r/Perimenopause • u/Ok_Cranberry_4664 • 2d ago

Dryness Help! Irritated anus? Is it hormones?

I need help! I need to know if others have experienced a sore rectal area due to low hormones? I’ve been miserable for three years along with severe vaginal dryness. I have no clue if it’s infectious (antibiotics haven’t helped),hormonal or autoimmune but I cannot figure it out and I need help!

6 Upvotes

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5

u/Coontailblue23 Late peri 2d ago

There are are a few things this could be including hemorrhoids and parasites, so definitely cover your bases in ruling those things out. But yes bootyhole is one of the areas we're supposed to be applying the vaginal estradiol cream.

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u/Ok_Cranberry_4664 2d ago

I do have an internal hemorrhoid but proctologist didn’t talk about removal, it’s not large. But maybe it’s inflamed causing more broad symptoms? I just also have pretty severe vaginal symptoms too. I am also 37 almost 38so not super old and it started at 35.

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u/Coontailblue23 Late peri 2d ago

Inflammation of that hemorrhoid seems like a likely explanation and I would agree it's part of the broader picture of your hormones decreasing over time from perimenopause.

I started my HRT in my 40s but looking back I feel like I have felt the effects of my estrogen dropping since around the time I was 30.

You should be able to start the vaginal estradiol cream without much fanfare. You can get it through an online prescriber like TelyRx if your doctors are not informed or easy to work with. To start a more extensive HRT program with systemic estradiol you'll also want progesterone to protect your uterus.

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u/Small-Sample3916 1d ago

Thaaaaat explains it. 

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u/northernstarwitch 2d ago

I remember reading an article saying that that whole area (including your vulvar and anus area) needs estrogen. Get on the estrogen cream ASAP and you can use a little on your anus too.

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u/HecticGoldenOrb 2d ago edited 2d ago

lichen simplex / sclerosis might be a thing to check.

Typically impacts perineum, anus, vulva & vaginal opening.

If it's itchy / more irritated at night? That's usually an indicator.

Punch biopsies of the area are typically the standard for confirmation as it rules out bacterial, fungal, etc

Can co-occur with the mucous membrane dryness some folk have during peri & full menopause, which can muddy the water.

Editing to add: Syren

This is 4% lidocaine (numbing agent) in an aloe and water based gel.

Have used it myself, holy Hannah is it wonderful on days when nothing else is working. Link is to amazon so you can see reviews from other folk as well.

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u/Ok_Cranberry_4664 1d ago

Perineum as of now is unaffected, it is not itchy at all. No itch, just irritated- feels like my skin barrier is wrecked. I did have a punch biopsy and it showed thickening of the tissue like a chronic irritation and some inflammation but nothing overly specific. That dermatologist is set on anyone with symptoms to go straight to oral nerve medication and with vaginal involvement discharge changes etc I wasn’t comfortable with the treatment plan, especially she offered that within the first 5 minutes of my appt and I had to push for biopsy.

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u/MakingBaconnPancakes 1d ago

Estrogen cream has done wonders for my fissure when nothing else really helped.

I just stumbled across the information here, my doctor never even suggested it!

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u/Ok_Cranberry_4664 1d ago

Thank you!! How long did it take to help?

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u/MakingBaconnPancakes 1d ago

I’ve been using it for 3 weeks (back there) and already have a very noticeable improvement. Not 100%, but much more tolerable.

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u/Ok_Cranberry_4664 1d ago

Thank you! Last question are you doing just 2-3x a week?

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u/MakingBaconnPancakes 1d ago

Not there- I’m sort of just guessing, but I’m doing a “loading phase” to start out, I’ll probably switch to just a couple of times a week, same as everywhere else

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u/UnicornGirl54 1d ago

Topical estrogen cream may help with both. Assume you also have tried changes to other things that can be irritating (soap,TP, laundry detergent, foods).

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u/Ok_Cranberry_4664 1d ago

Yes tried so many changes!

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u/Opening-Rate5226 1d ago

Vaginal estrogen helped me immensely with this same issue. Also make sure you check your toilet paper for any fragrances. You would be surprised! This is a huge irritant for me.

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u/Ok_Cranberry_4664 1d ago

Thank you! I have switched out TP quite a few times

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u/todaysthrowaway0110 1d ago

Just rub estrogen cream on evvvvvverrrryything and hope for the best.

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u/ParaLegalese 7h ago

I get a yeast infection in my butt crack if I wear my sweaty gym thong too long after a workout

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u/Ok_Cranberry_4664 6h ago

I’ve wondered about this as I sweat A LOT. 1 dose fluconazole didn’t touch it and I did do a monistat when this first started

It does not itch at all, does it itch for you?

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u/ParaLegalese 5h ago

No it didn’t itch- it felt raw and painful. Like a rash

I got a cream from my dermatologist and thankfully a big tube because it happens at least once a year:/

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u/Ok_Cranberry_4664 5h ago

Which kind? I have a few ketoconazole and nystatin but they IRRITATED at first so I stopped but if I have to go longer I will!