Peri menopause

[Delphin]

Hi there

I’m 46 years of age and I’m aware that my body has started to change, my periods are becoming irregular (up til the last year I’ve always been regular), I get spots around my period and mid cycle, I get anxiety from time to time around key points in my cycle, and I get soreness down below before my period and sometimes afterwards, also on occasions when I have intercourse with my husband it burns so much I feel like I’m on fire.

My question is, is the burning sensation also a symptom of the peri menopause?

Thank you in advance xxx

[Konagirl60]

I dont think it’s normal however, as we become menopausal, we slowly lose lubrication and moisture.

Could it be you need to use some type of lubrication during intercourse?

[suzie44na]

Hi, I would ask your doctor for advice, make sure everything ok.

Suzie

[Nikki1974]

Have you had your hormones tested? Sometimes as you go through peri menopause the ph levels can change and make you more susceptible to infections. Have infections been ruled out for the burning (perhaps bacterial vaginosis)? Worth getting along to your GP to have some swabs taken and maybe bloods for your hormone levels.

[Delphin in reply to Nikki1974]

Thank you Nikki for your message, but unfortunately my gp won’t test my hormones, I’m guessing due to cutbacks! But I have now been checked and she has confirmed that I’m clear of infection.

X

[RachaelE]

Hi Delphin

The soreness could be due to vaginal atrophy. I would ask your GP to check and ask for a prescription for localised oestrogen (vagifem). I’d also recommend using a vaginal moisturisers and lubricants. Do be careful and check the ingredients, however, as substances like glycerols and parabens can cause further irritation and conditions like thrush. Personally, I use YES moisturisers and lubes and their water based lubricant and moisturiser is available from their website or on prescription.

You GP won’t test your hormone levels because of your age. NICE Guidelines say that testing over the age of 45 is inconclusive and diagnosis should be made on the basis of symptoms and age. Early Menopause is diagnosed by blood test by checking your levels of FSH. but if you are perimenopausal then your level could well be normal on the day of the test, hence the recommendation that doctors shouldn’t blood test women over 45. You’ll find more information on treating vaginal atrophy here : nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23

Here’s a link to information about YES on prescription

yesyesyes.org/nhs/

Also:

menopausedoctor.co.uk/menop...

Hope that’s all helpful xx

[carrotcake19]

The burning could be due to vulvodynia, where the vulva burns even with light touching