Excessive washing
In our overly hygiene-conscious society many people tend to over-wash. If they experience itchiness in the groin they may wash even more frequently, thinking they have some terrible germ. Excessive washing strips the skin of its natural, protective oily layer, making it more prone to irritation. Washing once a day with a very mild soap is all that is necessary, while harsh antiseptics should always be avoided.

Hormonal changes during menopause
Hormonal changes at the time of menopause make the skin thinner, drier and more irritable. The use of topical or oral hormones may help alleviate this problem.

Local heat and sweating
Over the past twenty years pantyhose have become standard lingerie. Unfortunately, they can cause excessive sweating around the vulva and groin, which can lead to itchy dermatitis. To prevent this, special pantyhose, which have no gusset, or old-fashioned stockings, should be worn. Cotton-gusset pantyhose do not prevent the problem and lycra pantyhose, as well as tight jeans and leggings, aggravate it. Cotton underwear and loose, cotton trousers are best. In addition, spray deodorants, perfumed soaps and perfumed, coloured toilet paper can all lead to itchiness of the vulva.

Vaginal thrush
Contrary to popular belief, thrush is not a venereal disease. It occurs commonly in women of childbearing age due to the effect of oestrogen hormones within the vagina. For this reason, it may appear during pregnancy and while taking the contraceptive pill. It can also occur after a course of antibiotics. The male partner is never the cause of infection.
Thrush is diagnosed by taking a vaginal swab. It can be treated with intra-vaginal creams or pessaries for at least seven days. If episodes recur, longer treatment is necessary.

*1/150/5*

Diagnosing endometriosis is primarily a medical matter, but it is a personal one, too. Cure requires cooperation. The more information a doctor has, the better your chances for correct treatment. Conquer endometriosis with good sense: Pay attention to your symptoms and keep a log of them. Examine your family history for unmistakable connections to the condition, especially severe menstrual cramps. Be informed about the disease and its diagnostic tools, and tell your doctor everything related to the condition. Do not submit to surgery without a second or third opinion, and be sure the opinions you get are not from doctors who are affiliated with the first doctor you see. Doctors who practice together or refer you to a physician of their choice may tend to think alike. This does not imply they are mistaken in their judgments; you just want to ensure a fresh point of view. Remember, today endometriosis can be diagnosed without a laparoscopy. Your participation in conquering endometriosis can make all the difference!

*52\43\4*

Sometimes women bleed after their menopause, that is, after not having had a period for more than a year. If this occurs, it is essential that it be checked by a competent medical practitioner as it may indicate the presence of a serious, perhaps even life-threatening, disorder such as cancer. In the case of Susan, spots of blood appeared on her underwear at the age of fifty-eight, six years after her menopause. Initially, she thought wear and tear during intercourse might be responsible for the spotting, but when it continued and bore no apparent relation to when she had sex, she raised the matter with her doctor. A vaginal cream containing oestrogen that Susan had been using for three years to reduce vaginal dryness was the probable culprit. However the doctor conducted vaginal and pelvic examinations and took a Pap smear before taking a specimen of cells from the endometrium (a gynoscan). This showed that the endometrium had become quite thick, which can occur when vaginal creams containing oestrogen are used after menopause. The gynaecologist performed a dilatation and curettage (D and C) to remove the endometrial build-up and reduced the dosage of oestrogen in the cream she was using to ensure that the same problem did not recur.

*6\198\4*

How Gestrinone works

Gestrinone appears to work by suppressing the secretion of oestrogen by the ovaries, causing the endometrial implants to degenerate and waste away.

Dosages of Gestrinone generally used

At the moment clinical trials are still trying to identify the most effective dosage. It appears that dosages of 2.5 to 5.0 milligrams two or three times a week are likely to be effective.

Side effects of Gestrinone

The side effects are reported to be moderate and similar to those of Danazol, and include acne, increased appetite, vaginal discharge, irregular vaginal bleeding, headaches, decreased breast size, nausea, weight gain, excessive hair growth and depression.

How effective is Gestrinone

Early clinical trials have indicated that Gestrinone is an effective treatment for endometriosis and that overall it is as effective as Danazol. Its future role in the treatment of endometriosis is not known at this stage.

*45/41/5*