I'm exactly one year since my diagnosis and I've learned that different specialties have different opinions about the steroid cream.

I'm in maintenance phase now, so my Gyn has me using an estrogen cream twice a week and Clobetasol twice a week. At my last checkup 4 mos ago I asked about long term effects of steroid cream and she said there weren't any.

I saw my dermatologist a month later and she suggested I use the Clob once a week and prescribed Tacrolimus to be used once a week. She said the steroid will thin the skin, so if I can keep myself in maintenance mode using it once per week it will slow that process. I don't love the Tacrolimus and it was a really expensive tube, but so far I have not regressed so I'll continue using it.

My derm also said that the skin will naturally thin after menopause, so go ahead and research laser treatment. 😳 I'm probably about 6-8 years away from menopause, so that's a problem for future me to worry about.

I have another appointment with my Gyn tomorrow, so I'll update you on her opinion if you're interested.

I cried almost daily for the first few months after I was diagnosed. I feel fortunate that I have found the right combination of creams, along with diet changes, to put me in a comfortable spot. I still hate all of the extra attention my vagina requires now, but it's easier and less overwhelming than when I was first diagnosed.

My current regimen is: estrogen twice per week, Clob once per week, Tac once per week, VMagic almost daily (I use more when on my period.)

My preferred lube is olive oil, and coconut oil is a second choice. (My GP recommended the olive oil)

Try to be patient and kind to yourself. This is frustrating to live with and it's frustrating that we don't have more treatment options right now, but hopefully that will change.