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[Ecl]

Hi, I have been on everol 50 for a while and have been happy, but VA has worsened and I have asked for testosterone. GP wants to increase me to everol 75 while she discusses testosterone with a specialist. ( and has prescribed me repeat daily ovestin ) I am happy to try it, however when I increased from 0 to 25, and 25 to 50 I had months of abdominal pain and vomiting so I want to take it slowly. I have extra 50 patches as have a month left of the 50 prescription. If I cut a quarter off a50 and used it with a 50 - so making it 62.5, how long can I keep the rest of the patch? Can I keep it for the two weeks it would take to use up the quarters or does it deteriorate once opened and I would have to throw it away?
Thank you kind ladies in advance

[Flossieteacake]

I do this myself and I have not noticed the patches not working.

With your VA worsening, would you like to say how you are treating it?

[Ecl]

Thanks Flossie.
I was already on vagifem taking it x3 a week despite prescription saying x2 because that’s what I needed for my bladder, but 8 weeks ago I got what I thought was a uti. After 3 weeks I saw a gp who said uti and gave antibiotics which didn’t help and test came back negative. I could get to sleep and if I did it would wake me with the vulva pain, I was taking ibuprofen x8 a day and paracetamol x8 a day just to make it through and was waiting for the next dose all the time, struggled to do anything. Went back to gp 3 weeks ago and asked for ovestin, they agreed and also gave me other antibiotics. I was already using sylc but started yes vm which I think is better, I have switched to all cotton knickers, I have stopped riding my bike ( will want to get back to that one), stopped wearing trousers /jeans, and don’t sit properly - always to one side so not sitting on it. After two weeks of daily ovestin I tried to reduce to every other day but after missing 2 doses I was back on the painkillers so saw GP this week who didn’t quibble at all about a repeat daily ovestin prescription. If I take it daily, I can get on with life with the above restrictions and am hoping that it will continue to improve so I can do some of the above ( I can now sit on soft seats properly for a short time) but I am still in the happy my pain is controlled honeymoon phase with ovestin. Yes it’s more messy than vagifem but I can use it inside and out and so it’s my current treasure. I was really surprised the GP gave it daily without fuss. I had hubby lined up to pay privately as my Christmas present!

[Flossieteacake]

I know the leaflets say otherwise but I have used Ovestin every day for one year and sometimes twice a day. Have you looked at the burning thread in the private lives section? I learned a lot from that thread.

I really am sorry your VA is so bad. Mine is like this too. I will tell you what I do. I switched from baths to showers as emersing in water can make me dryer. I apply emoilent to the vulva before my shower, wash it off in the shower and then apply more emoillent. I stopped using shower gel and wash my whole body in emoilent. I like one called Avroderm which is oat based.

It is good you have sylk and yes. Use those as much as you need too. You can use vagifem every day for the inside and ovestin daily for the outer area. It helps to put some on your hand and add a drop of yes. Mix that with your finger and apply to the outer area as it helps it glide and adds moisturiser.

I never think of trying to reduce VA treatment. If I do then my symptoms worsen. I am glad your GP is supportive.😀

[sheila99]

Do you uncontrolled symptoms apart from VA? If you don't you may find increasing systemic oestrogen will give you too much. Some people find they need both.

[Ellie O]

Hi. I cut patches and leave open patch in the packet, and fold down the edge. If you keep it for 4 days, it’s absolutely fine.

[Ecl]

Thank you Flossie,
Yes I have been using cetraben to wash with instead of soap, and some days just water, and have stopped having baths too. I am also using organic cotton pads for my period which doesn’t last long. I have been using yes vm daily but hadn’t thought about adding it to ovestin so will try it. Whilst my GP was happy to give daily ovestin, they weren’t happy to have both ovestin and vagifem at the same time, I do have some vagifem left so will keep it in reserve for now.

Thank you Sheila,
The GP suggested to increase evorel as I asked for testosterone, I am concerned that I don’t want to take too much and was feeling nicely settled on 50, however this VA could be that I’ve had another drop in my natural oestrogen ( along with no period for 3 months)so I am happy to give it a try and see- anything that may help. If it doesn’t work though I will be happy to drop back down to 50

Thank you Ellie,
I cut quarter of a patch today and put the rest back in the packet so will keep doing that to increase slowly

[Flossieteacake]

Thank you Flossie,
Yes I have been using cetraben to wash with instead of soap, and some days just water, and have stopped having baths too. I am also using organic cotton pads for my period which doesn’t last long. I have been using yes vm daily but hadn’t thought about adding it to ovestin so will try it. Whilst my GP was happy to give daily ovestin, they weren’t happy to have both ovestin and vagifem at the same time, I do have some vagifem left so will keep it in reserve for now.

Thank you Sheila,
The GP suggested to increase evorel as I asked for testosterone, I am concerned that I don’t want to take too much and was feeling nicely settled on 50, however this VA could be that I’ve had another drop in my natural oestrogen ( along with no period for 3 months)so I am happy to give it a try and see- anything that may help. If it doesn’t work though I will be happy to drop back down to 50

Thank you Ellie,
I cut quarter of a patch today and put the rest back in the packet so will keep doing that to increase slowly

Using water alone is very drying. I was told by a menopause Dr not to do that. It is frustrating how so many GPs do not know we can use both vagifem and ovestin. I hope the ovestin is enough for you. I only use ovestin as I cannot tolerate anything else.

[Ecl]

Thank you Flossie, I was using water as thats what it said in the me and my menopausal vagina book but i do prefer using the cetreben so will continue using it and try some others once it runs out. So far so good with the ovestin every evening and yes every morning and again in the day, but its good to know that vagifem can be added. I am hoping upping the evorel will help too. Two years ago, I hadn't been to the doctor for 14 years, and I would really like to get back to that again!

[Flossieteacake]

Thank you Flossie, I was using water as thats what it said in the me and my menopausal vagina book but i do prefer using the cetreben so will continue using it and try some others once it runs out. So far so good with the ovestin every evening and yes every morning and again in the day, but its good to know that vagifem can be added. I am hoping upping the evorel will help too. Two years ago, I hadn't been to the doctor for 14 years, and I would really like to get back to that again!

You are most welcome. What a shame the book suggests washing with water as many women will be drying out their skin.

I am also hoping the VA settles for you. I know what a nightmare it is.

[Ecl]

Thank you Flossie you have been so kind. I have been reading how VA can affect over half of women in menopause and worry for those less fortunate with the medical system than me. It’s always nice to know you’re not alone. I hope yours settles too

[Flossieteacake]

Thank you Flossie you have been so kind. I have been reading how VA can affect over half of women in menopause and worry for those less fortunate with the medical system than me. It’s always nice to know you’re not alone. I hope yours settles too

It is my pleasure. You are never alone on here. Thank you for your kind words.

[Minusminnie]

I have switched to all cotton knickers, I have stopped riding my bike ( will want to get back to that one), stopped wearing trousers /jeans, and don’t sit properly - always to one side so not sitting on it.

Spongy wonder is a bike seat that may help you. It didn’t suit me but we are all different.
Mentally it helped me to eventually get rid of my bike and all jeans/ cords went to a charity shop. That way I found some acceptance and a way to move forward. You may find the same.
Putnams do cut out cushions which may help with sitting and some are portable. I had 2 U shape cushions made at an upholstery place which they padded how I wanted them. I use one at home and one in the car.
Take care.

[Ecl]

Hi Minusminnie, and thank you I will take a look. I only cycle 6km to work and then back again or around my small town, so I am hopeful I will be able to soon. I will look into those saddles.