[Texasred]

I have a very good friend who is experiencing a serious problem affecting her love life, or just her life: due to hormonal issues, she has experienced "shrinkage" of her vagina and due to a loss of elasticity (I guess), she very easily gets painful tears if her vagina is stretched. In the past she was treated successfully for this condition with a hormone compound consisting of estrogen: progesterone 2:1 (I think...); something that is readily available and she has gotten in Europe, but because she is 68 and has been receiving hormone treatment for some years, her doctor refuses to prescribe this (again?) because of cancer risk, and has essentially told her to "deal with it." Since sex is extremely important to her, she has told me that dying of cancer is not a concern: she doesn't want to live if she can't have sex. I want her to see another doctor: she's going to an ob/gyn, but I suggested she see an endocrinologist, or even just another ob/gyn!
OK, so much for the background: does anyone here have any experience with something like this? Or more importantly, a helpful suggestion?
No, WR, I don't want to here any details of your gf's private parts...

[Claret]

Look up Lichen Sclerosis. Non-sexually transmitted ailment, affects mainly (but not exclusively females of menopausal age), believed to be an autoimmune issue possibly related to lupus. For instance if one sister has Lupus the second sister could have LS. What it does in it's simpliest form is thin the skin of the vulva allowing tears and bruising which after years can cause major problems. In it's worst form it can cause atrophy of the labia minora, and this can be re-absorbed into the labia majora. It can also hood or cloak the clitoris, burying it under a thin layer of skin. It can cause bridging of the labia where they fuse together narrowing the vaginal opening. It also affects the perineum and anal areas.
There is lots of information on the web, just search for it.
The standard treatment is an ointment called clobetasol.

[Texasred]

Thanks. I do believe her problem is more hormonal; her doctor simply doesn't want to treat it, or at least not using what has worked for her in the past.

[jns]

I have a very good friend who is experiencing a serious problem affecting her love life, or just her life: due to hormonal issues, she has experienced "shrinkage" of her vagina and due to a loss of elasticity (I guess), she very easily gets painful tears if her vagina is stretched. In the past she was treated successfully for this condition with a hormone compound consisting of estrogen: progesterone 2:1 (I think...); something that is readily available and she has gotten in Europe, but because she is 68 and has been receiving hormone treatment for some years, her doctor refuses to prescribe this (again?) because of cancer risk, and has essentially told her to "deal with it." Since sex is extremely important to her, she has told me that dying of cancer is not a concern: she doesn't want to live if she can't have sex. I want her to see another doctor: she's going to an ob/gyn, but I suggested she see an endocrinologist, or even just another ob/gyn!
OK, so much for the background: does anyone here have any experience with something like this? Or more importantly, a helpful suggestion?
No, WR, I don't want to here any details of your gf's private parts...

I think a lot of doctors follow medical care guidelines put out by various agencies and publications to limit their liability. As such, they are less in touch with their patients' individual wants and needs. This is why better ways to treat conditions are often found in other countries. Sometimes people get around doctor resistance by obtaining medication meant for veterinary care. Finding a doctor who will replicate the prescription may be looking for a needle in a haystack.

[Ashlee T.]

There are hormone specialists out there. There aren't a ton of them and they are difficult to get into but they're out there. I have a coworker seeing one next week who specifically deals with female hormones. I hear she's been a lifesaver for many.

[Texasred]

There are hormone specialists out there. There aren't a ton of them and they are difficult to get into but they're out there. I have a coworker seeing one next week who specifically deals with female hormones. I hear she's been a lifesaver for many.

I'm sure that's what my friend needs, and she actually admitted today that she's looking specifically for an endocrinologist! I thin what convinced was waking up Monday morning and feeling like she didn't even have the energy to get out of bed. She's convinced, she's going to do it! Hopefully soon.