Vaginal atrophy. Why didn't someone warn me?

Please do, I have been looking for more information on this. Vaginal atrophy is a thorough pain, to make matters worse I am at an age where it's hard to know what is "natural" and what is not. My neuropathy was pretty serious and took much of my attention but the vaginal problem was apparent within 6 months of starting Femara and atrophy is now sufficiently developed to make a Pap smear useless for any practical purposes (ultrasound instead). I have tried many gels and lotions, find them intolerably messy but mercifully my equally ageing husband and I have found accommodating the problem and finding other means of enjoyment more satisfactory than endless effort to try and reverse the problem!! The side effect was noted when I started treatment but "vaginal dryness" sounds less dramatic than atrophy, just as "pins and needles" didn't really accommodate intense pain in feet and possible inability to walk. Feet are now imperfect but pain free and I stop Femara next year! On the plus side, I was never nauseous, fatigued or chemo-brained for which I am still grateful. No such thing as a free ride on this journey!