Hi Kathryn,
Yes I was prescribed a steroid ( off the top of my head think it's Dermovate?) I currently use Ovestin internally every night, externally I use YESVM through the day, coconut oil at night and the steroid initially was daily, but now twice per week, all agreed and recommended by my gp.
I know that sounds like I am using too much,but nothing else worked.
For me, along with bad dryness externally,but I would also get a lot of soreness and itchy. GP examined me but didn't refer me.
I have been on the steroid for about 6 weeks now and it's has really helped. Yes,it did sting at first but calmed things down . I did query the gel said not external use only, and obviously vulva is kind of a bit of both, but she assures me that was ok.
I hope it begins to work for you and the referral comes quick.