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Vaginal itching around time of period?

For the past 4 months, I've developed a terrible itch/redness in the vaginal area about 5 days prior to my period; it goes away 2 or 3 days after I 'start.'  

I've never had a yeast infection before, but the first month it happened I assumed that's what it was.  I treated it OTC to save a trip to the doctor.  Since then, I've just lived with it until it passed.

I have an annual exam coming up within the next month, and this problem is top of my list for discussion.  However, if anyone has any advice or personal experience with something similar, I'd really appreciate hearing about it.

P.S.  I'm married and both of us are completely monogamous - it cannot be an STD of any sort.  Haven't changed laundry detergent, body soap, lotion, perfume, or anything else I can think of in quite some time.
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Avatar universal
Hello all Itchy burning sufferers.

I got your cure!!!

I too have suffered this awful condition for the past 4 months.
Every month a week before my period the itch and burning begins.. it lasts through out my period and when my period is done, the itch and burning is done as well.  I get 2 good weeks and then the nightmare starts all over again.  It started with a yeast infection, which I treated with over the counter creams... but I was still uncomfortable after my treatment was over.  So off to the dr to run tests.  We didn't find any yeast but he said I had BV... game me flagylstatin (yeast and antibact - incase the antibiotics caused a yeast infection again) took that.. still uncomfortable... So back the dr again... this time my tests come back negative and Dr can't find anything.  No help.  So I like most of you, scoured the internet, thinking it was one condition after the other... went on the candida diet... (I thought I was going to die! what an awful diet for someone who is 120lbs to begin with!!!)... tried so many "natural products"... Garlic, tea tree oil, baking soda, probiotics, the list goes on an on... I was convinced it was yeast that somehow got deep inside my tissues and thats why drs coudn't see anything.  Then my husband said... What if Dr. is right.  what if its not an infection at all.  I said.. ok.. what else could it be... He said.. I think we are looking at this in the wrong way.. we keep trying to find a gyno syndrom but maybe its just a skin condition.  EUREKA!  Thats it!
So back online... search search search... And I found it...
What saved my sanity and my sex life.  

A Dr in Australia (Gayle Fischer) who is a specialist in gynocology and dermitology.  She created this site to help women cure themselves...
http://www.mydr.com.au/womens-health/vulval-problems-a-self-help-guide

Women come to her all the time with the same symptoms we have... itching burning a week before period and during menses.. then a 2 week break.  tests come back negative for infections.. Thats me!

She states that most of the time, its not a gyno problem but a derm problem.  Irritation or burn of the skin of the vulva that cannot heal due to the constant moisture, heat, rubbing, friction that takes place 24/7.  Imagine having a rash on your arm.  Now imagine placing a warm wet towel over it that rubs up and down constantly.  Not only would the rash / burn never heal, it would most likely get worse.  Now why do we feel it only for 2 weeks at a time?  I went back to my doctor for more answers.  A week before menstration the PH is fairly acidic.  Its supposed to be.  Then after menstration it becomes more alkaline during ovulation.  The acidic environment helps prevent bacteria to overgrow... the alkaline environment helps sperm survive the journey to the egg during ovulation.  Sperm cannot survive during the high acidic days.  Now imagine this..  Vinegar, a highly acidic liquid.  Imagine pooring it on your arms healthy skin.  You dont feel a thing.  Now imagine pooring it on your arm that has a burn / irritation condition.  OUCH!   This is whats happening in to your vulva and your vagina.  The normal acidic environment burns the irritation.  Combined with other environment conditions (tight clothes, soaps etc) now the burn is so itchy and sore, its driving you crazy.  
But why can't my doctor find the burn / rash?  Imagine looking for a sunburn on someone who has dark skin.  Kinda hard to find.  Same concept.  The vagina / vulva is pinky-red color.   A rash that is pinky red color would be hard to see.  Only a trained gyno/dermitoligist could see it.

So this is what I did..
I started my "treatment" during my 2 good weeks.  I wore loose clothes, no soap down there, changed laundry detergents to die & chemical free, etc, no sex (oral sex for me was ok, but my husband had to be gentle - its not forever ladies, you can do it!).  Then I got myself some hydrocortisone ointment.  Dr. Fischer recommends 1% but my Dr told me to use .05%.  Got myself some good old vaseline.  Dr. Fischer recommends using the hydrocortisone 2-3 times a day for at least a month.  Everymorning after my shower, I would sit infront of the mirror, legs spread and pay close attention to where I was putting it, didn't want to miss a spot.  I let that settle in for 20 minutes or so and then covered it with vaseline - not lots of it but just enough to cover the area.  I continued to use the vaseline anytime I felt anything.  I would then use more hydrocortisone late afternoon and before bed.  I kept up this regiment!  Being deligent never to miss a time.  always wearing lose clothing and cotton underwhere.  Then when my hell days began, they were'n't so bad!!!   I was not clawing at myself or crying or feeling depressed.  I continued to use the regiment during my period and used tampons- pads made everything worse and never any pantiliners.  I continued again during my 2 good weeks.  Then when my hell 2 weeks were about to start.  It didnt!  My skin was healed.  My acidic PH was not burning me anymore.

Oh I also drank lots of water, cut back on caffein (just a little).. and took Evening primerose capsules.  Basically what you would do if you were treating ezcema or want healthier plumper skin.

Dont be scared by the hydrocortizone phobia!  
I was at first.  But then I got over it.  My skin did not thin out!  But then agian I used .05%.  

Good luck ladies!
God bless you all!!!
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Im 15 year old and this happens to me but i never had sex before .. i know its not a yeast infection because i gotten checked .. but it itches mostly at night , and it becomes hard for me to fall asleep because its very uncomfortable
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Avatar universal
The same Is happening to me right as we speak. I just started my cycle today, and right before It started I was having horrible burning and itching. It hasn't subsided yet. Last time I went to my doctor he told me it was the unbalanced hormones causing this pain and itching. He put me on some cream, and It does seem to work for a little bit, but It always comes back the next month. I am so frustrated. I'm sick of being in pain every month. I am even on birth control. I figured that would at least balance It out.
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Avatar universal
I get the samething!! Itchy feeling when I'm ovulating and before getting my period!!. I recently had a yearly exam everything was fine including no stds ... very fustrating... my obgyn says its just part if my cycle...I usually shower to help with the itch. It works a little.
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Avatar universal
I  am experiencing the same problem.. i am 17..havent had intercourse with anyone.... so no question of std.
N i have been going through this since a year( happens everymonth a week before my periods.)
Due to the itch i end up rubbing n itching so bad that i develop cuts near my vaginal area... and it become painful while peeing n washing. The clitoris is red n swollen during this time... anybody with a solution to this problem- pls help!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
im having similar symptoms its like dont know how to describe it i think im allergic to the tampons my mom bought me or somethig because its super itchy and swolllen but then when i wake up the swelling stops and the itching is very mild i also have PCOS do you think that could be related to this?
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Avatar universal
I have had this problem for 5 years, which started shortly after the birth of my daughter. I have seen several docs about it with no resolution. One said it was a yeast infection.... Really? Every month exactly one week before period it is a yeast infection? She told me to use vagisil. I did... It doesn't work.... I'm so tired of dealing with this after 5 years!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
There is another natural supplement that regulates and helps with all kinds of female problems;  Sepia.
    Hope it helps you.
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Avatar universal
First of all, Thank heavens I'm not the only one!!

Second of all, It's really overwhelming to see over 200 comments of women having the same issue as me, but no one can find the answer. I'm off to the doctor this week to see what he says. I am 25 and I've had this issue for about 8 months. Actually now that I think about it, about the same time I started having issues with my birth control. (way too long periods, or periods only 2 weeks apart) I use the Nuvaring. I wonder if that has something to do with it. A lot of people mentioned hormonal imbalances which would make sense. I will post what my doctor says.
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Avatar universal
It sounds like hormonal issues, especially since you periods are heavy. My recommendation would be to investigate kokoro progesterone cream it helped my daughter even her mood swings, its a natural remedy.
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Avatar universal
I had a d&e in January. When I was around 15 weeks I had both a yeast infection and bladder infection that I was totally unaware of. I got my period about 8 weeks after the procedure but my cycle which was super consistent is now totally non consistent and I am getting yeast infections and bladder infections for the duration of my cycle... Not just when I'm bleeding. This time around I've not started my period but itching and burning was too much too handle. I had to buy a Monistat kit. I have an appointment on Monday with my obgyn but I can't stand it so I broke down and bought something OTC. I have never been on be because it messes with my hormones but now I'm wondering if the procedures has screwed me up and my hormones have shifted. I'll talk to the dr about a bc pill but the yeast infections, nausea and constant bladder infections are new as of April 2013.
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Avatar universal
I've always experiencing the vaginal itchiness before and during my period.
I just mix a small amount of vinegar (2-3 drops) in a lukewarm water, then, I will use it to wash my vagina.
It's effective for me.
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Avatar universal
I am on the pill! I get this about a week before my last pill and it lasts the whole week. It is so awful and I have recently noticed it is a week before my period. I never really realized or had this but a year or so into being on the pill I know exactly when itll start and my cream doesnt do too much. :\ It ***** but I do have a doctors appt scheduled for two weeks from now and I am getting a full exam to make sure all is well.
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Avatar universal
In the days before your period a lot is happening. The hormone progesterone really decreases since you aren't pregnant and the hormone estrogen slowly starts to rise again to get your ovaries ready for the next cycle of ovulation. Your body wants to maximize the chance of pregnancy (which is why birth control is SO important all the time) and so those wacky hormones are cycling, trying hard to make that happen. In the couple of days before your period, it's clear to your body that pregnancy isn't happening and the shift in hormones begins and sometimes the progesterone decreases a lot but the estrogen doesn't quite get up to speed. When this happens, your vagina can get somewhat dry and this is itchy! Once your period starts, the menstrual flow moistens things again and by the time your period is done the estrogen is kicking in and making you moist again so the itching is gone. -Dr. Molly
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Avatar universal
Ok...so i melted some coconut oil (virgin unrefined), mixed in baking soda, let it solidfy in fridge, molded it into little suppositories, put in freezer (covered in some wax paper), stuck one in my vagina (without paper). will do 2x a week for 2 weeks. so far RELIEF!!!!! i am also now starting an alkaline diet. this will help my pH stay balanced. no more sugars no more crap! i will take blah food over an itchy burning vagina for the rest of my life! we need to make life style changes. it starts now! i hope this helps. i pray we all find relief!
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Avatar universal
has anyone looked into candida albicans. you can have yeast overgrowth in the intestines that can actually penetrate the lining hence leaking the candida and toxins into your blood. so if it is possible to not have a traditional yeast infection in the vagina but yet have it in the intestines, hence blood, hence period then the reaction. it also cause lots of other symptons and then the treatment has its on symptons because of "die off" there is lots of questionaires online and i answered yes to most of the culprits. also, since women mention childbirth, if you got high dose antibiotics due to c-sec etc that may be the trigger. its just a theory but it affects ph so thats why most comments on here seem to be maintaining but not resolving. there is also a look to the bowel of this condition sometimes if the overgrowth is being excreted. i am addressing this issue to see if it helps cause it can affect everything in your body, bladder, liver, rectum, vagina etc yet you wont always test positive for yeast infection but i do believe there is a blood test for the candida part but i havent seen a dr yet. also, i have been treating my root chakra because i believe in a medical, natural, spiritual, chemical approach combined.
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Avatar universal
I to am so glad to have found this site. There's not a whole lot of info out there on this issue. I am 25 and started having this problem (of getting vaginal irritation) when I was 17 but it has not happened in about 4 or 5 years until now well maybe a few times in that time. :( It use to happen about two weeks before my period, it would last about 4 - 6 days, stop for a few, then I would get my period. Well I have been on methadone for the past 6 months which has caused me not to get my period for 5 months now. So I have done some research and found that the herb/vitamin called vitex (chasteberry) is a miracle in regulating almost all hormonal problems naturally for women of all ages. Well I just started taking vitex 5 days ago and the very next day I started getting irritated. I was kind of glad because it seems that the vitex is doing something to my hormones (hopefully regulating them) but the irritation has become increasingly worse! I itch, burn, and feel swollen terribly now! It was feeling like a knife going through my uterus or something when I pee but that has eased up a bit now although, I am still irritated. I know it has to be hormone related since I just started taking the herb to regulate my hormones and that's when it started. I use to get this problem a lot before my period but haven't in a few years or so. I really hope that the vitex is fixing my hormones and that's why I am having this problem so severe and also because I haven't had a period in 5 months I'm thinking maybe that's why it's so bad this time. I'm a little worried to keep taking it because the irritation is almost unbearable but I want to regulate my hormones and periods so badly. I was thinking maybe I need to keep taking it and let the irritation run its course since I'm almost certain it's hormone related. Once my hormones get back to somewhat of a normal level will the irritation stop? I'm so scared and worried :( I also found that putting 1,000 mgs or units or whatever of pure vitamin E inside your vagina will help very much with the irritation. I tried it last night and do think it has helped a bit. If anyone knows anything about vitex and if I should continue to take it to regulate my hormones/period even though since I've been taking it I have gotten so irritated? Any input would be greatly appreciated! Also, I really freaked out the other night when I found two little bumps on my labia minora (the inner vaginal lip) on one side. I got so terrified. I have never had anything like that and was so scared I had herpes or something God forbid but I immedietly got online and tried to find info on what it could be. I'm almost positive it was a bartholin cyst :/ it is caused from hormonal imbalances or changes. From my understanding it happens if you get irritated due to hormone problems and the little glands normally produce moisture to lubricate the vaginal opening. So I guess when you're really irritated and dry the glands do not produce the lubricant and the glands get blocked causing it to become a little bump. I was terrified to say the least! but now I am almost positive that's what I have. And I got it right when I started taking the herb to regulate my hormones and I'm really irritated and that's what causes bartholin cyst. It appears to be going away now so I'm somewhat relieved.. I can't see a doctor because I have no insurance at the moment :/ it's really a shame that in America so many people have health problems and can't see a doctor because of no health insurance and some people with insurance can't see a doctor because they can't afford the co pay. But just wanted to share my particular story in case someone is going through my exact situation. I see many women have the irritation problem but my irritation was set off from taking vitex and then on top of that it caused me to get two bumps :/ it was really scary and I'm sure many women and girls freak out and it helps to see someone too has that problem. But any advice on whether I should continue taking the vitex will really help! I want to so I can get regulated and I'm thinking I just need to get through the irritation until my hormone levels reach a normal level and it stops soon! Thanks to all for posting your stories! ;-)  
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Avatar universal
Um Sooo thankful to have found this site. I looked everywhere until I found this. I felt so alone, thought it was only me. I start itching three or four days before my period, the day before its the most uncomfortable I can't even sleep I have to take two showers a day to try and calm it down. I end up waking up at 5 am. I can't go to the doctor I don't have health insurance. I never thought I'd say this but I actually look forward to getting my period. In 19, and this just started about 2 months ago.
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Avatar universal
lichen sclerosus
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Avatar universal
I have the same symptoms ! I'm only 22 and haven't had a child ! I've only ever had one sexual partner. It's so painful that I can't sleep nothing seems to be working to relieve the pain
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Avatar universal
I have been suffering from the same condition for a while before finding this forum. Here is a website that gives you information about his condition which is called Cytolytic Vaginosis. YOU CAN READ THE BELOW ARTICLES, copied from  http://www.cytolyticvaginosis.org/causes

How does someone contract cytolytic vaginosis?

Vaginal discharge is normal for any woman beyond adolescence and puberty, but there are at times some symptoms of the vaginal discharge that are abnormal and suspicious. The lactobacilli are bacteria in the vaginal tract that are responsible for producing lactic acid to maintain the best pH. Some species of this bacterium too produce hydrogen peroxide, which has antiseptic properties. The optimum vaginal pH lies between 3.8 and 4.5.

However, when there is an overgrowth of the lactobacillus bacteria, disaster strikes; too much lactic acid strains the vaginal lining and too much hydrogen peroxide kills even the necessary microorganisms. The pH also goes to as low as 3 or, worse still, 2. This happens when the lactobacilli start converting all the glucose into lactic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, and alcohol and CO2 gas. The vaginal lining gets on the defensive and starts producing too much discharge to counteract the effect of too much lactobacillus. This discharge flows together with the acid and killed microorganisms, which makes it even more toxic. As a result, the patient feels itchy, red and swollen as they continuously pass the thick white or thin colorless discharge. This results to a condition known as cytolytic vaginosis.

Most of the times, cytolytic vaginosis is mistaken, even by medical practitioners, to be a fungal and yeast infection (Candida) or a bacterial infection. The patient therefore ends up taking all the wrong medication while the real condition hides and continues to develop. Cytolytic vaginosis is different from all the other vaginal conditions in that it is not an infection, but merely a condition whose main cause is not really known but is suspected to be imbalance of hormones and of the general ecosystem of the vaginal environment. Main causes of this imbalance include pregnancy, abortions, contraceptives and IUDs, sexual intercourse, sanitary products and hygienic standards and products.

Cytolytic vaginosis usually suppresses during menstruation because the menstrual fluid is basic, which means that the highly acidic pH is raised. However, during ovulation of at about two weeks to the menses, hell breaks loose as this condition worsens. It is often confused with bacterial vaginosis, Trichomoniasis and Candida infection.  However, the microscope test is what helps one distinguish cytolytic vaginosis from the other infections. The epithelial cells are seen to have some lactobacillus attached to them and they usually have unclear cell membranes and a pale cytoplasm. The white blood cell count is often very low, and other microorganisms like yeast are usually absent.

A thing you ought to know before you even begin to treat cytolytic vaginosis is that it is not transmitted sexually. However, you need to avoid any sexual activity during treatment, as this may worsen the condition. You should also avoid any scented sanitary pads, vaginal cleansers, powders or creams. Also, as you treat cytolytic vaginosis, avoid using tampons; many people use tampons in order to keep the odor and discharge away, but it makes things worse. Allowing the menstrual fluid to flow through actually helps in raising the pH. Avoid antibiotics, even if your doctor prescribes them, because they kill all bacteria, whether good or bad. Thus, even the bacteria preventing odor is killed, making the condition unbearable.
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Avatar universal
I also have this issue its been happening to me since some time ago in 2008 I have searched and searched.  I do no have health insurance so I have come to realize I'm allergic to my period or something allergic is happening before I start.  

It starts around 2 weeks prior to my period so I get maybe 2 weeks of itch and soreness free.  Its not a lot I scratch till I bleed, I dont think my hair will ever grow back not that I care.  I do not have no std I'm not really sexually active, no yeast infections or nothing like that.  Its the lips that itch and a little around,  they swell up so big its like two hot dogs down there on each side :( I hate it and want to just die when it happens and I think to myself I must be horrible for this to happen to me all the time like this.  I have narrowed it down to my period though.  now just to figure out what I need to do to fix it......... no itch cream in the world can help with this either!!

ps I have also been treated for BV and no success.......
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Avatar universal
I too have had this very same problem as the rest of you ladies. I am so happy to hear that I do not suffer alone! I am now 38 yrs old and was diagnosed with BV when I was in my mid 20's. About the time I met my husband 15ys. I stopped taking the prescribed meds for be stupid and a know it all (lol) I have had one more child since then, tuble then a hysterectomy due to sever fibroid. My ovaries where left due to my gyno not wanting me to go into premature menopause.while i was on the meds and my body recovering from the surgery I had no problems boy was I elated to find that the itching had stopped. I thought all was because of the fibroid and everything was cool. Boy was I wrong. At the same time I have been embarrassed to discuss this with my doctor or my husband. Why was I embarrassed to talk with my Dr. idk y I ask everything else. Now with my husband it is what it is, He is a man and just wouldn't understand. Sex for my is horrible and he thinks its him. Like many of you I dig and scratch and dig and scratch until I have very bad cuts and a rash which makes for healing impossible then it subsides. Which means it last well beyond my "cycle". the rash is still there from the itching which means it always itches it does ease up a little which gives me great relief that it is clearing up. Only until recent have I put it together with the time of my "cycle", and remembering what I was told oh so many years ago. You all have been a great help I will be trying the home remedies that you have have discussed here and will be talking to my Dr. about everything.

Thank You All

Nikki
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I stopped using monistat many many years ago as it did the same thing to me as it does to you- felt like i was burning inside.  When I called the company they said they changed the ingredients in the monistat.  I use clotrimazole only (gynelotrimin) now & it helps relieve the itch but comes right back.   I to have the same issue of itching prior to my menstrual cycle which makes it very frustrating.  I am going to try what you tried & see if that helps.  Thanks for the comments...
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