Menopause, Hormone Replacement, and LS

I wonder if wee has anything to do with it.  I presume what we eat comes out in wee.  It's just I can tell if I've fed my guinea too much calcium foods as her urine changes more opaque. I don't know if it's the same for us.   I can't give up treats totally I have a sweet tooth unfortunately, plus I need a little bit of something to look forward to especially with all this going on. X 

Hi, new to the LS affliction- have been going to a male gynecologist since my hysterectomy- have concluded he knows very little about the condition or cares about the sufferings- requested HRT replacement therapy - he refused.  He prescribed Estrace cream to be placed in the vagina a couple of times a week - also received the steroid cream with vague instructions for application. The combination of the two creams resulted in the condition I have called "crouch on fire".  I returned to doctor for help but he refused to even look at the situation - he then said he could refer me to a dermatologist- I felt relieved until I found out the appointment wasn't for 2 months.   I had to travel to a larger city to find doctors familiar with the condition.  So I have found out u shouldn't use any type of cream on the affected areas - only use ointment- currently on prednisone for 5 more days - refuse at this point to use the steroid ointment because of the discomfort- burning, redness , irritation.  I feel that the loss of estrogen is the cause of the condition - with out estrogen the skin of the vulva changes causing the auto immune response creating the inflammation and the other symptoms.  The loss of estrogen also results in the inability to absorb calcium - so I am taking calcium supplements.  I have also figured out that individuals with a sensitive immune system (iinsect bites that swell immediately and persist for days ) are the individuals that suffer from LS.   I am not a happy camper and have decided if there were more female gynecologist that are post menopausal we the suffering would have better options.   So I propose giving  LS women estrogen and watch the results - we should have the option.  😒

I am so frustrated with the lack of information and the lack of consideration from most gynecologists - there should be mandatory procedures in every Ob/Gyn office for women that are no longer taking HRT therapy or choose not to following menopause - there has to be an increase in the number of LS suffers since the medical protocols for estrogen replacement have changed - I understand the concern if u still have a uterus and ovaries but if u don't then the risk for those types of cancers is greatly reduced - having stopped and started HRT therapy a few years ago trying to find the one that worked the best - i experienced positive changes in the vagina and the vulva.  Ok, so here we are no estrogen - my theory is the lack of estrogen has resulted in vulvar skin that is too dry therefore there are microscopic openings that allow bacteria to penetrate the upper layers of the skin creating the itiching which triggers inflammation and creates our situation .   So, I am using an antibiotic ointment on the areas that itch and Vaseline as a moisturizer for all other areas - I am hoping the Vaseline will prevent irritation and therefore less itiching and less inflammation.    Don't know what I will do next - i am hoping I won't have a relapse following the end of the prednisone.  

I tried the estrace cream on the exterior skin but couldn't continue because of the irritation- the out of town Gyn Doc ( nice , compassionate, older guy) said it burns the skin.   I freaked out in the beginning- telling my self " no I will not allow these labia to disappear - no I will not be disfigured " - now I'm concentrating on no pain and moisturized tissue to prevent any further changes.    The big question is "what did our mothers and grandmothers do?"      FRUSTRATED!!!

Hi Karen,

i agree reed with regards depletion of oestrogen and attitude towards menopause.  I think because it is considered a natural part of a females life they do not realise how bad things feel, I.e night sweats, cold sweats, day flushes, dizziness, depression, boob itches which I currently have and I think it does feel like a diseas all of it especially the L S and dryness and soreness.  I have been offered oestrogen cream as well and am so reluctant to try it as I've read about stinging etc. And I'm not that good at new products on my skin either it always seems to react.  I think our mothers and grandmothers maybe didn't have a great deal of information as a lot of ours comes from the internet once diagnosed.   My Mam especially didn't ever talk about things personal I think that was their generation I wish she had I certainly talk about it to my daughter and she now has learnt about these problems.  I think if we pass knowledge on by talking about it and just informing them even they know more and can watch out for things.  X 

Please don't dispare,

Sending you massive hugs and loads of love,

I've not met one person yet other than medical, who has ever

Heard of this awful desease,

We have each other,

Take care xxxx

I have LS had it for 3 years 56 now came on after the menopause. I dont have the itch but it took me 2years to get it calm. I used zink and caster oil to calm things down along with clob and estriol cream. I take baking soda baths at least 3 times a week. Clob twice a week and estriol cream twice a week and put it on the dry area every day just a little. I have used emuaid which worked well but dont need it now diet semi paleo and low alcohol. No under wear. Just leggins and skirts. Can enjoy sex again. So there is lighr at the end of the tunnel. Just a big challenge stress is a big problem to affect it instantly. Keep going you will wirk it out. One more thing my mum had it but kept it a secret. My sister told me.

Big hug xx