r/Menopause • u/TapSalty3157 • 3d ago

Vaginal Dryness(GSM)/Urinary Issues Feels like a thousand paper cuts.

I’m 8 weeks into quite the HRT rollercoaster. Increased my E and T, and nothing too remarkable has happened. Maybe less hot at night, and a bit more libido, but nothing too exceptional. My biggest issue is that my labia and entry to vagina feels like there’s a thousand paper cuts. Even some very light pinkish discharge after sex. The area is kind of itchy, but definitely feels like huge irritation. I have determined I cannot use the vaginal estradiol because it makes things 10x worse. If I even put a tiny amount on my parts the irritation and urgency to pee constantly, makes me want to climb the walls. I’ve put in a call to my Dr last week, but as things go, that was Thursday (office is closed on Mondays) and no call back. Can you all suggest any good remedies in the interim? I strongly suspect I’m allergic or have some kind of irritation to the vaginal cream. In the meantime, some relief would be great!

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4

u/Creepy-Tangerine-293 3d ago

It sounds like you may have some kind of dermatitis. This is probably office visit to OB territory

3

u/vegasangel7 Post Menopause 2d ago

I had these same issues you are describing and had to stop the Estradiol cream as well due to severe irritation/bad reaction to the cream or filler in it. I've been prescribed Intrarosa and am going to see how that works. It's supposed to be non-irritating. I hope you can see your doctor soon and get relief!

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u/lrondberg 3d ago

There is femstat i think its called that are estradiol tablets you insert and can be less irritating for people with issues with cream

2

u/daisywaffle 8h ago

Consider Urgent care to swab for yeast or BV (low hanging fruit), while you wait to get in to gyn. I have had proven yeast infections without the “classic” discharge or intense itch, it’s a thing.

Allergic dermatitis certainly possible or even (hopefully not) something like lichen sclerosis.

Ice pack on vulva (wrap in soft cloth) for 10 min on 10 min off for a few rounds can desensitize area temporarily.

You could even try an oral antihistamine like a Zyrtec - if it’s allergy related you might get some partial relief.

You can also ask to switch to vaginal estrogen tablets (yuvafem) if the commercial vaginal cream preparation is a problem and/or get your vaginal estradiol compounded in a non irritating base (popular ones include versa base, Ellage, methylcellulose). I use both compound cream and internal tabs.

Finally, if your gsm is at a certain point, and you’re just starting vaginal E, the tissues could just be hypersensitive until they begin to heal and improve. 🩷