Does anyone have direct experience of whether combined HRT patches (e.g. Elleste Duet Conti) help for A.V. (atrophic vaginitis/vulvitis)?
I am 57, stopped periods about 8-9 years ago, & still have a womb.
The main menopause symptom I have is a very sore vulva - visibly red areas, with tiny dark red lesions that heal and re-appear. These areas feel very irritated - not itchy, but sore and burning. I have had this continuously for 18 months, and used lots of topical oestrogen - Estriol cream and Vagifem pessaries - but these have not helped.
I have never had hot flushes. I am depressed, and I have leg cramps at night - but both of those could be down to other causes. I have had disturbed sleep for over 30 years because of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).
So I need to make a decision whether to take the only other thing being offered to me to sort out the A.V. - the patches.
Is anyone in a similar situation to me, with A.V. as the main menopause symptom? Have you tried HRT patches, and did they either improve, or NOT improve, the A.V.?