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[Postmeno3]

Hi. Just wondering what regimes people find most beneficial, especially postmenopausally, with this condition? Have folks found systemic oestrogen the best solution? Is there a place for testosterone, too? Thanks!

[CLKD]

We have threads on 'bladder issues' and 'vaginal atrophy' on the Forum, worth a read.  Make notes 

I have found that 'ovestin' used regularly eases symptoms.  If the bladder feels irritated I take 2 x Nurofen 3 times a day for 3 days or until the nipping goes away.

[Whatsupwiththis]

Hi postmeno3....I was dx'ed with GSM and have been on Vagifem going on 2 years or so along with estrogen cream for vulva area.  It has helped immensly though it has taken all of 2 years to get 80% comfortable. 

[Postmeno3]

Thanks. Yeah, there's no quick fix I guess. It's been a long time silently coming so will take a long time to improve. I don't tolerate oestrogen cream on the external area, but I have been prescribed an emollient. At the moment, this seems to be aggravating the urethra, but it's early days.

[CLKD]

Using 'ovestin' improved symptoms within 3 weeks 4 me.  Have you looked at the 'yes' and 'sylc' websites?

[Robin]

Hi postmeno3,

My GSM was left untreated for a very long time so it was a difficult and lengthy process getting to a stage where I’m comfortable. I’m unable to tolerate Oestrogen creams and also the emollients. I’m hoping they eventually produce something containing Oestrogen that Im able to use but in the meantime I’m using Yes VM externally, vagifem daily, systemic HRT and Testosterone. I find testosterone definitely makes a difference to my vaginal/ vulval health and need the whole regime in order to stay reasonably comfortable although I do still get flares.

I was unable to tolerate vagifem until my tissues had improved using all the above along with Estring (gives good results) which took quite some time

[Postmeno3]

Robin, thanks. Yes, I've had an Estring for some time and now on a very low dose systemic patch (half of Evoril 25) plus vagifem plus oil-based YES and emollients for the bath/shower and to smooth on. Not many people refer to emollients on here at all and I feel I may have the same issue as you with them, though early days. Onwards!

[CherrySG]

Hi, I was diagnosed with this last year. Initially I was put on Vagifem, then later added Ovestin, plus every moisturiser you can think of! As it was still not enough, the GP suggested systemic Hrt which I gratefully took. Everything slowly improved till I didn't feel like I had a problem.

So I foolishly stopped systemic hrt whilst keeping up with the Vagifem, Ovestin and moisturisers. Two months later and I'm in VA hell so have had to go back on maximum dose of hrt, so 4 pumps of gel. I'm really hoping I can recover this time around.

Most women seem to do fine on the locally-based HRT, though.

[Postmeno3]

Yes, the specialist I saw for the first time seemed to think systemic hrt was the additional thing I needed to improve what was clearly a serious deficiency. I guess the condition may be on a sort of range according to individual histories. I think systemic may act more thoroughly for those who need it as it's treating from the inside out, rather than slathering stuff on from the outside in? Hope you stabilise well again soon.

[CherrySG]

Oh thank you! It is a horrible condition as so many of us know.

I do agree with the idea that it treats it from the inside out. It amazes me that anyone manages on twice-weekly Vagifem.

Good luck with getting it sorted! I've tried the Evorel and think it's great for VA as you get a constant uninterrupted supply.

[CLKD]

  for your advice.

[CherrySG]

Hey CLKD!!! 😊

[KarineT]

How soon does this happen?  I know ir's a common issue but do you think every woman gets it? 

[CLKD]

Nope.  Not every meno symptom will affect every woman.  I had hot flushes briefly years ago.  They stopped.  VA happened well into menopause recognised by my GP.  A lack of oestrogen levels can cause dryness, inside and out.

[KarineT]

Thanks CLDK.  I understand this is a problematic symptom.  I don't this symptom and I hope I won't have it.  I don't really have hot flushes but I have chilling sensations instead.  They don't happen 24/7 but when I get them it's a real pain. I still think that the worst symptoms are low mood and anxiety.  In terms of low mood and drepession  I tell myself that the mood always lifts with low mood but not wirh depression.  This helps me distinguish between depression and low mood.  This is because I've read somewhere that a woman going through the menopause could be at risk of developping depression.