HELP!

I am 45 and in a new one-year old committed relationship with a WONDERFUL guy (after 5 years of abtinence) and we need our wonderful love life back! I have been experiencing unexplained vaginal discharge since July 2008! Is anyone else experiencing unexplained discharge that the Dr.'s can't seem to treat? The discharge is runny, whitish, irritating, very little or no odor, and of course, comes about 10-14 days after the start of my period. This is just too irritating to have sex (or sit!) My diet is impecable (I'm vegan and been on a yeast diet for awhile), I am downing acidopholus/bifudus refrigerated capsuls every 3 hours), and I've tried everything vaginally except Boric Acid (that's next) or a cordisone suppository (which a friend of mine with 25 year vaginal issues was given and it worked!) I was on antibiotics (the discharge caused a bladder infection in July), and had a yeast infection in November and May, but the other discharge never backed off. I am at Dr. #3 and they are running every test known to man (again), including a stool culture to make sure the yeast isn't involved. Dr.'s have attributed this variously to a new partner, BV (it wasn't), Group B Strep (which only half the Dr.'s say will cause discharge issues), yeast (except that I had it BEFORE the yeast), and HPV (that was my own diagnosis--I had a leep in January). Now I wonder if it's hormones--certainly it's hormonally activated, but what isn't! Any suggestions would be very helpful, and I welcome the support. My guy is the best and very supportive, but we would like something to at least make this manageable so that we can live with it if we can't find a name for it and get rid of it. I am using Progesterone Cream for headaches/cramps, and the new Dr. just increased my dosage. Also gave me 1 gm estriol vaginal cream for at night to thicken the walls a bit (hope this won't bring the yeast back). Since February, I was managing the symptoms with Yin Care douche that the Accupuncturist/TCM gave me (I told you I tried everything!), and that really kicked the dishcharge/irritation back, but it didn't get rid of it permanently. New Dr. doesn't want me to douche even medicinally and I'm praying that, given a free reign, this won't cause another bladder infection.

HELP! Mr. Wonderful and I NEED to have our lives back!!!!!

A. How old are you?

B. How long does it last.

According to when you say the timing is, sounds like ovulation. If you are very high on estrogen, and low progesterone, typical perimenopause, then that will happen at the time of ovulation, last about a week more or less...

This also happens to me. I'm forty seven years old, and it usually takes place one week after my cycle ends, and lasts about four to five days. I've been abstinent for 3 years, and this started during this time. There's no odor, just the discharge. Sometimes, there's so much, I think it's a period.

Thanks SO much for replying! I'm 45, and it started when I was 44. It's hard to say how long it lasts because I've been knocking back the symptoms with the Yin Care douche, but I suspect it's going to be constant from the 10th day until the period without any treatment. I know that, when I would THINK it was gone, it would recur 10-14 days after the start of the period, or a few days before the start of the next. Yes, obviously hormonally related, but I know that bacterial infections and yeast infections also flux with the cycle. Have you found any way to manage the discomfort externally, or make sex less painful? Have you tried Boric Acid as I saw recommended on this site? I've read about it in various places, but never tried it. My results should be in Friday, hopefully, and if we can't find anything I'm hoping we can try this. I know acidification can really help with various vaginal issues. I can't believe that I got rid of this from the end of December to the end of February...had a LOT of stress right then. Doing yoga, working out, "Power of NOW" so feeling much better emotionally...except for this!

This is happening to me too. I am also 47 and this started in February. Just the same discharge you are describing. So much, it definately feels like a period. My Dr did some tests and everything came back normal, She didn't seemed worried about the amount and length of time it goes on for. Mine can start straight after my period and last for about 2weeks.

Take care

Jackie

Ok I don't want anyone to freak out here but I must just give you my input because I had an unexplained watery heavy odourless discharge three and a half years ago. I had been back and forth to my doctors who had done the usual tests for yeast and BV and my doc concluded it must be hormonal. I was 54 at the time and perimenopausal. My periods were beginning to die down but this discharge just got heavier so that I had to wear tampons every day and they got soaked through.

In the end it was so unpleasant I insisted on being referred to a gyn for a second opinion. She also thought it was hormonal but did an endometrial biopsy and a sonogram.
The result came back that I had early endometrial cancer.

Now I have thought about not posting this because I know how freaked out that word makes everyone feel. So I will just say that my discharge was a very early symptom, my cancer was very early and I had a radical hysterectomy including ovaries and no further treatment. I am completely cured and have just been given the all clear.

I am not in any way suggesting that I think that any of you ladies have this, but a heavy clear watery discharge without any explanation should really be investigated further just to rule it out.
The received wisdom about endo cancer symptoms is that there is usually spotting. Even my doctors didn't know about the clear discharge as a symptom-nor did anyone else on Powersurge when I posted about it. But it most certainly is one.
My doctors commended me for my insistence in getting more tests because I caught it very early.

I stay on this site try to help and share my experiences and I really don't want to frighten anyone.So I hope you all take my post in the spirit in which it is given. I want to share my experience because knowlege is power.
I am sure you ladies all will have other less scary explanations for your symptoms but I think this is worth knowing.
Good luck to you all

janet c

Thanks for the warning about cancer. Yes, when I was diagnosed with HPV I was very much concerned. Turned out that I DID have pre-cancerous cells (CIN 1 so very low level), and these were removed by leep. Funny, though, that the discharge went away BEFORE the leep and came back AFTER! Frankly, I'd be so happy for any answer right now that I'd explore any avenue. Having had a cancer scare, I'm not as freaked by it. However, this is NOT a clear discharge...it's milky, and a real pain after I take a walk, lol! I have a friend who has been having issues since she was 55--she is now almost 70 and just found that a suppository of a half a anucort (yes, this isn't what it's really for) every other day completely knocked the discharge out. After awhile she stopped using it and went off the natural Estrogen cream and the discharge stopped altogether. Other than one antibiotic per day, nothing ever got rid of it for her. No cancer though!

Are you experiencing urethral irritation, external irritation with your discharge? I am, and it concerns me since this is the first time I haven't tried to kick the symptoms back.

Hi sweets, I get that too!! Is that what that is from?!! My goodness.......I have to say I have noticed less of it since starting on the pill........I started peri at 31 .......I am 35 now. Sorry to sound really gross, but I also get times where it is really "gluggy".......don't know if that happens to you as well........I usually have to wear a small pad, otherwise I am changing my underwear 3 times a day! It does pass eventually.......How is it effecting you love life, babe? Is it painful or just plain yucky for you and your man?

I don't have a love life because I don't have a libido!! .......know what you mean.....REALLY looking forward to getting that back...

Hope it improves babe........sounds like you are really struggling with it

Good luck!

Song.....

I doubt it is from the HPV if there is no discolouration or unpleasant aroma to the discharge.......I have also had a LETZ(We call it Letz, not leep here in OZ)procedure due to CIN1 but I do not have HPV. I did not notice whether the discharge was associated or not, I doubt in my case it was........I think it has more to do with hormones than anything else. And yes it is irritating, both internally and externally.......The pill may help, it has for me......Stupid question, but are you having your yearly pap smear?.......had to have those nasties yearly after LETZ.......God I can't STAND them!!! I have been free and clear since the LETZ though, so all good so far....

Hope you get help sweets, nothing like having to spend your life fixing things!!

Take care

What a lovely reply...wow, this support sure makes me feel warm and fuzzy! Yeah, struggling is the word--tough year--Mono, Foot & Mouth Disease, this, bladder infection, yeast infections, HPV, leep...and a SUPER guy with two teenagers, but NO colds, LOL. No wonder I'm stressed! Good news is the last pap came back NORMAL so at least the HPV isn't an issue anymore!

They took me off the pill after 23 years two years ago because of the migraine/stroke connection, so I have no idea if it would clear up on it (boy, am I tempted to find out, though!) SO sorry about the early menopause...that *****! Yes, pantyliners are a must and I'm changing them frequently so as not to get another infection. How long did you deal with it before it went away, or did it not until you went on the pill? Now that I'm letting it have free reign, so to speak, lol, I'm VERY irritated externally and I can only imagine internally. In the past it was VERY painful and irritated during sex. We've pretty much been abstaining for 2 months now--poor guy!

Have you talked to a Dr. about natural progesterone for libido?

Thanks again for the reply!


You DID get a discharge with the HPV? Yes, last one came back NORMAL, thanks for that!!!

Thanks for the best wishes...yes, this too shall pass...won't it?!

Big cheers for that Janet C!! Thank God, I have a good gynea........I had an ultrasound last year and was dx endometriosis and adenomyosis, had a panel of blood and CRP, FBC, and any other inflammatory/precancerous bits were checked.......tumour marker CA125 elevated due to adeno......he keeps an eye on things.....

Thank you telling your story.......it keeps me on my toes and removes complacency. How are you feeling now? I am SO glad it got fixed.......thank you for sharing, you champion!!!

I am so glad I haven't upset or frightened anyone. There are some poor ladies in peri who get dreadful health anxiety (I used to be one of them so I understand how it feels to read the C word). I just feel it is too important to keep to myself!

I feel fine now thank you. I did have a very bad time with hot flushes and anxiety for the first two years. I am still getting hot flushes but nowhere near as badly.
I was given the all clear in March and the surgeon put me on an estradiol patch but it made me very ill. I stopped it after a week.
I feel better without ERT although I do use a dab of testosterone now and then which helps with libido, energy and makes me generally feel upbeat.

Thanks for your kind words. I am so glad to be able to pass on my experiences to help where I can.

janet c

Sweetie, I did not have HPV.......I don't know how I got CIN1.......but the discharge was separate from that.......

HHHmmm the pill could be a bit dangerous for you.......unfortunately it seems to be the only thing that has worked for me with this discharge and irritation.......I now what you mean about the sex.....my poor insides are SO sensitive that i bleed during sex without even knowing it until its finished! I have had to wear a pad after due to bleeding from cutaneous blood in the canal.......just a bit of a turn off!!

Song, I am a bit of a "scientist" and I am a bit sus on natural hormones........I do see the benefits for other women and I am very pleased for them that they have something that works. In saying that, I am a huge follower of chinese medicine, but a lot of that is because I LOVE my chinese doctor.......I really trust him and this practice is 5000 years old.......I have done a lot of reading with research and it suits me.......but I am loathe to try anything unless there is clinical proof........I am a self-confessed sceptic! Natural hormones are also not FDA approved in Australia so they are VERY expensive........I don't really have the money to spend unless I KNOW it is going to work......we shall see........Eventually, when my pill settles down properly, we may look at alternatives for sex drive, testosterone/acupuncture/viagra . I do have good levels of progesterone in my pill to avoid oestrogen dominance.......so we shall see.

Plain Acidophilous yoghurt internally as a douche can help with the irritation......know that sounds terrible and you will need to wear a pad, but it does "calm" things down......gets rid of a bit of the heat.....especially if you get it straight out of the fridge! Maybe cut down also on certain fruits(oranges, mandarins, pineapple, red apples-too much acid in the gut and can effect natural flora in the vagina and bowel. Lemons on the other hand are excellent. Acid on the outside, turn alkaline in the gut.). I know you are vegan as was I a couple of years ago, but I found that after a while, my symptoms got worse.......I was following the diet implicitly to get all my nutrients and stuff, but unfortunately, it just didn't agree with me and I lost a lot of weight in a short time(65kgs to 48kgs in 4 months! I am 176 cms tall. I looked like a praying mantis!). In saying that, I know some people really thrive on it........I wish I did because at first I really saw benefits. So now I just follow a low sugar, low processed food diet........Kind of gone back to my traditional chinese diet.....And since being on the pill, I am not in agony when I eat. I went through a REALLY bad time with food. My therapist was concerned that I was developing an "eating problem".

Sorry I digress........completely off the point!! Good luck, babe

Hope that helps.......

Wow, you've really got it bad--SOOO sorry! Yes, I was using the acidopholus douche when they had me on antibiotics but it didn't prevent the yeast infection...would be soothing, though. My brother's a Dr. and he says the vaginal lactobacillus is different than the ones in acidopholus, so that explains why it didn't help there. Right now, I'm on a yeast diet, so no fruit except lemon at all! I did do Accupuncture/TCM for six months starting in November, but it came back in February anyway, and it is SOOOO expensive here. I'd LOVE to go back just for the emotional support my Accupuncturist gave me, but I just can't justify it for false peace of mind (it is TERRIFIC for lots of other things, though, it just didn't do it for this). Tried treating it with a couple of Chinese formulas and Accupuncture from February-May when it definitely became a yeast infection and I went back to the Western Dr's. Suspect the Yin Care douche might have brought the yeast back, but, boy, did it deal with the discharge and discomfort while I was using it--wish I was using it now! Labs are due in tomorrow (I hope). If they are all negative, I'll try to get the boric acid suppositories that acidify...even if it's hormonal, that should help.

Best of luck with what you are dealing with....frankly, if I didn't have Mr. Wonderful to worry about I wouldn't be as stressed with this as I am...I think, LOL, and I certainly realize that it could be MUCH worse than it is!!!

Hi! Just noticed that it is your birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!![size="4"][/size]

Holly

Thanks Holly, I'm really FEELING forty seven

That should be young, but I know what you mean!

Can you tell me, since it seems you might be the only other one here with this discharge issue, is it very irritating to you, what do you do for the external irritation, and have you been diagnosed with Group B Strep?

Thanks again!!!!

Hi all...
I am brand new here...brand new to 40 and brand new to perimenopause.
I was reading posts here and had to respond. I too have this watery discharge.

I had hot flashes for about 10 days about 4 months ago. I also started this discharge...watery ( almost like urine, but not). Then it went away for awhile.

Now, both are back..and the things I've read here, lead me to think I need to start keeping track of them a little better. I had a period at the beginning of the month for 5 days...Then about a week later..another smaller period. THe flashes started shortly after. I'm not sure when the discharge started again.

The flashes started about a week ago and are so frustrating...I know they are only going to get worse.

I'm thinking there is a correlation between them all.

I'm also thinking about starting to take black cohosh and valerian root for the flashes..I'm willing to try it anyway...

You all see to be very supportive and I look forward to getting to know you all as I try to navigate my way through this season of my life....

I just wanted to let you know that you aren't the only one out there with this discharge...

Dawn

Dear songinmy heart,
I have gone through that discharge you describe and it drives me nuts. It seems to get a little heavier before I start my period and then comes back a little after ovulation. Whenever that happens anymore. I was really curious about HPV and wondered if you had been tested for it. I do remember when I had my son I was tested for Strep B and they found that I had it and had to be treated for it before I delivered. I was so ashamed and grossed out. I never enquired about the Strep B and how I could have gotten it. I had been with only 1 long term partner ( my husband at the time) but found out what a cheating dog he was. Now I am wondering if he gave this to me or is this just something a woman gets? Anyway, about the HPV thing. I have paps every year that come out normal. Is an HPV test part of the routine testing each year or do I need to ask for something altogether different? Just wondering since it seems like you have done a bit of research and I have some similar symptoms.....Thanks for anything you can add. Debra

Apparently, they don't test for HPV unless you have a bad pap, which I did. Both GBS and HPV can be in your system for years. Sorry about your husband, but both are extremely common (at least 85% for HPV, and GBS is just normal flora for a lot of women). They don't treat you for GBS unless you are pregnant. I was also just diagnosed with ureaplasma urealyticum, another extremly common bacteria which may or may not come from sex. Yes, I have only had three partners, but there are many ways to get these. My current Dr. doesn't think any one of these is probably causing the discharge, and I'd have to be on antibiotics to get rid of the U.plasma and the GBS comes back anyway. Crap shoot and I've just HAD yeast twice! Has anyone out there tried antihistimine???? I just remembered that, when the discharge stopped from December-February I was on a higher dose of my usual chlortrimeton generic. I started one pill two days ago and, except when I'm exersizing, the discharge is minimal and not runny (I was changing pads every hour or more!) Good luck with this...looks like there are a lot of women with discharge issues and you have to work really hard to find a Dr. who doesn't blow you off!! Get tested for ureaplasma urealyticum and mycoplasma (I'm waiting for those results), but it may not be causing it anyway! A friend of mine who has had this problem for 25 years was finially put on Anucort 25 mg Hydrocortisone suppositories used vaginally, half dose every other night (after an initial course of weeks) and she says she has had NO recurrence of discharge--worth a shot when you are SURE your body is just over-reacting to itself (I have allergies, asthma, dermatitis, so we KNOW it does this).

Feel better!

Holly

Hi, Dawn! Sorry about your problems! Fortunately, except for migraines, cramps & pms, all of which I treat very well with progesterone cream, I'm not having any perimenopausal symptoms (unless the discharge counts, lol...who knows!) Watch it with the Valerian root...it can do kidney damage, as I recall, and shouldn't be used more than 2 weeks at a time! I would suggest at Dr. who knows natural HRT--that might really help!

Best of luck, and see my note about antihistimine for the discharge...may be controlling symptoms (be sure you are tested for everything, though, just in case!!!)

Holly

I'm 49 and started missing periods about a year ago. Hot flashes started in February of the this year (one after the other), almost gone now (taking otc hot flash med)--also have not had a period since Feb. (love that).

My problem is the discharge!!! When I was 30 i went on synarel for 6 months because of endometriosis. Ever since I went off it I have had heavy discharge. The Doctors have always said it was normal, bet if they had to deal with it they would not call it normal. I kept thinking that once Menopause started it would start to dry up, but NO, it still continues and I'm sooooo tired of pads and tampons (here i am not having periods but still having to use tampons). Any new ideas on how to "dry"it up. When does the "lack of libido" start? Mine is going strong which would be good if I were in a relaionship......

Karen

Has anyone used a peroxide douche ? I used it to cure up BV which wouldn't go away with antibiotics which in turn would give me a yeast infection, it was a vicious cycle.I use it after every cycle just to freshen up and it works wondefully everytime.You can google it and find lot's of info on it.
Hope this helps