Urogenital Atrophy

[Krisssy]

I am 62 years old. I went through menopause at 54. 10 months ago I began getting symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and Interstitial Cystitis following a bladder infection. My symptoms have been urinary frequency and urgency, a feeling like I have to urinate even right after I urinate, and a throbbing pain in the clitoral area. I have been to many gynecologists, urogynecologists, urologists and a urologist specializing in Interstitial cystitis (Dr. Robert Moldwin). I have had a cystoscopy, cytology, defogram, kidney and pelvic sonogram and a pelvic MRI. All test results were normal. I have been diagnosed with Pelvic floor Dysfunction, Interstitial cystitis and pelvic pain. I have tried every medication on the market turning my urine all sorts of colors from blue to orange. Valium helped for a few weeks, and Elavil helped for a few weeks.

Yesterday, I had an appointment with a specialist (urogynecologist with NYU). He told me that since I have had all the appropriate tests ruling out everything, he believes that my symptoms are being caused by the severe urogenital atrophy that I have. This has been noticed by other doctors but never as a factor for my pain. He said that the atrophy definetely affects the bladder as well as the vaginal and clitoral area. He put me on Premarin Cream 1gram every day for a month, then 1 gram every other day for a month, and then he wants me to return to hs office.

I was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with urogenital atrophy as a reason for your symptoms. He said that getting IC at 61 is very unusual, and I would have had it starting at a much younger age. Anyone out there first getting symptoms after menopause. Anyone having a Dr. attribute symptoms to atrophy? Anyone get relief from Premarin Cream or something else?
Thanks Krisssy

[systitis]

I am post meno & was dxed with IC & OAB....turned out after years of misery & lots of tests & doctors that my symptoms came from atrophic vaginitis. Pain, stinging, burning, having to pee constantly. FINALLY, a new gyno came up with what seems to be the correct dx. Turned out I was allergic to Premarin but I have gotten considerable relief from Estrace cream.

If you search "estrace" on this site you will find lots of info on the link between urinary symptoms & post menopausal hormone issues.

Hope you find relief...but if Premarin doesn't work, ask for Estrace. Additionally there are rxes like Femring & some people go to compounding pharmacies as well ...you'll find lots of info & help here.

[NancyB]

Dear Krissy -

I was diagnosed with mild IC at age 47 when I was in perimenopause. After doing some reading, I thought that what I had was an estrogen deficiency of some sort and asked my gyno for some oral estrogen. It worked and cleared up all my symptoms - urgency, pain, etc. I am now 61. In the last year I had to add vaginal estrogen to my oral stuff. I have had no problems with my IC symptoms over the years as long as my estrogen level has been ok. You can read my story by clicking on my name and then going to the thread I posted back in December 2007 entitled, "Estrogen as an IC Treatment."

By the way, a lot of ICers cannot use Premarin. If you run into problems, ask for estradiol (Brand Name - Estrace).

If you want more information or want to chat, feel free to PM me anytime.

Hope this is helpful to you.

NancyB:)

[KarenAnne]

I also developed IC post menopausally, while becoming symptomatic with atrophic vaginitis at the same time. I was thought to have vv with the IC by one of my first docs but I turned out to just need estrogen vaginally. I'm on vagifem twice a week & estrace cream once daily. Nancy, I believe you were the first one to bring this up to me & I thank you. Krissy, I found it hard to believe I developed IC at age 51, after going through menopause at 43. My symptoms are the same as yours. Makes ya think!

[systitis]

Hi Krissy...Your mail is full & not accepting new messages so I'll reply here.

Re the Premarin: my symptoms did not improve & my vulva felt raw & inflamed. Gyno examined me & said I was allergic. I was switched to Estrace & have had no problems with it.

[ICNDonna]

I met a lady some years ago who developed IC at age 70! I guess we're never too young or too old to have it rear it's ugly self.

Donna

[Tuckersmom]

I'm 53, but have had IC for 22 years. At 52 I developed vaginal atrophy, which caused me to have a UTI about every two weeks. I began using Estrace Cream, and that solved the problem.

[Goldfinch]

I'm 61 and post menopausal by seven or eight years. I developed IC out of the blue almost 2 years ago, having no history of bladder problems and very few UTIs. I do not have a problem with severe atrophy. Due to some other factors (not pelvic related at all) I cannot ever use any hormone supplements or creams; I survived hot flashes with only ice-water as my therapy--drinking it and bathing in it when desperate.