Anonymous
05/21/2026 11:57
Subject: New to this world...where do I start?
You could take a prophylactic antibiotic every time you have sex. It works.
Anonymous
05/21/2026 11:42
Subject: New to this world...where do I start?
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
05/21/2026 11:38
Subject: New to this world...where do I start?
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
05/21/2026 10:59
Subject: New to this world...where do I start?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Get your HPV vax and your hormone levels checked.
Also do a baseline mamo.
Already done
Anonymous
05/21/2026 01:34
Subject: New to this world...where do I start?
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.
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
05/21/2026 00:39
Subject: New to this world...where do I start?
Anonymous wrote:Get your HPV vax and your hormone levels checked.
Also do a baseline mamo.
Anonymous
05/21/2026 00:38
Subject: New to this world...where do I start?
Get your HPV vax and your hormone levels checked.
Anonymous
05/21/2026 00:10
Subject: New to this world...where do I start?
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.
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
05/20/2026 20:23
Subject: New to this world...where do I start?
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
05/20/2026 20:16
Subject: New to this world...where do I start?
You need a PI to track your husband, not a menopause doctor.
Anonymous
05/20/2026 17:28
Subject: Re:New to this world...where do I start?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Perhaps STIs (check out your husband)
Honestly and sadly, I agree.
That was my first thought as well.
Anonymous
05/20/2026 16:37
Subject: Re:New to this world...where do I start?
Anonymous wrote:Perhaps STIs (check out your husband)
Honestly and sadly, I agree.
Anonymous
05/20/2026 15:16
Subject: Re:New to this world...where do I start?
Perhaps STIs (check out your husband)
Anonymous
05/20/2026 08:41
Subject: New to this world...where do I start?
Don't take medical advice from tiktok...or people on DCUM who are informed by tiktok...
Anonymous
05/20/2026 08:37
Subject: New to this world...where do I start?
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!
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!