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[Dazz]

I am now 60, and for the last 10 years I have tried everything to relieve my menopause problem of vaginal atrophy. When I say everything, I mean: oral HRT, Vagifem vaginal pessaries, Ovestin cream, every lubricant that is on the market, both prescription and otc, and nothing has relieved my symptoms. I have also had a bladder prolapse repair, as my gynaecologist thought that might help. I have seen numerous specialists, GPs, and a gynaecological physiotherapist, who have all been extremely caring and sympathetic, but I am still unable to have sexual intercourse. My vaginal tissues bleed and tear, and the discomfort is intolerable.

3 years ago after prolonged use of Ovestin cream, a new GP frightened me by saying I had been using it for too long on it's own, and immediately sent me for an internal pelvic ultrasound, which luckily showed no problems. As the Ovestin cream wasn't helping anyway, I stopped using it, and resigned myself to a sexless life.

2 weeks ago I had a one off vaginal discharge which was a brownish yellow colour, and then a week later it happened again. I saw a new GP who said I should use a small amount of Ovestin cream just on the outer vaginal area 2 or 3 times a week, and should continue with it indefinitely. She examined me, and said she was confident that the 2 incidences of discharge I had experienced were slight bleeding from the atrophied vaginal lining, and that even though I was unable to have sex, and had tried everything available, I should try and maintain the tissues with a low dose of oestrogen. I am not entirely happy with that advice, as I am not convinced that indefinite use of oestrogen only, even low usage, is a good idea.

Any thoughts?

Dazz

[CLKD]

Use it 

Your GP seems to know what she is suggesting will work.  That proverbial bus might happen along in the morning  . 

I would be concerned as to why nothing eased symptoms, did you stick with the prescriptions, i.e. apply as instructed?  I find that occasionally I have to add 3 successive nights of Ovestin1mg - have used it now for about a year, 4/5 times a week.  But if symptoms so much as niggle 

I'm 61 …… and it felt like razor blades up there  until I used the Ovestin.

[dahliagirl]

I too think that you may not have used enough.

I need 3 vagifem a week and tablets to keep symptoms at bay, not 2.  The initial 2 week dose only eased the obvious symptoms and it has taken me 2 years to get to this level of stability.  I also have to use the actigel with it regularly to keep thrush symtoms away.

It is a very small amount of oestrogen in the right place, and 2 vagifem a week is equivalent to one tablet a year, in terms of what your body absorbs.

[Taz2]

Hi Dazz - are you still using full HRT? I needed both that and Vagifem to keep the tissues from splitting.

Taz x

[Dazz]

Thanks for the replies. I'm not on HRT now, but was taking it and using Vagifem pessaries at the same time for over a year with no improvement  

When I was using the Ovestin I did use a lot, continuously, internally and externally, but when a new Dr saw me she was horrified that I had been using so much for so long, and sent me for a pelvic ultrasound! It was at that point I stopped using it, because it seemed I was at risk with no benefits. I was also experiencing slight continual bleeding and nausea, similar to morning sickness 

I had carcinoma in situ of the cervix in 1980 when I was only 25. The treatment for it at the time was a cone biopsy, and I have had normal smears since, my last one about 6 months ago. As you can imagine, that was very frightening at the time, and so I'm even more anxious not to give myself any additional risks.

My GP is at a total loss to explain why none of the hormone treatments have helped, and is happy to refer me back to the gynaecologist, but we both agreed that I have exhausted all available options, and there would be little point in going round in circles. I really feel I'm a hopeless case! 

I have started using the Ovestin as my GP suggested, and hopefully that will maintain things as they are. I have a lot in my life to be thankful for, not least of all a long suffering wonderful husband, who is so loving and supportive 

Dazz

[dahliagirl]

I hope not Dazz -I could be where you are in 10 years time!    My regime is perfect for me at the moment, but I am being forced to change GP practice so that may be difficult to keep up 

The cervix issue sounds very hopeful if you have had clear smears for such a long time.

[CLKD]

It could be an absorption issue?  I think you need to see a Gynae or maybe send Dr Currie on here a PM?  There is a charge but you may get some advice which your GP isn't aware of.  Maybe contacting a Charity au fait with your previous cancer treatment, i.e. 'ova come'? and ask the question there?

Let us know how you get on.

[Dazz]

Thanks CLKD.   Think I've had a bit of a light bulb moment with your comment about a possible absorption problem. I have mild joint hypermobility syndrome, and that affects the way my skin and tissues react to medication, because the collagen is defective. For example, my skin bruises and tears easily, and local anaesthetics are always a problem too, as they are not transported efficiently through the collagen.

Not sure if there is going to be a solution, but I am emailing Dr Currie, so thank you for that suggestion

I will let you know how I get on.

Dazz

[CLKD]

Glad to be the one to switch on the bulb  - let us know how you get on!