had a few hot spells so decided it was time

The main issue though seems to be my vagina. It’s honestly some sort of full time job trying to keep it happy. It feels … weird. So a few months back I stated using Gina, the little tablets and I fling one up there a few times a week. Alongside that, I use a very plain vaginal oil every day

I’m not sore particularly and not hugely itchy. But sometimes I feel a bit .. dryer? Sort of. And slightly uncomfortable - like the opening feels more …open. It’s hard to explain

I whacked out a mirror and I think it looks same as it always did. No patches or anything. And it’s not hugely dry, just feels different. Like I’m aware of it

I’ve clearly become some sort of slave to my Fanny

anyway, what does this sound like? I’m suspecting it’s just overall very low oestrogen levels perhaps? Is one pump of gel a day enough? I didn’t want to start too high. Anything else I could do or should be doing? I use organic toilet paper and organic panty liners for example

thanks for reading this essay about my vajayjay

Oh and I spoke to my GP when she prescribed the HRT. She was guided by what I wanted really and I became too shy to really get down to loads of talk about my vagina so just mumbled about it feeling a bit dryer but I’m not sure that’s it exactly. Like I said, I’m aware of it more

It does sound like it. I'm Peri and my innards are falling out of my vajayjay but I seem to be in luck with the atrophy! Expect others will know more but I'd discuss with your gp.

@PootlePerkinandPosiegood stuff eh! I’ve managed to escape anything falling out but can’t have everything in life eh?

Sounds like it. You might need to give the hrt a bit longer to see if it helps at that dose. It might or might not help at any given dose - plenty of women need something topical even when they’re on a dose of hrt that works for all their other symptoms.

@WashableVelvetso will my Fanny shrivel up and fall off or something? Can I stop this? I’ve acted within weeks of noticing it. And can I take the Gina things daily?

sorry I know you’re not my GP but I doubt I’ll get an audience with her again any time soon

Topical oestrogens are often used alongside regular HRT with good results! :)

Would you rather....your giblets fall out of your fanny or your fanny shrivel and fall off. It's a tough one

We so priveledged society doesn't give a bugger about the wrong sort of wimmins ishoos and leaves us hanging (quite literally in some cases!)

I tried Gina for a few months but made no difference with the dryness. Now get ovesse from boots, and after the initial 14 day treatment a massive improvement. A pump twice a week and a little bit on the outside keeps things plumped up too

Is

@fisherhatesgravel72can you use it if you still have periods? Is it something you can have prescribed or is it just over the counter? Thanks!

Post menopause vaginal atrophy presented in me as dryness and frequent UTI symptoms. My GP prescribed low dose estriol cream which has been brilliant. It might be worth a discussion.

I dont have any answers but when I walk around it sort of feels like Ive got no underwear or trousers on. I cant explain it. I have to sort of think, am I wearing clothes? (along with trying to remember my name and address.....)

Im also 53 and still in peri. A couple of years ago I was having quite a lot of leaking accidents, not really feeling the wee come out. That seems to have lessened a bit. Also nightime weeing has stopped.

Ovestin cream. Topical oestrogen cream. 100%. Game changer alongside your HRT.

You need vaginal oestrogen gel/pessary

I think I’m going to fill in the online form of doom on the GP practice website and ask to be prescribed something different to the blue stick Gina things. I actually don’t think they’re making much difference to anything whatsoever

So Ill ask for something else to shove up my hoop and hope they agree to prescribe something different

@soupyspoonah the glamour eh?

Yeah I'd bite the bullet and do the form. I'm sure there's something that can help- don't be fobbed off.

Add in Estriol or Ovestin.

There is a really good Vaginal Atrophy group on fb, very busy with lots of resources.

Thanks OP, I needed a new name.

I hope you get sorted out

I second Estriol.......and Vagifem pessaries

Thanks Cesarina. I recommended estriol cream to my cousin who’s had great results. Her daughter was prescribed it privately.

I have atrophy and most likely vulval eczema, I was advised to use emulsifying ointment. Quite inexpensive to buy and I do feel it helps the dryness and soreness.

Estriol! Ask your GP. You vagina will thank you.

Estriol is amazing.