New to this world...where do I start?

[Anonymous]

Just turned 40 and never crossed my mind that I could be in peri...but the past 1.5 years or so, have had a HUGE uptick in UTI/UTI-like symptoms and yeast infections, vaginal itching after sex, etc. I never got UTIs as long as I peed after sex, and now it doesn't seem to matter.

Now that I've done more research, I very much think this could be the very beginnings of perimenopause, though my cycles are regular and everything else seems normal...maybe less libido.

Where the hell do I start? Estadriol cream?

It sounds like some OBGYNs won't prescribe hormones/HRT (but I'm assuming this is more for postmenopausal))? Is it necessary to see a menopause specialist? It seems unusual to me because I assumed OBGYNs ARE supposed to be the menopause specialists...so these specialized providers/clinics seem to be more of a scam/moneymaker?

Can online providers be trusted? Not against telemedicine at all, but telehelath appointments for me have been with in-person providers I've established relationships with, and just want to be sure that telehealth providers in the peri/menopause field are also safe and trustworthy.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Don't take medical advice from tiktok...or people on DCUM who are informed by tiktok...

[Anonymous]

Perhaps STIs (check out your husband)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Perhaps STIs (check out your husband)

Honestly and sadly, I agree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Perhaps STIs (check out your husband)

Honestly and sadly, I agree.

That was my first thought as well.

[Anonymous]

You need a PI to track your husband, not a menopause doctor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need a PI to track your husband, not a menopause doctor.

This! Get an STD/STI panel done asap OP. I don't think this is peri.

[Anonymous]

Holy moly are you guys jumping the gun here.

Genitourinary symptoms are one of the first signs of peri. Started for me at 37. No cheating partner.

Start with a chat with your provider, and go from there.

[Anonymous]

Get your HPV vax and your hormone levels checked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get your HPV vax and your hormone levels checked.

Also do a baseline mamo.

[Anonymous]

I also will only do a Telehealth appointment with a doctor I already have an established relationship with.

Look at Mary Claire Haver - she has a database of gyns that specialize in menopause and peri that people have had good experiences with. That's how I found my doctor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get your HPV vax and your hormone levels checked.

Also do a baseline mamo.

Already done

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just turned 40 and never crossed my mind that I could be in peri...but the past 1.5 years or so, have had a HUGE uptick in UTI/UTI-like symptoms and yeast infections, vaginal itching after sex, etc. I never got UTIs as long as I peed after sex, and now it doesn't seem to matter.

Now that I've done more research, I very much think this could be the very beginnings of perimenopause, though my cycles are regular and everything else seems normal...maybe less libido.

Where the hell do I start? Estadriol cream?

It sounds like some OBGYNs won't prescribe hormones/HRT (but I'm assuming this is more for postmenopausal))? Is it necessary to see a menopause specialist? It seems unusual to me because I assumed OBGYNs ARE supposed to be the menopause specialists...so these specialized providers/clinics seem to be more of a scam/moneymaker?

Can online providers be trusted? Not against telemedicine at all, but telehelath appointments for me have been with in-person providers I've established relationships with, and just want to be sure that telehealth providers in the peri/menopause field are also safe and trustworthy.

Thank you!

That’s how it started for me. If you are frequently prescribed antibiotics it’s worth exploring with your OB. Definitely a judgement call. Once you start, you stay on for the long haul.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just turned 40 and never crossed my mind that I could be in peri...but the past 1.5 years or so, have had a HUGE uptick in UTI/UTI-like symptoms and yeast infections, vaginal itching after sex, etc. I never got UTIs as long as I peed after sex, and now it doesn't seem to matter.

Now that I've done more research, I very much think this could be the very beginnings of perimenopause, though my cycles are regular and everything else seems normal...maybe less libido.

Where the hell do I start? Estadriol cream?

It sounds like some OBGYNs won't prescribe hormones/HRT (but I'm assuming this is more for postmenopausal))? Is it necessary to see a menopause specialist? It seems unusual to me because I assumed OBGYNs ARE supposed to be the menopause specialists...so these specialized providers/clinics seem to be more of a scam/moneymaker?

Can online providers be trusted? Not against telemedicine at all, but telehelath appointments for me have been with in-person providers I've established relationships with, and just want to be sure that telehealth providers in the peri/menopause field are also safe and trustworthy.

Thank you!

That’s how it started for me. If you are frequently prescribed antibiotics it’s worth exploring with your OB. Definitely a judgement call. Once you start, you stay on for the long haul.

…and yes maybe the cream is a good place to start instead of the full on hrt. Especially if you regularly smell something off. Your regular doc should not hesitate if you request it.

[Anonymous]

You could take a prophylactic antibiotic every time you have sex. It works.