Does anyone know when vaginal dryness and frequent urination stop? I have been using first premarin cream (3x wk. for 2 months w/o systemic hrt) and now bio vaginal cream (everyday for one week so far).

Still everything feels awful!! The irritation makes me feel like I have to urinate all of the time.

Any thoughts?:mad:

Hi Colleen, I don't have an answer for you, just wanted to let you know I have the same thing from time to time. I don't use any cream and especially the urethral irritation is very uncomfortable. I read an article in More magazine awhile back and the women who wrote the article had been thru a bunch of tests thinking the irritation and frequent urination was something horrible. Come to find out she was in peri and that was so far her only symptom. My irritation comes and goes. Some days it is so uncomfortable, the next morning it feels normal again. I would think the cream would be helping you some by now. Wish I had a solution to the problem, just know your not alone. Ann

Since I started using the Vagifem estadiol vaginal tablets, the urge to urinate has gone back to normal levels. It has helped with vaginal dryness but intercourse is still painful at least half of the time.

Thanks for your responses. Maybe Vagifem is the answer. I went on hrt when I was 51. Now, 55 -- had gone off hrt for 2 months -- never realized what "vaginal dryness" meant unti now (along with all the other meno symptoms). thx.

Hi, has anyone used Estring for this problem? I discontinued HRT a year ago. I'm 54 and 'dry', but not having any real problems at this point. My doc suggested I use this to prevent genito-urinary atrophy. (Doesn't that sound frightening!) Estring is a ring that reminds me of a diaphragm and works the same way, except that it remains in the upper vagina for 90 days and releases a small dose of 17 beta estrodiol.
I'm on the fence about using it.
I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with it and would share, either positive or negative.
Thanks,
Susan

Hi, has anyone used Estring for this problem? I discontinued HRT a year ago. I'm 54 and 'dry', but not having any real problems at this point. My doc suggested I use this to prevent genito-urinary atrophy. (Doesn't that sound frightening!) Estring is a ring that reminds me of a diaphragm and works the same way, except that it remains in the upper vagina for 90 days and releases a small dose of 17 beta estrodiol.
I'm on the fence about using it.
I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with it and would share, either positive or negative.
Thanks,
Susan

Hi, haven't tried Estring (maybe that's the solution to my problem), but whatever you do, use some estrogen asap to ward off future trouble. I had vaginal inflammation from not using vaginal estrogen, and it was very painful and took some time to resolve. Good luck.

I am also experiencing dryness. Mine isn't so much sexual, but more of the outer lips that seem to be so chapped they itch. I am using a vaginal cream right now three times a week and it helps, but it didn't totally do away with my symptoms....I sure wish someone could help me...it feels as though someone has powdered me with itching powder at times....I am miserable!!!!

I am also experiencing dryness. Mine isn't so much sexual, but more of the outer lips that seem to be so chapped they itch. I am using a vaginal cream right now three times a week and it helps, but it didn't totally do away with my symptoms....I sure wish someone could help me...it feels as though someone has powdered me with itching powder at times....I am miserable!!!!

Hi, CatieCupCake,

I have this issue, too. I feel like somebody has stolen my body from me and replaced it with a nasty imposter whose sole purpose in life is to create new menopausal symptoms for me to deal with! Good Luck!

I'm 63 & as for me the vag dryness only gets worse. The urinary frequency comes & goes. I have not been able to take hormones so I've learned to live with it altho miserably. good luck!

Hi,

I had a hysterectomy in l994 and have been on HRT ever since. This past January I started in with dryness, not so much vaginally but in the areas around it. The "lips" are so dry they are chapped and painful. I am using hormone cream prescribed by my Dr. three times a week. I also use a cortisone cream, Vaseline, hand lotion and anything else I can get my hands on to get some relief.

I too would like to know when this will stop? I can deal with the hot flashes, and any other symptom of the "change" but this dryness stuff if controlling my entire life...and it isn't fun. BTW, I am soon to be 56.

Hi, haven't tried Estring (maybe that's the solution to my problem), but whatever you do, use some estrogen asap to ward off future trouble. I had vaginal inflammation from not using vaginal estrogen, and it was very painful and took some time to resolve. Good luck.
Hi Girls
I am having a terrible problem with dryness. I am 52 and have been post menopause for about 5 years or so. I would love to try this Estring and heard it was non-systemic meaning it doesn't affect anything but the vaginal area, is that really true? Anyone else try it?

For those of you astroglide fans :) whats so different about it and say KY and other vaginal gels and creams?

The only way I am really free of this is when I am on a systemic delivery system of HRT. I use the Vivelle Dot Patch. I also occasionally use a dab of Estrogel as an add-on when I need a little extra in my system. Both of these are bioidentical, NOT synthetic hormone replacements.

I am 4 years post and just started with this dryness. It is mostly on the outter lips.

Has anyone found something other than hormones that helps? My mother had ovarian cancer and I want to stay away from hormones. I have done so, so far and hope that can continue.

I am also experiencing dryness. Mine isn't so much sexual, but more of the outer lips that seem to be so chapped they itch. I am using a vaginal cream right now three times a week and it helps, but it didn't totally do away with my symptoms....I sure wish someone could help me...it feels as though someone has powdered me with itching powder at times....I am miserable!!!!

I have this problem also. I just developed it a month ago and don't want to take hormones. Have you found anything that has helped?

I was using Premarin Vaginal Cream and it helped quite a bit, but I recently heard about using olive oil. I tried it for 2 weeks and it has been more effective than the cream. I have no pain at all now.

Thank you. I have heard of several ladies that used the olive oil with success. I will try that next. I used Replens and did not have great success with it. In fact, I got a terrible UTI. Yuck!

I suffer from vaginal dryness, diagnosed as vaginal atrophy for nine months now...to the point that my life has been drastically altered as I wait to get better. If that's possible. There are times when I just sit at the edge of the bed with my face in a pillow and just cry from the pain. It all started on New Year's Eve when I came down with a urinary tract infection. The infection went away but the pain stayed. I went through a number of painful tests and a cancer scare when my urine showed abnormal cells.(atypical). A second test ruled out the atypical cells. I was intent not to use any hormones at first...but had to give in. I used premarin cream for three weeks, and then had to have my gallbladder removed! (estrogen is known to cause gallstones in an already diseased gallbladder.....that's me!) Then the dose was lowered and I used a dab three times a week but after five weeks started to spot and had to go through a biopsy and polyp removal surgery. Then the doctor had me use vagifem tablets which I loved.......the cream burned and this doesn't. But after using the two week supply that he gave me and finally starting to get some relief, my insurance company refused to cover vagifem to my great dismay. So back to cream...I'm now using estrace cream three times a week and it hurts alot. But Im trying to give it time to heal the thin tissue caused by lack of estrogen. I did read that it takes anywhere from eight weeks to three months for estrogen to help. My insurance does cover the estring but I just don't think I want that inside of me for three months at a time. And I already have pelvic pressure without an object in there! My symptoms are burning, pelvic pressure, urethral pain, and a feeling that I have to urinate all the time! It greatly altered my life, and my husband's! Very depressing. I feel so old at just 54 years of age.
I'm sorry this is such a long post. Thanks so much for taking the time to read it.
Saragypsy

Since I started using the Vagifem estadiol vaginal tablets, the urge to urinate has gone back to normal levels. It has helped with vaginal dryness but intercourse is still painful at least half of the time.

Question how often to do you use the inserts...:angel:

I've not posted here before- I've never really come across anyone who'll admit to this, at least no-one I can talk to. I've been experiencing terrible dryness for about the last 3 years- I'm 47. The pessaries I was given were no help and I can't use anything over the counter as I just get awful UTI's. There's no way most of the time I could contemplate sex as I couldn't even insert a finger into the vagina, it's so dry. This does but a strain on my relationship although my husband is understanding. Any attempt at intercourse results in painful urination for the next week or so.I always seem to read articles anout how a woman's sex life improves at my age-no children about etc but feel this has finished mine. I'm a bit scared to try new creams as the UTI's are agony. I can't even use bubble bath anymore as I'm so sensitive.

Welcome. It is great to come here and meet women with similar problems, especially those problems that others won't admit to.

I have made my husband read this thread, because, yeah, there are all these articles and talk shows about how sex is so wonderful after 50, I feel like my husband must think I'm the only one having this problem and so I must be making up just because I don't want to have sex with him. NOT TRUE!! It just hurts like heck. I can't use the hormonal creams either. I do get a bit of relief with gobs and gobs of Astroglide, but it still ain't like it used to be, and that stuff is so messy. I'm sure glad I did not know about this aspect of menopause when I was younger or I'd REALLY have been dreading getting older!

Hi,
So glad we aren't alone! I am 49 and have been experiencing these same symptoms along with a yeast infection that just won't go away! Have just taken a dose of fluconozale a couple days ago, and feel a little better, but I can tell it's still there. I have read on a couple posts where you can take another dose of it if the first doesn't work. The itching, burning, yechhhh! Terrible. I am going to try taking AZO on a regular basis to see if it helps. Does anyone have any suggestions for relief of these stupid things. Timing is awful right around the holidays when I have so much to do!! Very uncomfortable. Thanks for listening to me!!

Hi,
So glad we aren't alone! I am 49 and have been experiencing these same symptoms along with a yeast infection that just won't go away! Have just taken a dose of fluconozale a couple days ago, and feel a little better, but I can tell it's still there. I have read on a couple posts where you can take another dose of it if the first doesn't work. The itching, burning, yechhhh! Terrible. I am going to try taking AZO on a regular basis to see if it helps. Does anyone have any suggestions for relief of these stupid things. Timing is awful right around the holidays when I have so much to do!! Very uncomfortable. Thanks for listening to me!!

HI,
I'm a brandnewbie,
This is my first post.

I'm almost 10 years into menopause.

When in early menopause I suffered with many yeast infections & UTI's. A female physician suggested eating yoqurt with "live active cultures" every day. You can find the live culture info on the container. It's in small print and you do have to look for it. My yeast infections cleared up quickly and also the UTI's have not come back. Today, if I do not eat yoqurt daily, then I chew an acidophilus tablet. I purchase the tablets at any drug store and they are not expensive.

When I started into menopause I tried to the natural alternative route. But, with way too many intense hot flashes, dry with vaginal atrophy, bladder leakage, tiredness, no sleep, could not think straight, and starting to age fast...... I gave in to HRT. I have never regretted it. I waited 4 years.......which I had made my decision earlier.

Over six years ago, I started HRT, Prempro, and my female OBGYN also started me on a direct application of Premarin Cream. The Premarin cream did help with the dryness greatly, but I also contributed it to staying on the HRT.
and today If I experience some dryness, then I use the cream for a 2-3 days. It might be months between applications.

I have not had a UTI in six years, either.

However, it is painful to try to have sex. It appears my tissues are very thin. My husband and I do have a great relationship because there are alternate ways to be physically close.

The yoqurt or acidophilus might help you with the yeast & UTI's.

You and your physician make the decision if you are a candidate for HRT.