Vaginal moisturizers - Menopause Message Board

PatNJ · 04-23-2008, 04:36 PM

I am 52 and six years post-menopausal. I am experiencing extremely uncomfortable vaginal dryness. At my last GYN exam less than a year ago, the doctor told me I was starting to experience vaginal atrophy. I have been sexually inactive for a little more than four years. I am on HRT but I am weaning myself off the meds, currently taking them five days a week.

I'd like to try Replens. I know that there are two types--a gel packaged in single-use applicators, and a cream packaged with a reusable applicator.

I'd appreciate opinions as to which form is cosmetically preferable, and whether one form seems to work better than the other for the dryness.

Thanks.

benson · 05-01-2008, 10:12 PM

Hi PatNJ, Similar issue's, but different scenario. I actually went through the menopause at 28. Unfortunately I was never prescribed H.R.T. and am now having to deal with the myriad of health consequences because of it, including severe Vaginal Atrophy. I'm 48 (just turned

, Hubbie 45). We've been married 25 years, and are still a young couple, hence we're very motivated to get this sorted and improve our sexual health

I had been prescribed the usual Premarin et al by my family physician but nothing has helped. I did try Replens, but it did nothing for me, but maybe that's because my condition is more severe, or it just wasn't 'right' for me. Maybe the answer for you is to try all the different lubrications to see what suits you best. However I am due to see a specialist gynae on the 15th, so I'll try and get some feedback 'generally', and report back more substantively post the consultation

.
One thing I will add however is please be persistant. Unfortunately for me, I had to get cervical cancer to get a referral to this other gynae, thanks to one of the oncology nurses who gave me his details.
Fortunately for me the cancer was C.I.S ( carcinoma in situ). However at the cold knife cone biopsy that was successful in removing the cancer, the operation notes included a 'bladder and bowel bulge'...this is due to the vaginal atrophy. So this is not a condition that is without consequence

.
If your still around I'll try and give some feedback from my consult. All good if it helps somebody else

PatNJ · 05-02-2008, 11:58 AM

Oh, I'm so sorry about all that you have been through.

But I am relieved for you that the cancer was completely removed as a result of the biopsy.

Thank you for letting me know about the potential long-term consequences of vaginal atrophy. When my GYN commented on it during last year's exam, he was very casual about the topic. He told me that I could use an estradiol cream, but since I haven't been sexually active, I could just wait until I am to start using it, which seemed pretty strange to me. I'd rather not use a hormonal cream, in any event, as long as I am still weaning myself off (oral) HRT.

Good luck with your upcoming appt. I'll be interested in hearing how it goes, if you don't mind posting.

cook82 · 05-02-2008, 01:21 PM

Hello PatNJ,

I'm curious - can you describe your symptoms of vaginal dryness.
For the longest of time I thought I was walking around with a vaginal
infection - GYN says there is no infection but she didn't say I had any
atrophy either.

I have intermittent itching, burning, urinary frequency and urgency and I did in November have a very slight discharge.

By the way I am your age - 52 - but not posmenopausal yet - just had blood work done today to measure hormone levels - I skip a month or 2 here and periods are lighter than they used to be.

Marie

PatNJ · 05-02-2008, 03:43 PM

The best way I can describe it, Marie, is that the outer area of the vagina feels very tight, dry, and thin. And I do experience itching at times, too, probably because of the dryness. If I cleanse myself too vigorously in that area after using the bathroom, sometimes it will tear, bleed a bit, and and hurt for a few days afterwards. I believe that vaginal atrophy refers primarily to the internal vagina, and I don't know what that looks or feels like; I can only rely on my GYN's observation.

Interestingly enough, a year or two ago I frequently felt as though I was "coming down" with a UTI, because of burning and urgency; the next time I saw my PCP or GYN, I would ask them to do a U/A, which always came back negative. Eventually the symptoms would subside, only to come back a month or so later. But whatever that was seems to be better now.

I think a contributing factor in my case to the atrophy, besides being six years post-menopausal, is the lack of sex.

Hope that helps.