![welcomemm :welcomemm:](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/welcomemm.gif)
alternatives may work for a while but if the hormones take over, benefit may be lost. There is a 'room' where ladies have posted their experiences.
Crippling thrush? is it or is it vaginal atrophy? we have threads++ here about *that* one
![Roll Eyes ::)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/rolleyes.gif)
.
As oestrogen levels drop the body may become dry: skin, hair, nostrils, deep in the ears, eyes, vagina ...... also muscles may become lax = aches and pains
![Sad :(](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/sad.gif)
. VA treatment is a different type of HRT and often essential in keeping the vaginal area healthy, the idea being that lubricants may help but won't plump up the vaginal walls as HRT does. For me it felt like razor blades up there
![Shocked :o](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/shocked.gif)
, once treatment started there was a vast improvement. Some ladies are so dry down there that the 'lips' seal
![Lips Sealed :-X](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/lipsrsealed.gif)
. I also use
KY Jelly prior to sex ...........
Maybe read the green treatment advice top of the pages. Make notes
![Wink ;)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/wink.gif)
. Ask!