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[Patchsmama]

Hi Everyone

Almost 6 years ago I had a surgical menopause after a TAH & BSO for a borderline ovarian tumour (stage 1).  I chose to not have HRT (I was 50 at the time) and have carried on through the hot flushes, anxiety, tiredness and mood swings.  It's not been pleasant at times. 

Over the past year, I've had a few UTIs and last week started with increased vaginal dryness, feeling like I need a wee but not like it is another UTI.  I'm guessing it's VA :-(   I saw my GP about 4 months ago after a UTI and we discussed vaginal oestrogen (Vagifem) and he assured me that it is completely safe with no risks whatsoever.  I get so anxious about health and wouldn't want to take something if I spent the whole time worrying about whether it was causing something. 

Has anyone been in the same situation?  Does anyone know exactly how safe it is?  Any help would be gratefully received.  I'm currently using Vagisil Prohydrate (GP also prescribed Replens but I read the side effects of that and haven't used it - yes, I am that bad!!) but the problem is still there and it says it can be used only once every 3 days.  I've also ordered some Yes VM today to try.

Thanks so much :-)

[Hurdity]

Hi Patchsmama

 

Nothing is 100% safe eg life!

It's as safe as it can be. The amount of oestrogen you get into the bloodstream is absolutely minute compared with full HRT. Even though there are no very long term studies into its use , because of this (tiny dose) it is thought to be associated with minimal risk. The only area where people have expressed concern is the potential effect on the uterus (even though the dose is so small) but you don't have one so zero risk there! VA does not go away so I would get some sort of vaginal oestrogen asap . There are several others besides vagifem listed here:
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/dryness.php

Also, is there any reason why you are not trying HRT? There really is no need to suffer those symptoms especially if you;ve had them since age 50. Post-menopause is for the rest of your life and if you are still getting symptoms then you may be one woman for whom these don't stop for many years (although they may stop next year!). You will also be giving your bones and heart extra protection but better started sooner than later as ideally it should be started within 5 years max 10 of menopause for max benefit.

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

Morning!  Quality of Life.  4 me it was like razor blades   . up there.  After several urine infection-type symptoms my GP recognised the signs and prescribed 'ovestin'.  Once you've done the 2 weeks use every night and you drop 'vagifem' down as recommended, it's a matter of managing symptoms.  When mine niggle I find 'nurofen' 3 times a day really eases that "need to pee" feeling.

Let us know how you get on.

[Patchsmama]

Morning, ladies.  Thanks so much for replying.  I've just taken a sample into the GPs to get dipsticked. If there's nothing on it, I will cash in the prescription for Vagifem that I've had sitting in my drawer for a couple of months.  Didn't help that the receptionist challenged me as to what GP had asked for the sample, told me there wasn't enough (I know there was as I'm an ex nurse and you need only a tiny amount for the dipstick), then huffed at me. Felt very tearful when I left. 

Thanks so much again. I really hope life can improve. I think with all the Covid-19 and lockdown it's all got a bit much 😔 xxx

[CLKD]

However: dipstick tests shows nowt.  All samples need to go to a Lab. to be grown.

So get that prescription changed up and begin treatment this evening.  ;-)

The idea for localised HRT is to plump up the vaginal tissues and increase lubrication and dryness certainly makes areas itch.  Sore.  Which aggravates the bladder. 

[Kathleen]

Hello Patchsmama and welcome to the forum.

My  VA is fairly mild at  the moment but I have found that liberal use of YesVM moisturiser has helped a lot.

There is a suggestion that diet may contribute to UTIs and you may want to look at the research on NutritionFacts.Org.

I am sorry to learn that you have had such a horrible time with your menopause. Your hysterectomy likely made this especially hard. May I ask how you have coped for six years without HRT? Have your symptoms resolved or are you still on the thick of it?

I'm sorry that I can't be of more help to you and I hope you feel better soon.

Take care and keep posting.

K.

[Patchsmama]

Hi Kathleen

Many thanks for answering and for your kind words. To be honest, I don't know how I've managed at times. I can't remember the last time I felt like myself, full of energy and really happy.  I think the main problem is that the borderline tumour is at the back of my mind a lot of the time. It wasn't cancer but it completely shocked me and, when I get symptoms like this, I immediately think is it recurring. I was told that it was extremely unlikely that I'd have any further problems. However, the consultant gave me no advice about menopause whatsoever. When I asked about her before discharge, he said it wasn't absolutely necessary  as I was not under 50. 

My GP is very kind and helpful and gave me the option. As I'm petrified of anything triggering anything off, I just decided to try to put up with it. I think having been a nurse hasn't helped as I know too much!  it's not been easy at all. I'm sleeping better now, weirdly facial oils seem to help but, now the hot weather is here, the hot flushes seem to be back too. I think the worst thing, until now, has been the feeling down and tearful and the anxiety. I never feel like socialising really (just as well at present!). We have a 16 year old son and it worries me that he?ll remember his mum as this worrying person who doesn't do much.  Thankfully I have a very patient husband. We've not been able to do anything in the bedroom dept for months, it's just too painful, seemed to lead to UTIs and I'd imagine now would be impossible because of VA.

So sorry to go on!!!  I know that I need the Vagifem (or more) really, it's just bringing myself to use it and to then not spend the whole time worrying about side effects 🙄.

So glad that yours seems under control. Long may it last!!! Xxx

[CLKD]

A little knowledge and all that: but listen up, we've been there and found treatment works ;-).  Try it for 4 weeks and you can review.  I think once symptoms are eased you will realise how badly you feel right now.  Quality of Life for the whole family?

At 16 DS is old enough to learn about hormones ;-). 

The Consultant is incorrect  - he needs a  .   HRT should be discussed WELL B4 any surgery is contemplated but it's an easy co-out.

[Patchsmama]

Hi Clkd

Thanks so much. Wish I could have taken you along with me to do the kicking up the ****!!!     You know that feeling when they can't get rid of you quick enough?

I have told DS it's my hormones causing this but I still don't think they really get what it's like.  We see plenty of his hormones!!

I?ll keep you posted 

[Kathleen]

Hello again Patchsmama.

I completely understand  the affects  our children.  Fortunately my daughter and son were older when my symptoms really kicked in but I still have regrets about how my menopause impacted them.

Men just don't get it do they? Simple creatures on the whole bless em. I am sure one of the reasons that my GP surgery is pro HRT is because the senior doctor's wife had the menopause from hell and it took a few goes to get her HRT right. At least that is what he told my neighbour at the golf club!

If your consultant had been more knowledgeable about HRT would you have felt more comfortable about trying it?  When you have posted 10 times on this forum you will be able to email Dr Currie who is the Consultant who set up this site. Perhaps you could ask her how HRT would apply to your case specifically. You are certain to get a sympathetic and enlightened response from her.

Wishing you well and take care.

K.

[Patchsmama]

Hi again Kathleen

I really don't know. Probably not as I was so frightened. However, when I last spoke to my GP, he firmly said that Vagifem is the equivalent of taking two HRT tablets per year and is therefore, safe.  If this is VA and does continue like this, I know I?ll have to go for it.

Oh that is useful to know re Dr Currie. Thank you 😊.  Does that mean starting 10 threads or a total of 10 posts, like I'm doing now?  Thanks again so much xxx

[Kathleen]

Hello again Patchsmama.

I'm pleased that you have been reassured about the use of Vagifem.   I am sure your order of Yes will be of benefit as well.

I think it's a total of ten posts  before you can email Dr Currie but I could be wrong. Perhaps just try it now and the instructions should pop up on the site. Other ladies who have used the service may also be along soon to advise you.

Take care and please let us know how you get on.

K.

[Patchsmama]

Thanks again 😊

[Tc]

Hiya Patchsmsmama.

I had surgical meno at 53 for an ovarian dermoid tumour. Because I was over 50 HRT wasnt discussed with me either. I had to bring it up.  It was treated as though "you would be going through it soon anyway so it's just bringing it forward". It's not that simple I have learned.

Surgical meno differs to natural meno. In natural meno the ovaries continue to produce androgens which convert to estrogen . We have lost 50% of our testosterone.  The sudden significant drop in this and estrogen can give rise to more severe symptoms.

That said. Systemic HRT is not enough to treat VA for some women even in natural meno. You mention that 3 times a week vagifem might not be enough but you will start with a loading dose for 2 weeks. Maybe 3 depending on severity and what your doc advises. The loading dose is important as it improves the tissues and then after that  you may be able to move to maintenance dose.

 you may find 3 times a week enough. Some women do others dont  Might I suggest if you do to also use a ph balanced vaginal moisturiser in between.. I use "yes VM. " as it's natural and suits me.   I cant say enough what awful stuff I found replens to be. I would avoid it.

Xxx

[Tinkerbell]

Once you get your VA sorted there should be no reason why you can't have a sex life, my VA was severe, the only thing that gets in the way of that now is teens in the house