Dear Jacqui,
I am 55 years old and have gone through pre-menopause in my mid twenties. I am currently on estrogen replacement therapy but still suffer greatly from vaginal dryness and atrophy. It is too painful to have intercourse. I have tried K-Y jelly, Astroglide, and Premarin cream, but have had no success. Is there anything new out there that you think I should try? Thank you!
Wendy

Dear Wendy,
I understand your condition well and have two suggestions: First, have you seen a hormone specialist? How long have you been on HRT and what prescription drugs are you taking? Is it a synthetic estrogen or a natural one such as drops?

If you have been on estrogen replacement therapy for ten years it is all the more important that a first rate specialist understands your history as well as your family history and advises you. It is not advisable to be on HRT for too many years, especially synthetic hormones. I am concerned about you, which is why I make these recommendations.

Secondly, since you have vaginal atrophy, which is a normal development in menopausal and pre-menopausal women. You must avoid any products that could affect your vaginal tissue adversely: Avoid scented bubble bath, never use douches, avoid all cleansing products in the vaginal area containing fragrance, plant additives, chemical colors or fragrances. Use only pH-balanced, mild cleansing products, such as the Very Private pH-balanced body wash, which was developed specially for women with vaginal dryness problems.

As to your final question, Very Private does make a FDA approved product that is both a moisturizer for the vaginal tissue as well as a lubricant. It has helped many women with vaginal atrophy, including myself. You would use it like a daily moisturizer for your skin and apply a little bit after washing between your vaginal lips and around the vaginal opening.

The Premarin cream applied locally should help, avoid it on days you have intimacy. Before intimacy apply Very Private and keep it handy. If you get very dry during lovemaking, just add a little more. I hope your condition will improve. Best wishes.

Jacqui




		Painful Sex
	"I'm on estrogen and intercourse is painful!" Dear Jacqui, I am 55 years old and have gone through pre-menopause in my mid twenties. I am currently on estrogen replacement therapy but still suffer greatly from vaginal dryness and atrophy. It is too painful to have intercourse. I have tried K-Y jelly, Astroglide, and Premarin cream, but have had no success. Is there anything new out there that you think I should try? Thank you! Wendy Dear Wendy, I understand your condition well and have two suggestions: First, have you seen a hormone specialist? How long have you been on HRT and what prescription drugs are you taking? Is it a synthetic estrogen or a natural one such as drops? If you have been on estrogen replacement therapy for ten years it is all the more important that a first rate specialist understands your history as well as your family history and advises you. It is not advisable to be on HRT for too many years, especially synthetic hormones. I am concerned about you, which is why I make these recommendations. Secondly, since you have vaginal atrophy, which is a normal development in menopausal and pre-menopausal women. You must avoid any products that could affect your vaginal tissue adversely: Avoid scented bubble bath, never use douches, avoid all cleansing products in the vaginal area containing fragrance, plant additives, chemical colors or fragrances. Use only pH-balanced, mild cleansing products, such as the Very Private pH-balanced body wash, which was developed specially for women with vaginal dryness problems. As to your final question, Very Private does make a FDA approved product that is both a moisturizer for the vaginal tissue as well as a lubricant. It has helped many women with vaginal atrophy, including myself. You would use it like a daily moisturizer for your skin and apply a little bit after washing between your vaginal lips and around the vaginal opening. The Premarin cream applied locally should help, avoid it on days you have intimacy. Before intimacy apply Very Private and keep it handy. If you get very dry during lovemaking, just add a little more. I hope your condition will improve. Best wishes. Jacqui Copyright 2001 Brandwynne Corporation. All rights reserved. Thank you for your trust.

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