Menopause

[Ramment]

Since menopause I have started experiencing pain during menopause I have applied lubricants and have had an oral exam. My Dr. does not seem to have an explanation but it is VERY uncomfortable and my husband feels bad that he is hurting me. Anyone else have this problem? Suggestions?

[Boxmaker]

Increasing vaginal dryness is common. While you had an exam that suggested everything is okay, did you specifically ask about your problem? Otherwise, your doctor would not think to address it because your exam probably indicated everything is as it should be for a menopausal woman!

One suggestion is to seek an Ob/Gyn who specializes in menopause. There are physicians whose medical expertise is in menopause and they probably can come up with a lot of helpful suggestions. You also may want to ask your physician about estrogen treatments that can be applied locally -- for example, estrogen cream or an inserted estrogen ring. That may relieve some of the symptoms (although an estrogen ring can also trigger daily vaginal discharge, just as when you were menstruating). Something quick and easy to try is a better vaginal lubricant. If you've relied on KY Jelly or the like, try a lubricant like "Astroglide" which most drug stores carry. Not so goopy and more lubricating. Hope this helps!

[maggyanne]

I too suffer from painful intercourse, urinary problems, (increased urination, urgency) hot flashes and insomnia. I can deal with the flashes, but the urinary symptoms and vaginal dryness have been driving me mad. My doctor has prescribed Permarin cream which i have to use twice weekly. I'm very worried about using oestrogen but am going to give it a try, I have used it once and it did seem to bring relief, though the problem came back today (4 days after first dose). I will let you know how I get on with it. I'm 58 years old and I think these problems are common to women in our age range. I don't know about anyone else but I also seem to experience breathing difficulties at night, I'm wondering if it's connected to menopause.

[crushton]

I too have been suffering for about 5 years and only after doing my own research have I discovered that when Oestrogen decreases not only can there be dryness but the vagina can actually atrophy and reduce in size. I am hoping HRT will solve this.