Is this perimenapause or something else?

[Soootired23]

It all started in April last year. It all started as an itch in my bottom (but I also had very dry skin everywhere).

Long story short, after being told it was LS, and then eczema, I was then told it was psoriasis. Mind you, only the GP that diagnosed as LS saw an actual flare up, and the psoriasis diagnosis came from a dermatologist looking at photos I took.

However, no matter how much I follow my treatment, I'm always sore. I sometimes develop bleeding sores, and I'm extremely dry down there and I can feel my labia swell. I also don't lubricate as well as I used to.

As mentioned I also suffer from extremely tight and dry skin everywhere around my body.

I also haven't been able to shift any weight even though I kept my activity leveled and diet the same, I even consulted a dietitian and ended up gaining weight!

Most importantly, my cycles have gone down from 26 days to 25.

I can't wear jeans anymore and I'm always getting I'll get a massive flare up at any given moment ;(

Forgot to add that it feels like nerve damage, like a current flowing down there, but it's instant and the feeling normally fades away.

How old are you OP? Are you anywhere near peri menopause? If so it could be a lack estrogen as this can produce these kind of symptoms. If you are younger it is still possible to have a hormone imbalance. Ask your GP for topical estriol to apply and see if that makes a difference.

Sorry, just saw you are approaching peri, in which case it could well be the culprit. Definitely try the topical estrogen (estriol) and use every day to begin with, then adjust to whatever dose suits you..

I'm turning 41 next week! So I think I'm still potentially "young" but gosh it's horrible

@Soootired23 Vaginal Atrophy can cause all the symptoms you describe and is often overlooked. Please go back to your GP and ask for topical Estriol 1mg cream. ( used to be called Ovestin cream but has changed recently) If you dont want to use the applicator due to soreness just use your fingers as it might be easier and more comfortable. GP may say to use 2x weekly but it's fine to use every day as a loading dose and adjust accordingly after that. I do hope this helps OP!

Ps you are still young but you are old enough to have VA sadly so it's well worth seeing if this helps. Good luck!

I actually think that's what it is! I also saw that many get misdiagnosed with LS when it's actually VA, so it makes sense

You would be considered young for perimenopause. Of course it’s always a consideration and it happens but 40 is generally not in the ballpark for the majority of women.

Maybe consider visiting a sexual health clinic to rule out herpes (purely because you talk of bleeding sores and ‘flare ups’ which would fit) and then I’d try a trial of vaginal oestrogen which would help if it is atrophy.

you can also add in hydromol ointment each day which is very soothing

The sores clearly come from the dryness/rubbing. And then my DH would have it and his member is perfectly healthy! (Plus I got tested during pregnancy).

I also already use something similar to hydromol, and sometimes that's enough to keep me comfortable but regardless I'll always end up with some sort of soreness/itch