4 yrs post op & sudden drought of dryness

Good morning. It's been four years since everything was out at the ripe old age of 23. I haven't been here for awhile, but now I'm back. I've been on hrt for all four years (3 on premarin, this last one on estradiol). Sex has always been wonderful (once we were finally allowed to have it again). However, within the past month, DH has noticed a huge problem - I'm suddenly like a desert. I've never had this problem before - ever, before or after op. He said it feels like I'm "ripping his skin off", so he doesn't want to even try anymore until I'm "back to normal". I don't even know how to get "back to normal" and I just want to cry because he's never said no.

Hi
Here's an awesome article Vaginal Dryness I think will help you a lot. I use Estrace vaginal cream and it works wonderfully. See your doctor and tell him/her what you have told us and ask about the estrogen creams or tabs that disolve (Vagifem). This also supports the tissue and has helped with bladder problems I was having. Some Astroglide or KY may help also.

I hope you find a solution soon!!

Thank you so much. Very informative. I will talk to dr about a cream and maybe try something otc til then. I think we're both going nuts, so anything is worth a try. However, it's better than all the problems I had before surgery four years ago. Thanks again.

Ladies, over the last couple of years I have experienced temporary bouts of vaginal dryness, but the last several monthes the dryness is pretty much a full-time condition. It is frustrating, uncomfortable, and at times very painful. Medications I am taking to ease rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia pain are contributing to this dryness. I am taking 1 mg. Estradiol and I am also using Estrace Cream 1% three times a week. The cream is helpful, but using it three times weekly is not providing enough relief. I get temporary relief, but can hardly stand to wait the 2-3 days before it is time to use the cream once again.

Are any of you aware of any reason that taking the Estradiol pills and using the Estrace cream at the same time would be conflictual, or redundant? Any ideas as far as a different course of action?

Thanks for any input you are able to provide. Tamara

Hi!

(((kewers))), I hope you can get some relief soon. I know all too well how uncomfortable vaginal dryness can be. I found the over the counter lubricants to be irritating until I got my vaginal estrogen level back up where it should be. Hopefully you won't have that same experience. I have experience using Vagifem and a compounded estrogen cream. Both are good but Vagifem wins out for convenience and the no mess factor.

(((Tamara))), I use Vivelle Dot for systemic estrogen and Vagifem for vaginal estrogen. No matter what systemic estrogen I've used I've always needed a separate estrogen for my vaginal health. It's not something everyone needs but there are a good number of us who do.

If you don't feel the Estrace cream is as effective as you would like, maybe you could consider asking your doctor about Estring. It's a vaginal ring which is inserted and left in place for up to three months. It releases estrogen continuously which might work out better for you since you feel like you need to use the Estrace more frequently.

Hope this helps!