Dryness - Any solutions besides hormones?

[Ann S]

I'm just about done with menopause, but for the last few months I keep getting what felt like yeast infections (very sore). Dr. said it probably wasn't and was just caused by dryness. She said some people even think they have a urinary tract infection because of the way it feels. Anyway, she said hormones would help, but won't prescribe them cause I'm a smoker (No jeers or lectures, please!). I'm not sure how I'd feel about taking them anyway. She didn't mention any alternatives. Does anyone know what else can be done to help or alleviate this symptom? Thanks, Ann S

[TrickyDick]

There are herbal remedys that mimic hormone treatment. I see them advertised on TV all the time. But the easiest and cheapest is just to go to your local store (same area where condoms are sold) and get some vaginal moisturizer. There are two or three brands.
They are much better than lotions or stuff that is not meant for internal use.

[Ann S]

Thanks for the information, Ann

[Jenni123]

I was given Estrace vaginal cream for those problems and it seems to work good for vaginal dryness and such. Maybe your doctor would prescribe this for you since it's used locally??

Good luck.

[winnie]

This is a reply to Ann S. message about six months ago. I am new to this site and read Ann's message. That could have been me! It is one of the reasons I found this site in the first place. I thought I had yeast infections and used Monistat, which gave relief, but it came back again: feeling of hotness, swelling and burning. I, too, am at the end of menopause (51). I am wondering if Ann S. is still out there and did she find anything that helped her. I'll check back because I sure hope so! Linda