HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

I Am A Post Menopausal. Taking Estradiol. Reason For Swelling On Labia Majora?

Posted on Mon, 20 May 2013

Question: I am a post- menopausal women, ( surgically enduced post hysterectomy ) age 56 on estradiol 0.5 mg. I have diffuse swelling in my labia majora. It is equal bilaterally and extends over my pubic symphasis. It is not acutely painful, but there is a feeling of fullness, achieness. that radiates through the groin area. No fever. I am married with no changes in sexual activity, soaps, detergents.

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (29 minutes later)

Hello XXXXXX
There are 2 causes to be ruled out first. One,since you are on estradiol, this may be due to that. You should be weaned off of estradiol slowly over a period off weeks.
Two, there may be a dermatological cause. any kind of cellulitis needs to be ruled out. Look for an tenderness,change in colour,raised temperature areas. It would be best of you were examined by a doctor so that skin conditions can be ruled out because that would need immediate treatment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rhea Chanda (14 minutes later)

Thanks for your response. I have seen cellulitis - ( I am an Occupational Therapist).. and there seems to be no changes in my skin texture, color, skin temperature. I have been on the low dose estradiol for over 20 years. After that long, would it cause this type of issue? This feels like diffuse edema. There is a fullness radiating throughout my groin area. Although I see my internist very often, I have not seen a gynecologist in years. Do I need to see a OB GYN or schedule an appointment with my internist? Also, is there anything I should do over the weekend to help. The swelling, and groin discomfort significantly increased since Friday evening . That is why I am using this Board as I have never experienced anything like this. I did a med-line search and can't find any information that includes being postmenopausal and having this type of edema

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (14 minutes later)

If there is no fever,raised temp, tenderness, pain etc then possibility of infections like cellulitis is less. But you need to be alert. Diffuse edema could be due to other infections also like fungal infections,vaginitis, and auto immune diseases also.It may not present as cellulitis. Relevant since you have history.Of course,allergens, dermatitis,metabolic conditions etc are other causes. You should have a doctor examine you. The hormone supplementation should be gradually stopped. Check if your inguinal lymph nodes are palpable. You need to see a OBGYN about this.If there is pain,discomfort then infective cause is likely. Apply ice fomentation hourly for a few hrs. Note any changes of bath products,hygiene products,spermicides, condoms etc. If it spreads over the weekend you should go to the ER.

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar