O/B Increase, Menopause & Drug Resistance

[Octine]

I have had HSV-2 for 30 years, and outbreaks have been limited to about every 16-18 months for the last 15 or so years I've been on daily Valtrex.  However, I am now having what I think is the 3rd outbreak in 7 months.  It is very severe, healing slowly and presenting in a different location that it has for years.  It appears many women are reporting a similar increase in outbreaks--or even having back to back outbreaks-- as they near menopause or perimenopause.  Any thoughts on whether this is the case or perhaps I have developed resistance to Valtrex (I have read on this site it is rare).  My gynecologist told me increase my Valtrex dose to 2x a day but my primary care physician said that probably won't work since I don't weigh very much and 500 mg should be enough.  Would really appreciate any advice or comment.  I am very distressed to have this come back and believe I probably inadvertently exposed my husband, who so far has not contracted it.  He will get the igg blood test, but does he have to wait three months?  Thanks.

[gracefromHHP]

many things can be causing this but as you already correctly read, resistance to valtrex isn't the most likely cause. as we get older and go through "the change", our genital skin thins and that leaves it more vulnerable to infections. If you haven't been tested properly for bv yet, by all means ask to be tested for it if you get another recurrence soon. About 1/2 of all women who have bv, don't get obvious symptoms.   You might also want to talk with your gyn about topical estrogen to strengthen the genital skin to see if that helps too. Also if you aren't using lube for sex, might be time to start using a good quality lube to help reduce friction to the delicate genital skin so ti's irritated less too.

It's not unusual to go through periods where you have ob's more frequently too. I know I myself had 3 ob's last year too for no good reason.  Drove me nuts!  Another one of my friends who has had hsv2 for 30 years now reports the same thing, no ob's for awhile and then a couple in a row. she's not on suppressive therapy though.

valtrex isn't really based on weight as long as you weigh at least 80 pounds.  no harm in taking it 2x/day or the 1gm/daily dose.  At this point it's probably worth first figuring out how much is the changes in your body being the issue more than anything.

grace

[791ssac]

Hi Octine. I'm a fairly new poster on this forum and very much awaiting the answer to your question also. I've had hsv2 for 20yrs and I have also noticed an increase in OBs since going through menopause. Just this past yr I started daily valtrex for the first time since diagnosed because of it. Like you, I only experienced one, maybe two OBs a yr, if that. I recently ran out of valtrex,  had it ordered online just took a long  time for it to arrive. This month, almost back to back I had 2 OBs! Also, it's been a long time since I've experienced any hot flashes until this month..almost daily 4-5 times a day. Have you found this to be your experience too? I've also had more stress at work than usual. One day was especially trying and the next day I had an OB. As it was healing, another OB started just above it! Fortunately my order arrived! I have read somewhere in the past that the imbalance of female hormones can cause an increase in OBs..don't remember the explanation of why though. Like you..awaiting Graces response.