Hello everyone! I’m new here, and this is my first post. I’ve been reading for a while and appreciate all the helpful information.
I’m 44F, morbidly obese, and have stage 3 lipedema in my legs and arms. My thighs (down to my knees) touch constantly, which causes friction and sensitivity, and makes wearing pads very uncomfortable. I suspect I’m in perimenopause, and lately, my symptoms have become more noticeable.
My biggest issues are irregular periods (months without one, then extremely heavy bleeding for a week or more, then it goes away for maybe a week and returns heavy again), severe back pain, vaginal dryness, and increasing sensitivity in the vulvar area. Tampons are uncomfortable for me, so I rely on pads and panty liners for both periods and stress incontinence.
The problem is that nearly every pad or liner I’ve tried bunches, sticks, or feels like it pulls on my skin. I’ve tried multiple brands, cotton pads, reusable pads, and even soft clothes at home, but everything feels irritating. Seams, elastic, underwear, and tight clothing also bother me. Sitting and walking can be very uncomfortable. I’m constantly adjusting because the pad is bunching or feels like it's sticking to my girl. Due to my thighs touching and my weight, I sweat. A lot. The pad gets bunched and wet along with my underwear and gross before I even leave the house for work in the morning. The only thing I've noticed that helps is sitting with my legs far apart. I make sure to fully dry the area before dressing as well and during changing my pad or liner. I also try to change my pad often.
Dryness has made things worse. I’ve tried multiple vulva balms, Vaseline, and Replens, but relief is temporary. I don’t have itching, burning, or urinary symptoms, just ongoing irritation and discomfort. I've looked down there with a flashlight and mirror, tried shaving to get a better look (I don't usually shave), and there's nothing noticeable. I use witch hazel pad liners, vinegar with water to rinse, and a bidet instead of wiping with toilet paper to reduce irritation.
I know weight loss may help over time, and I plan to see a doctor to discuss my symptoms and a possible treatment plan, but I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced this combination of pad sensitivity, dryness, lipedema and discomfort during perimenopause and if you've found anything that helps.
Any advice would be appreciated. Sorry this is long!