Does everything shrink along with your vagina? This is driving me nuts! I think everything below is. Is anybody else having this problem in post menopause? I am 57. I love having sex. But, this is major problem.
Unfortunately the drop in Estrogen (and even testosterone) may cause the shrinkage. You can try FabuVag vaginal moisturizer, which is non-hormonal. If that doesn't help you may have to resort to Estrogen and Testosterone vaginal Cream. Please let me know if you have any questions. I actually specialize in female hormones and sexual dysfunction
Hi sharPharmD
Do you know if I use vagifem pessaries, does the estrogen reach the uterus? Or stay local? I have been advised to not use hrt patches as I have fibroids and the hrt feeds the fibroids.
I was having the same problem. Dry vag, felt too tight during sex, sex became painful. I am now on ovestin cream which very rapidly restored me to having a much younger looking plump vulva, more elasticity in the vag, more natural lubrication and wonderful sex again!
I am already on estradiol patch biweekly and p. hormone. I started using estrace cream. Got down to twice a week on estrace and still some what dry. Then, I ended up with a uti went into kidney infection landed me in hospital. So, I don't know should I start back on estrace? Thank you for responding.
I was using estrace. I don't know should I go back to it? I do not have many options. Thank you. I don't like the shrinking in ALL areas one bit! Thanks again.
Is estrace a cream that you insert into your vagina? Why did you stop? The risks are far lower than with systemic oestrogen.
i understand that some of the oestrogen in vagifem gets absorbed systemically but nowhere near the amount if hormones are taken orally.
Yes, you insert the cream vaginally. I had stopped when I was in the hospital for a kidney infection. I couldn't use it while I had an infection. Before the kidney infection, there was an uti. So, I haven't got back on track. Tonight, I am starting back. The HRT has made a huge difference in my life. Now if I can get my vag. and clit on track I will be a happy lady!
Thanks Suki
I think I would use a non hormonal vaginal moisturiser on your other bits and use the estrace internally. Only my opinion, hopefully no more uti's.
Good luck, we'll be thinking of you! Jealously!
Thank you.
Will estrace help with the shrinking of the vag. and clit? I know it helps with dryness. Thanks.
Yes Melinda, many women have this problem. They say that 50% of all women have vaginal atrophy (shrinking) and dryness. I seriously think the percentage is much much higher, but most women post meno don't go in for regular vag exams, don't care about their sex life, and don't talk about it.
I always LOVED sex. I'll never forget the first time I had painful sex, what a shocker!!! A very unpleasant shocker! And this didn't happen immediately at menopause, it took a few years before it happened. And yes, it's a major problem. This is because even when we are in meno (1 year without periods) our ovaries are still producing some estrogen, at least for a few years. But as time goes by, we continue to produce less and less.
Honestly I didn't have any real meno symptoms, like hot flashes and night sweats at menopause. I thought I skated through. And the things that were a problem I didn't associate with menopause, like chronic muscle pain. I was tested for everything under the sun, but not one doctor thought to ask about menopause. It wasn't until the atrophy and dryness set in that I was given vaginal Estrace and all the muscle pain went away.
This whole thing totally stinks. I hate it too.
I finally get to talk to somebody that uses Estrace! I will go back to it. I hurt so bad I could not sit down, but I had yeast infection with an uti same time. My sex life has suffered from this stinking stuff. My husband is afraid he will hurt me. I have tried otc moisturizers, but none has worked except coconut oil. Crazy but it works. How long have you been using Estrace? I am postmenopause. I have had more problems now, then at the beginning of this journey. Thank you so much.
Melinda, my story is not all happy! So I'll tell ALL. But I also want you to know that many MANY women use vaginal Estrace with great results and no problems.
I had vaginal dryness and some painful sex for over a year. I was given vaginal Estrace in 2013, but used it very rarely because I didn't really like how I felt using it. A year later, upon exam, the problem was even worse. So I came home dedicated to using it regularly. I couldn't stand the full amount prescribed (1gr.) so I used about half that amount every other day. It took about two weeks and I started noticing some wonderful things. My hair started growing again, my nails got thick and strong like they used to be, I was sleeping like a champ again, and I felt great. My sense of humor came back, and all the muscle pain went away. Then unfortunately .........my scalp started itching and my hair started falling out badly. I saw a dermatologist who said it was the Estrace and told me to stop using it. My hair didn't stop falling out till I used some progesterone. So I have gone to an endocrinologist who put me on systemic estrogen and progesterone.
Again, this is my story. But I know plenty of women who use it will great results and NO problems. Don't give up because if you let this go, it will get worse. I've heard of women who even had difficulty walking because of the pain with vaginal atrophy and dryness. No one should live like that.
I am so sorry you had to go through all that pain and side effects. Thank you for sharing such private information with me. I will start back on the Estrace with caution. I have other health issues that I have to monitor. But, having va is painful and causes other issues. I have lost 28 pounds in 15 months and started watching what I eat and drink. Thank you again.
It may help some but Clitoris shrinkage is usually due to low Testosterone. That is why it is important to have your level checked.
I have never had mine checked. It has never been mentioned by my doctor. I go for a follow up soon. Maybe sooner. How do women take testosterone? I am learning more about my sexual health now. But, there is so many questions. They tell females about sex atleast they did when I was growing up, having babies and taking care of them. But, somewhere I missed out on the info on menopause and postmenopause. What it does to your vag. and clit. and your sex life. I am so sorry I am rambling on. Thank you so much. I will probably have more questions.
I've been diagnosed with Lichen sclerosis but after visiting here I'm feeling unsure. My dr never did a biopsy. I'm 47 and had a Hysterectomy a few years ago.