Hi girls

My vaginal dryness/atrophy is driving me absolutely mad today and I am feeling as if I am the only person in the world with it. Is anyone else out there suffering the same thing? Where the whole of your vagina feels burning and inflamed - not externally, but deep within. I keep trying to ignore it but it's driving me mad.

Did anyone ever get it completely under control? Or is it something I am going to be stuck with for ever now? I'm 50 and post-menopausal and the thought of it is driving me crazy.

Yes, my gyne recently Rx'd Estrace vaginal cream which I use twice/week. It does seem to be helping. Dry, atrophied vagina is a classic result of low estrogen.

Agreed!

Also... inserting a Vitamin E capsule inside helps too. I do it at night when I go to bed. It doesn't "cure" anything but it provides relief.

I've tried all of these things and they haven't helped. I've been using estrogen cream for months and I seem to be back where I started.

Humm.... do you insert it, or just put it on the outside area? How many days a week do you do it? Maybe you need to add a day???

Which form of estrogen cream? Was it estradiol or estriol? Also, did you insert it with an applicator far up into the vagina? Estriol was not as helpful as the estradiol, and also, I though just putting on the outer perineal area would be enough, but found it wasn't. It has to be applied by applicator high up into the vagina.

Hi Sariah and leanne

I'm in the UK and use a product called orthogynest, which contains estriol I think. I do use an applicator to get it as high up as I can.

Sariah - did you notice a difference between estriol and estradiol?

I first used OrthoGynest also, and found it did not help, plus I got side effects, like tender breasts. Yes, I'm finding I like estradiol much better than estriol. I had previously been using a compounded estriol/estradiol cream, but find I like just straight estradiol much better. You might want to ask for an estradiol vaginal cream and give it a couple of months before you give up on it. Meanwhile, try the Vit E capsule as Leanne said until the estradiol kicks in.

Thanks Sariah, that's really helpful. What brand name did you use?

It's called Estrace, not sure if it's available where you live, but I'm sure there has to be an equivalent estradiol vaginal cream.. Good luck and let us know how it works if you try it.

I'm going to see the doctor on Thursday - I'll see what she can do for me.

Some women needs a little testosterone with the estrogen and progesterone... Perhaps that could be the problem....or testing your numbers and increasing the estrogen a bit! That just what I've been reading anyway...

TJ

Yes, this is true. I plan on asking my doc for some low dose T. The E is good for lubrication and the T for libido. They both work together.

Hey there,

Yep, I belong to the dry va-j-j club What I have found to be the best cream for this is meno symptom is a prduct from Weleda- calendula baby cream.
It has a very smooth non greasy consistancy and is very protective. My dryness was so severe that it burned to go potty. My doc had a difficult time examining me due to dryness.
this little cream has helped more than any other potions that i have used and is not messy. I pretty much use it throughout the day pretty much like you would use it on your babys bottom.
i purchase all my supplements and lotions at * on the net. excelent company with great service. I do not have many stores available to me out in the rural areas of wa state.
good luck with your problem.

Thanks very much everyone for your suggestions. I went to the doctor today - saw a very nice trainee GP. She agreed to give me Ovestin to try instead of Orthogynest. I'm hoping that this might work better - some meno friends have recommended it.

And she agreed to refer me to a gynae specialist - probably an 18 week wait but at least it's something to look forward to.

And I'm feeling a teeny tiny bit better today so all in all a good day

Ovestin is also estriol, not estradiol. I also have that in my hormone graveyard So I don't think it will be much different than the Ortho-Gynest.

Hi, this is LGoldie..read my post right after yours

If it were not for this forum, I would have died last year. I first came down with Perimenopausal symptoms at age 45, chronic yeast infection/urinary tract infection both at the same time, non stop 24/7 for 143 days. Finally after 17 pap smears and 5 doctors.....I was told I have vaginal atrophy(I hadn't had sex for 6 years) I guess you don;t use it....you do lose it! So they put me had me try hormone cream(didn't work) I was too far gone. Then I was put on PREMPHASE(HRT) this saved my life, on top of taking care of nearly 95% of the vaginal pain, my heart palpitations subsided greatly. I am now 53, still on Premphase.....still have montly periods....mostly regular.....I am hopeful these go a way soon~! Once in a while, if I get super stressed it seems to affect the vaginal area...also after my periods, its very dry. LasT YEAR ON THIS FORUM SOMEONE TOLD ME ABOUT Vitamin E suppositories...OMG these are a life saver. When I start to feel slight irritation, I use them...after all the $$$$$ I have spent on all these creams, gels, oils, lotions...who knew that ONE simple VITAMIN E suppository would be my SAVING GRACE! I guess its strange to some people that I was put on HRT BEFORE actual menopause....but if I wasn't I don't think I could have survived the Atrophy and the heart palpitations. Hopefully at some point my periods will go bye bye, there have been several times where I have gone 3 months without one, so I will keep my fingers crossed. I will tell you buy the Vitamin E and save yourself all the trying this & that and spending all the money.. Go to ***
they have the least expensive price on a box of 24(which is hard to find, I found them in a health food store. they wanted 10$ for 12) I think a box of 24 is 8$. It is so................worth it.

Buffy,

Thanks for your post. I have been in the beginning phases of this problem. I had only 2 periods last year, and now the "dryness" factor is starting to happen. I am using hormones, but the atrophy is not helped with that. I will try the Vit E and see if I get some relief. Thanks!

Juliann

i'm surprised the HRT didn't help with the atrophy, because as soon as I began taking them about 3 months later, I had HUGE relief. The atrophy only shows up when I am super stressed or eat a lot of sugar. I guess it irritates it. That was my MAIN purpose for hRT..that and the palpitations which it totally helped. As I said I still have periods, mostly regular, but they only last 2-3 days...and normal for me WAS 7 days heavy flow years ago......try the Vitamin E..I swear its a lifesaver.

Buffy,

Thanks for your response. I'm not sure why I am having this "new" thing happen with the dryness. I use estrogel, and I feel so much better. What I've been noticing is that I get "itchy" and just feel dry. My periods are almost nil, and I noticed that during sex it felt "tighter" and scratchy?? Does that sound like atrophy to you??

I know that you have been through this, and I can't believe how well you have recovered, it gives me hope that maybe mine will not get to much worse than this.

Juliann

Dear'Puddock'

I had Vaginal Atrophy at age 39 when Menopausal,accompanied by dryness and itching.I am now 57 and have a well lubricated vagina.That is because I have been on HRT for all these years.

I am not advocating this route for you but this is what has helped me.I think too much sugary food can increase inflamation and burning.Probably very loose cotton panties and some KY Jelly might help.Use plain soap for cleansing and pat dry.However,if this itching has any discharge best to have it checked out as it could be a yeast infection.They are easily treated as have had them several times.

Do hope you get some relief soon

All the Best
Elizabeth

Thanks Joyce Veronica! Gives me hope for the future. I was beginning to feel that I had no choice but to be stuck with this for life. It's good to get positive feedback about HRT too.

Can I ask if you are post-menopausal now? How's your experience of HRT been? I thought I would only be allowed to be on it for a few years, in which case why bother starting. If I knew I could be on it safely for a long time then I would be more likely to try it.

Thank you so much for your response.

That is really interesting buffy. Did you find the HRT helped the atrophy? Can I ask how bad it had been?

It's interesting that you say it's worse when you are stressed. That is something I have found. When I'm busy or relaxed the symptoms are not so bad and I'm sure it's not just that I am distracting myself from the pain. I think there's a strong hormonal link here - when the stress hormones are released they go straight to the vagina and bingo! it's back.

What did you find with the sugar? I hadn't noticed that one. Did you have to give it up completely?

wELL i AM 53 AND STILL HAVING perimenopause. The HRT really helped me ALOT! but I will now & forever swear by Vitamin E suppostories..nothing I tried ever has worked like those. I keep 3 boxes of 24 in the fridge at all times, and use as needed...boy do they make your Vajj feel better

You know I tried ALL the Hormone creams, and if its too atrophied they just won't work. I also used replenze, special ointment from austrailia, really super expensive creams from health store, a regular vitamin e capsule.......these just did not work....at all.
I swear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!VITAMIN E SUPPOSTORIES are the ONLY answer. I had atrophy for 3 years BEFORE I even knew, so by the time my doc saw it.....he told me my vaginia had the texture of a "leathered baseball glove"..not anymore thanks to these. As soon as I feel the slightest burn or discomfort, I use them. It haS never FAILED ME..AND ITS BEEN ALMOST 2 YEARS. I thank this site everyday for "turning me on to them"

thanks for your review...

I'm ordering tomorrow morning...

Are these purchased as suppositories or are you using a normal vit E capsule?

Buffy - do you think it's the vitamin E or the HRT that's doing the trick? I'd like to try vitamin E but I don't want to stop the estrogen cream in case it's the thing that is helping. Similarly if I started HRT.

No it has to be the suppositories, the capsules u buy in a vitamin store did ZILCH!

I am sure the HRT really helped it,(but NOT the HRT creams, that did nothing-I tried BOTH, and the ONLY thing those did was take 60$ out of my pocket each time) before I began it, I couldn't even walk from one to the next, the burning was so....bad..and the heart palpitations. However I still get the burning/super bad pain way down if I am really stressed, eat way too much sugar and quite a few times after a period, because it drys it out, also if I wear a pair of jeans....so I think the combo of the TWO are what works, but those who don't want to do HRT, I am positive the suppostories would be a GODSEND. They just have more Vitamin E then the ones you take internally, plus its not oily, it really stays put. I put them in at night, wear a panty liner and the next morning I feel so much better.

Dear "Puddock'

I was diagnosed fully Menopausal at age 39 and am still on HRT at age 57.The Gyn. wanted me off last year but it was Hell.So I went back to him and demanded to be put back on.He was not amused!I insisted that this is my body for which I take full responsibility.

Actually I do feel safe as I know this is the right decision for me.I do have all the regular check ups and enjoy good health-Thank God.

I wish you all the best in whatever you decide for yourself.

Stay Well
Warm Wishes
Elizabeth

i have been having problems with major dryness...so much that it feels like my vagia will rip/tear when i walk....i have been using a dab of yeast medicine cream and it seems to help(no, i don't have a yeast infection)....but probably not a good idea to use often....is it helping just because it's some kind of moisture?I don't really know what else to use since i am so sensitive to everything...

Hi buffy, I know what your saying about vaginal dryness. Geeze, I am a walking Sahara Desert. I don't buy lube by the bottle or tube anymore, I get the six pack!

Just wanted to post an update regarding the Vit E suppositories.

I happened to be in our local health food store and they had them, so I bought a box. I used it that night before bed. I was very happy with the results, I didn't feel like it was messy at all. Thanks Buffy for the advice!

I've also been using baby oil during my showers, I even dab a bit down there I suppose if it's good enough for a baby, its good for me.

Juliann

How often do you use the suppositories?

I just posted a post about my Vaginal Atrophy issues. I mainly posted a new post not to thread jack this one. I have tried Premarin and Estrace and neither helped because I must be allergic to the cream that the estrogen is in. Now she put me on Estring which I am not sure I like at ALL

Are you still using the Vit E suppositories? Do you use them nightly? I am in such discomfort. I had been using Replens with success but after taking 2 rounds of antibiotics for dental work - my vaginitis is horrible & the Replens just isn't working anymore. I'm going to buy the suppositories today. I'm ready to try anything. Can't use hormones - too much breast cancer in my family - my sister died of breast cancer & my mom had breast cancer.

I mainly use them when I start to feel the burning & discomfort(after my periods and times of great stress) then I use them nightly for 10-14 days. When I bought my first box, I used the whole box..24 straight nights...wow! what a difference. The HRT I am on, really helps, but not when I get a strong bout of burning down there.........these supposstories are the ONLY thing that helped....its so worth the 9$ just to try it......REPLENZ worked for me for a few years...but 14$ for 8 applications....and I think I am getting closer to the actual End(thank God) it just quit being effective.

Thanks! I just bought my first box -- I'm hoping for relief. I had a hysterectomy at 35. - 58 now & still struggling. Is there an end?

who knows. I'm 53 & still having minor periods---even on HRT--it helped all the atrophy & heart palpitations, but I still have my periods---I hope its over by the time I'm 6o!

Dear Claylady1,

Gosh, I just hate antibiotic's, everytime I take them I get a nasty yeast infection. I usually have to buy something that will clear it up. I've had a weird week. I started to use the Vit E suppository, which worked very nicely. I felt like a lubrication took place.....it seemed to work. Well, then I skipped a few days because I was actually not feeling the horrible dryness and itchy's. A couple days ago, I started having some spotting, so I may be on the verge of a period, so all is on hold with the Vit E for now. Hope it helps in your situation.

Juliann

I didn't get a yeast infection - thankfully I've never had one! That's amazing, I know. But the antibiotics seemed to change the entire vajayjay environment - to a dry desert. But the good news is I used the vit e suppository last night and I feel so much better with just one dosage. I am so happy! I plan on using them nightly for a week & then trying to use it weekly. What do you suggest?

Hi claylady,

I think your results and mine were both a good sign! I am not in full menopause, but very close to it. The closer I get the more dryness issues I am having. I think if you are feeling superdry, use it for a few days and then go from there, it all cost's money, so see how much mileage you can get from each one.

I think how often will depend on how bad your current situation is. Please keep us posted on your results and BTW, have a great weekend!

Juliann

I'm at my wits end. I stopped period at 42, went through first signs of dryness about 48. It was awful, the dryness then irritated the bladder which made me tinkle every five minutes. So, I went to the doctor. You all know the ones, an assembly line. Gave me Estrace which totally irritated me more. Then onto Vagifem, same thing. Then Combi-patch. It made my breasts so tender I couldn't touch them. Well, after all that I am right back to square one at 51.

Does anyone have this dryness so badly that you feel you have to tinkle 24/7? I have an appt. with doc next week and am asking to be tested for Bio Identicals. She may do it, she may not, but at least I will get the blood test to see what my ranges are. This is driving me crazy and frankly, it scares me because none of us are used to these drastic changes in our bodys.

I do have Vit E, will try tonight. Any suggestions on bladder? Will it calm down soon!

A regular VITAMIN E capsule or vitamin gel WILL NOT WORK! It has to be the suppository. I have exactly what you have, when mine flares up, the burning is so bad, I have to PP every 5 minutes..it hurts to walk, I can't even wash it in the shower....This began when I started perimenopause in 2001...I was in so much pain I couldn;t even walk....the only time I was pain free is if I had a pain pill and was lying down, but as soon as I tried to walk, and the friction began it hurt so bad....after 127 days, 17 pelvics & 3 doctors.....they finally concluded that I was going thru perimenopause. I did try every hormone cream they had...and for 58$ it was mess and did't do jack &*^%! My vaginal atrophy was too far gone...they put me on HRT which has really helped..both the VA and the heart palipitations--which were my two major issues....but when I am really stressed, eat too much sugar or bad carbs, or even wear tight jeans.....this will flare up...and I tried so many OTC creams from here and other countries....I have an entire bathroom drawer devoted to my VAJJ. It wasn't until I came apon this site and someone mentioned VITAMIN E SUPPOSTORIES...OMG they worked so good...I found a website that sells them in boxes of 24 for 8.06...I bought 10 boxes and keep them in the fridge as use them as I need too..normally after my "little periods"..I also bought a box of laytex free/no powder gloves..because I want everything sanitary. I will never be without these.. I haven't tried other brands only the CARLSON LABS....Life is too damn short to be in constant pain...its bad enough I have had to wear a panty liner everyday & night for 8 years......I need to be the ALWAYS spokesperson because I am "always" wearing one!

Buffy123

Thank god, I am not alone! I do have the suppositories my sweet sister had given me at Xmas, (not as a gift), but since we are a 13 months apart, she had read about them and knew what I was going through. Now she justs is relieved when she goes through this, or not, she has someone that has been roadtested!
I just know HRT's are not for me, but you suggest use nightly for 1 or 2 weeks? I see my doctor on the 2nd of February for my annual pap, so I could use them until then? Will my urinating finally calm down? My pharmacist suggested Cystex over the counter until drs. visit. I surely hope it has subsided until then.

This board is so significant to women, we finally can communicate about this.

I need to get these Vitamin E suppositories...I have an exam coming up and it is very painful when I have them. Hopefully, this will help alleviate some of that! Thanks for the info!

TJ

Well, it is 7:03 pm and I think I have tinkled about 30 times today! I am putting one in tonight and praying for the poor little thing to rest and calm down.

It only makes sense that if one drys out, the bladder lies on top of it so it goes too. At least it was the weekend and I could rest and tinkle and not sit directly on my Va-JayJay!

I am going online and order more now, to have on hand.

Yes, they should greatly help with the bladder problems......I normally(when I flare up) use 1 each night for 2 weeks...you could use one every night...I am sure there would be no issue...doing that. I normally quit everything 7-10 BEFORE my pap smear, as not to alter the test results....When I first began HRT they put me on PREMPHASE which is basically for severe vaginal atrogphy...it got way too expensive..so my doctor me that Premphase was actually premarin & progesterone. So I take one premarin every day....then I add 5mg..of the progestrin the last 14 days of the month..and its about 100$ cheaper for the same thing...of course the premphase was all figured out for you...so you didn't have to think about it....I have no history of cancer in my family, I get a mamogram & pap each year, i check myself monthly and the real question was:
Do I want to live another 40 years in that horrible pain?
or Would I rather live another 25 years in NO pain???
for me it was a no brainer.......I'm just glad I found something that really helped. The cheapest place on the web to by them is:
www.luckyvitamin.com
8.39 for 24..if you buy more than one box they give it to you cheaper. When I looked for these in my home town, all I could find was the 12 pack for 11$