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[laurathelynn]

Hi,
I'm on Medicare, so I don't know if I'm stuck with my current OB/GYN, but I don't feel like she listens to me but is rather just pushing a certain medication that she's profiting from.  I have Atrophied Vagina.  Does anyone know if I can go to my regular doctor to be treated for this, or do I have to go to my OB/GYN?  And do any of you recommend one type of AV treatment over another?  Mine is an odd situation -- my husband was paralyzed nearly 2 years ago.  He can walk with a cane now, and he can have sex, but it's very awkward and limited.  He's only got feeling in parts of his body.  Anyway, the point is that we've tried over-the-counter lubricants, but it makes my VG TOO slippery and he is unable to "complete the job"  (if you know what I mean).

So, I really believe I need to begin using some kind of HRT.  Do you recommend the creams or taking the oral pill?

[CLKD]

   R you State-side?

Have a look at the menus, top of screen.  Vaginal atrophy has several treatments which are used every night for 2 weeks to plump up the vagina which makes it less sore; then the medication is used 2/3 times a week.  My GP prescribes for me as necessary.

I use Ovestin 1mg cream at night, every 4/5th night.  Stops that feeling of razor blades 'up there' .  I'll bounce the threads about VA if I can find them for you to read.

Let us know more about your symptoms, how old you are, periods etc. 

[laurathelynn]

Thanks, CLKD!  It's great to have such a place where I can write and learn.

Yes, I'm stateside -- in Maryland, in fact.  I'm 51 years old, my last period was the end of November 2012 when I was 48.  I started noticing a change when I was 47 years old.  My periods were getting strange and I was having other physical discomforts.  That was also when I started losing my libido.  Eventually, my hubby and I just rarely had sex.  I noticed when we did, it would cause me to bleed and I felt VERY sore afterwards.  Now when we try, like you said, it feels like razor blades are inside me.  I stared having hot flashes about a year ago but have been taking Black Cohosh which seems to have taken them away.  On occasion I'm overcome with a hot flash, but it's rare anymore.

Have you heard of DHEA?  Do you know of anyone who's used it?  I've read that it's best to take them vaginally and here's just one of the articles I've read =(http://www.clevelandclinicwellness.com/Features/Pages/DHEA-Suppository.aspx).

Anyway, I will look above as you've suggested, and yes please do bounce the threads about VA if you can find them.

Also, I had to start seeing a therapist a few years ago (when I was about 47) and a psychiatrist because I couldn't stop crying.  I felt so depressed and anxious.  They now have me on 3 medications for depression and anxiety, but from what I'm reading, I wonder now if it was just the menopause causing this?!

Appreciatively,
laurathelynn

[CLKD]

Menopause plays havoc with emotions  ………. many GPs prescribe ADs a a first resort rather than investigating the possibility of hormonal influences.  What have they given you?

I take a betablocka at night to ease early morning anxiety surges plus a low-maintenance dose of antidepressant.  That's since the 1990s.  Peri-menopause happened when I was about 40 something ……..  I also have an emergency tablet for when the panic attacks floor me.

Some ladies talk about DHEA.  If you use the search button you should find relative topics.  Keep browsing, keep asking - I did bump some threads which should show on your screen.

[Kathleen]

Hello laurathelynn and welcome to the forum.

Here in the UK the doctor we initially approach is called a General Practitioner or GP for short, who prescribe most medications and also refer us to specialists, known as Consultants, if necessary. From reading other US forums I think your Primary Care Physician is the equivalent to our GP and I would have thought that this doctor would be able to help you.

Your physical and emotional problems sound like the menopause and hopefully you can get the HRT that you need to feel better.

Wishing you well and keep posting.

K.

[laurathelynn]

I'm SO happy with my new OB/GYN!  She really listened to me and got my entire "period" history.  She agreed with me that though I was on the "younger side" when going into menopause, I'm definitely postmenopausal now.  She recommended a low dose of Estrace cream and 25 mgs of DHEA as an oral supplement (it's supposed to help libido).  Anyway, At least the DHEA seems to be sharpening my mind again.  The doctor told me to wait at least a month before trying intercourse with my husband. So, will wait and see how things go in that dept.  I'll be in touch!

[GypsyRoseLee]

Welcome laurathelynn

The emotional effects you describe are classic menopause symptoms due to low/lack of oestrogen.

I spent nearly a year feeling randomly depressed and extremely anxious for no apparent reason. I also suffered with surges of inexplicable panic and dread.

I was only 42 at the time and having regular periods so never considered my hormones could be to blame. I eventually saw a doctor who made the connection and I have been on HRT for nearly 12 weeks.

It took a while but it's finally starting to work. I have felt very much better over the last couple of weeks.