I have been experiencing for some time on a monthly basis the following...1-2 weeks prior to my period the skin in my genital area gets dry, raw and even cracks open. The entire area from front to back including the anal area. It gets itchy and feels somewhat like a yeast infection but doesn t seem to go into the vagina. This time I have what looks like a red sore on the clitoris. By the way...std free. I haven t had intercourse for about a month so it s not from that. I have tried diflucan several times over the past year or two. The last time I tried monistat one dose cream and it made my genital area swell and felt worse, so I just ask for the diflucan. It does go away eventually without treatment after my period but I m miserable in the meantime. My doctor told me that maybe it s just a change in my ph since it always happens the same time every month. I m getting frustrated because this happens so often and so is my husband. I am 40 and have been tested to see if menopause is coming early but apparently my hormone levels are no where near that yet. Any advice?