Hi pepperminty
As we know, we're all different however in my experience - YES vag Utro did make atrophy worse (even at lower 100mg) - burning, itching, redness - also bladder aggravation - and upset the natural flora/balance of the vag. Vagifem, Ovestin and Oestradiol cream wasn't that great.
I could never have considered taking Utro conti, not only due to vag irritation but also the increased depression, it would absorb immediately systemically affecting neurotransmitters/serotonin levels and build up horribly in my system. In spite of it supposedly being 'local' absorption in the vag, it clearly is not in certain cases.
But that's just (unfortunate) me - I have discovered over time that I'm super-sensitive to micro doses of *any* hormone treatment - and I'm 'not the norm'. Lucky me eh.
Some women may use more Vagifem in the lead up to and during taking vag Utro to reduce Utro absorption - that never worked for me - plus who wants to keep shoving all these different hormones up there. Over years, it becomes exhausting.
HRT is great for those who it works for - however there are large numbers of women for whom any type of HRT simply does not work and one can spend *many* years trying different combos - all to no avail.
I'm trialling a year off HRT - I find sea buckthorn oil and high strength fish oil keep VA under control.
Sorry for any negativity - just saying it how it is.