Ladies I need some advice please?
I've been struggling with the menopause for 3 years now (went down the herbal route initially) but after trying numerous pills I finally relented and went on HRT as the hot flushes I was experiencing alongwith a few other symptoms weren't pleasant.
Whilst a lot of us have our own opinions on HRT, at the minute I feel I've made the right decision for 'me'. However, the one thing I'm really struggling with is the dryness, I only offer protected services but it honestly feels like someone is penetrating me with sandpaper at times, never a good or sexy feeling, especially in this line of work.
Can anyone advise?
Hi and can I ask what HRT are you taking? I ask because the old versions of HRT with synthetic progesterone actually causes low estrogen levels, I take the bioidentical version utrogestin.
I am perimenopause and I take estrogen gel to relieve my severe PMS, Stress or working out harder, Weight loss can result in needing more estrogen and antidepressants also do cause issues.
Women also need Testosterone for energy, Muscle tone, Bone density and sex drive, It's not just for men but GPs are useless at taking female sex drive seriously or even understanding how important our Estrogen is for our mental and physical wellbeing although some lucky ladies go through menopause with less symptoms.
I don't take Testosterone myself but would if and when my levels impact me. I know Maca and muira puana can increase blood flow and lubricate the vagina. The topical estrogen is also a good choice and you can get that from a pharmacy without a prescription.
You might need to up the HRT Estrogen dose if you are still getting vaginal dryness. When we go through menopause all 3 hormones bottom out include Testosterone. You will need progesterone if you still have a womb.
I listen to to Dr Louise Newson on Spotify podcasts and its excellent for information on hormones, Menopause and HRT. Unfortunately not many GPs really know much about HRT and hormones to prescribe optimally.