Unfortunately, the story that follows is common. She developed chronic pain in the vulva and struggled to find support or trusted medical advice. The type of pain she describes can have several causes. Declining estrogen levels in the skin and other tissues that surround the entrance to the vagina is one possible cause. This is part of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which also includes symptoms such as vaginal dryness, frequent urination, and frequent urinary tract infections. In this case, it is not technically vulvodynia because that diagnosis implies that there is no identifiable cause.
Vulva pain caused by GSM and treated with estrogen cream applied to the vulva and vagina results in a substantial improvement in symptoms usually, and it is not clear from Cathy’s story how much her symptoms improved. It is therefore possible that her pain had a different cause.
Here’s Cathy with her story…
Cathy’s story
Once my periods stopped four years ago, I initially experienced immense relief. I’d suffered for many years with severe period pain and heavy periods, making it hard to plan outings or holidays – I was reliant on strong painkillers every month.
But there were also plenty of challenges.
My body changed so rapidly as I went through menopause, at times I didn’t recognize it as my own.
The symptoms I’m experiencing now are caused by low estrogen levels. For me, that means forgetfulness – I have to write everything down or it doesn’t get done. I have also noticed collagen loss from my skin, so I’m gaining wrinkles faster than I thought possible. I also have vulvodynia, which makes sitting down uncomfortable.
I’d also love to know where my libido has gone. On a scientific level, I understand how falling hormone levels can steal sex drive, but my libido seems to have left the room and thrown away the key! I do feel like I’m missing a piece of the jigsaw puzzle of menopause and hope I can find it in the future.
Vulvodynia left me isolated
Chronic pain in the vulva with no identifiable source, known as vulvodynia, can occur with or without vaginal dryness. It was only through research that I discovered how widespread vulvodynia is. Women of all ages, suffer from sometimes agonizing pain, yet it’s barely ever talked about.
The condition came on very quickly and really impacted my well-being, making me feel helpless and alone.
As I work as a freelance writer, it has made life hard. Due to my condition, I can no longer wear jeans or ride a bike. This does make me sad sometimes, but I haven’t suffered seriously from the hot flashes, mood swings, or sleeping problems a lot of women have to cope with, so I count myself lucky.
I use an estrogen cream a couple of times a week, which has helped me to a certain extent, and I switched to natural bath and shower products. I have also found online support groups useful. It helps to remember that I am not the only woman suffering from this condition.
Exploring ways to relax
Menopause brings many changes to your body, as well as different needs compared to when you were younger, whether that be regarding nutrients, sleep, or stress reduction techniques.
I’m qualified in nutrition so I like to research scientific studies myself to decide which approaches might be worthwhile. But while I can access the nutritional knowledge, it is often hard to be objective and apply this information to myself.
I am a recent convert to yoga and meditation
I am a recent convert to yoga and meditation and I find these activities are great for reducing anxiety, which started during the pandemic. Yoga, meditation, and learning how to breathe properly have taught me how to relax.
- Stella, Stress and menopause
- Stella, Vaginal estrogen
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