Saw a new GYN today

[Guest guest]

Hi all, My former primary doc told me to get off the hormone pills 3 years ago. When I stopped taking them my vaginal area became very 'tender' and burning and painful at times. My GYN told me to go back on the pills and to use Estrace cream. The problem would not clear up completely so I saw a GYN who specializes in such problems.

He said, it's nothing serious just vaginal atrophy.... thinning of the skin and tightening of the muscles and that is what causes the pain. He said I should not be taking hormone pills because then the patient has a greater chance for a stroke. As far as having hot flashes again when I go off the pills, he said, "live with it", or try Black Cohosh. {I have read that Black Cohosh has possible side effects also}

He said hormone cream is better to use because it doesn't go through the liver. Use one gram every other night internally and one bean size amount on the outside every night at bedtime. He told me to use nothing to wash the vaginal area but water!! He intimidated me a little I think and I wasn't completely relaxed and thinking well as a result.

came into his office with me after the exam and we asked what I could use during the day if I am uncomfortable, he said, "nothing", meaning don't use anything during the day. We both stared at him! He wants me to return in one month and to see his PT at that time and she will show me some exercises to do for relaxing the muscles in the vaginal area. So, I have an apt. for one month from now.

Vera/Florida

I guess I am a little confused right now because he told me things that the opposite of what other doctors have said.

How do you feel about him by now? Have you been back to see him again?

Vera Penick

[Guest guest]

Hi Vera,Many docs (gyn's, specialists, etc) don't really know a lot about female hormones. If you get a chance, go to the Library (or Amazon.com) and see if you can get your hands on a copy of Dr. Vliet's book, "Screaming to be Heard".... it has tons of great info on hormones! Also, here is her website: http://www.herplace.com She really dispels a lot of the myths about hormones and sifts through the hype of the media.I just love his attitude (I'm oozing with sarcasm here - telling you to "just live with the hot flashes". I bet if they were disrupting his life or schedule he wouldn't be so quick to make a statement like that! *sigh*If you think you need to use something during the day....then do so! ;-) Using Estrace or Estradiol cream topically can be really good for the vulvar tissue, but it can take a little time for the skin to build back up with it's elasticity and

all. Hang in there... and take care,ChelleVera Penick wrote: He said, it's nothing serious just vaginal atrophy.... thinning of the skin and tightening of the muscles and that is what causes the pain. He said I should not be taking hormone pills because then the patient has a greater chance for a stroke. As far as having hot flashes again when I go off the pills, he said, "live with

it", or try Black Cohosh. {I have read that Black Cohosh has possible side effects also} He said hormone cream is better to use because it doesn't go through the liver. Use one gram every other night internally and one bean size amount on the outside every night at bedtime. He told me to use nothing to wash the vaginal area but water!! He intimidated me a little I think and I wasn't completely relaxed and thinking well as a result. came into his office with me after the exam and we asked what I could use during the day if I am uncomfortable, he said, "nothing", meaning don't use anything during the day. We both stared at him! He wants me to return in one month and to see his PT at that time and she will show me some exercises to do for relaxing the muscles in the vaginal area. So, I have an apt. for one month from now.

Vera/Florida I guess I am a little confused right now because he told me things that the opposite of what other doctors have said. How do you feel about him by now? Have you been back to see him again? Vera Penick