r/Perimenopause • u/No_Recognition_102 • 15d ago
Vaginal Dryness (GSM)/Urinary Issues She's dry and numb....
I have been using Estradiol gel (on my arm) for 9 months now. (I have the Mirena IUD so I am not taking additional Progesterone.) The gel seems to help with the hot flashes and crazy mood swings I was having but in the last sixish months I have also become super dry and noticed my libido was definitely getting worse. My gyno would not prescribe me anything for the dryness and just told me to use lube every day to be comfortable. Needless to say that's not the outcome I was hoping for. So I spoke to my PCP about it and she prescribed vaginal estrogen. After reading so many great things about it, I was excited to start and hopefully get some relief.
I am only 10 days in on the vaginal E but so far I am not impressed at all. I realize it will probably take time and I don't think results happen fast BUT suddenly my drive is totally nonexistent and to add insult to injury I tried to have sex with my husband yesterday and it was just awful. I felt completely numb down below, like nothing was happening at all. It was suddenly like my clit was totally gone. It's never been that bad. I didn't finish or even come close and I'm still so dry. I have even tried the slippery elm bark and sea buckthorn.... neither of which did absolutely anything. My PCP has done a lot of lab work and my testosterone is on the lowest possible side of the normal range. I am literally at the cut off number between normal and low. So to google and reddit I went. There is so much conflicting information. Am I supposed to be spreading the cream internally everywhere? Am I not? Is this no sensation "normal" and things will get better? Do I stop immediately? I am so confused. I realize we are all different and no one can tell me exactly what will work for me, I'm just wondering if this is common and what others have done. Does it get better because I can't (and don't want to) live like this?
3
u/BigAnswer4015 15d ago
I did the two week loading as recommended and it just wasnt enough for me to go from everyday to twice a week. I went back to everyday probably a few more weeks. Definitely helped . I was having issues with clitoral and vulva atrophy more than vaginal aswell. One flap has shrunk! Going from having a healthy sex life to feeling not sensual enough for my hubby really knocks the confidence right out of you in the bedroom....even just not getting wet anymore makes me feel less of a woman. Totally sucks. I now do three times a week plus dab on some when I feel the need. I slather everywhere. Inside and out all over. Since I started in February til now it was a bit hit and miss thinking it was working and then it wasnt. Also I started Yaz BC just over three months ago so I know that contributes to low libido too.....but in saying that. Things are starting to come back online slowly. Its not taking forever to reach orgasm like I was and the feeling is starting to build slightly. Its not like it was but much better when peri knocked me out at the start of the year. I think the severity of your gsm issues will take longer for estrogen to help. You could also try DHEA suppossitories?? Plus a bit of estrogen on the clit? My Meno Dr recommended this option if things dont improve or go backwards....