Hormone Therapy and Vaginal Dryness

“If you are bothered only by vaginal dryness,
you can use very low doses of estrogen
placed directly into the vagina”.1

Umbrella
What may the Hormone Therapy and Vaginal Dryness Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Atrophic Vaginitis
  • Genital Atrophy
  • Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  • Hormone Therapy (HT)
  • Local Low-Dose Estrogen Therapy
  • Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  • Vaginal Atrophy
  • Vaginal Dryness
  • Vaginal Estrogen/Oestrogen
  • Vaginal Symptoms
  • Vulvovaginal Atrophy

Vaginal Dryness

What is vaginal dryness?

DotS the definition of vaginal dryness may vary. In Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It? I’m postmenopausal and often have vaginal dryness, which makes intercourse painful. Is there anything I can do about it? the (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

“Vaginal dryness can be a problem for many postmenopausal women. Vaginal dryness is a hallmark sign of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, also known as atrophic vaginitis or vaginal atrophy. With this condition, vaginal tissues become thinner and more easily irritated — resulting from the natural decline in your body’s estrogen levels during menopause”.2

Vaginal Estrogen

What is vaginal estrogen?

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy, published in July 2022, the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) explain:

“If you are bothered only by vaginal dryness, you can use very low doses of estrogen placed directly into the vagina. These low doses generally do not raise blood estrogen levels above postmenopause levels and do not treat hot flashes. You do not need to take a progestogen when using only low doses of estrogen in the vagina. (The MenoNote “Vaginal Dryness” covers this topic in detail)”.3

Cream, Tablet, Pessary or Ring

How can estrogen be applied directly to the vagina?

In Vulvovaginal Atrophy: Topical Vaginal Estrogens the European Menopause and Andropause Society explain:

Hormone Therapy and Vaginal Estrogen

  • “These may contain estradiol, estriol, promestriene and conjugated estrogens
  • Preparations include tablets, rings, capsules, creams, gels and ovules
  • Most are low-dose and do not change systemic estrogen levels
  • There is no need to add progestogen (for endometrial protection) when low-dose topical estrogens are used
  • They can be used alone or with systemic menopausal hormone therapy
  • They may also improve urinary incontinence and prevent recurrent urinary tract infections
  • They do not increase the risk of endometrial cancer, breast cancer, venous thromboembolism or cardiovascular disease”.4

Duration

How long can vaginal estrogen be used for?

On page three and four in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published 10 June 2022, Hamoda et al. note:

  • “Low-dose and ultra-low dose vaginal oestrogen preparations can be taken by perimenopausal and menopausal women experiencing genitourinary symptoms and continued for as long as required. All vaginal oestrogen preparations have been shown to be effective in this context and there is no requirement to combine vaginal oestrogens with systemic progestogen treatment for endometrial protection, as low-dose and ultra-low dose vaginal oestrogen preparations do not result in significant systemic absorption or endometrial hyperplasia”.5

Vaginal Symptoms

Are all vaginal symptoms at this time, related to menopause?

On page two in Vaginal Dryness the NAMS explain:

“Note: Vaginal symptoms not related to menopause include yeast infections, allergic reactions, and certain skin conditions, so consult your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve with treatment”.6

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have vaginal dryness?

If you think you have vaginal dryness, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause the Australasian Menopause Society caution:

  • “Unlike some menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, which may disappear as time passes; genito-urinary problems often persist and may progress with time. Genito-urinary symptoms are associated both with menopause and with ageing”.7

The NAMS also note:

“You should discuss your individual risks and preferences with your healthcare team to determine whether hormone therapy or alternatives, including FDA-approved nonhormonal therapies, are right for you”.8

What is FDA?

FDA can be an abbreviation for the (United States) Food and Drug Administration.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Hormone Therapy and Vaginal Dryness?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

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Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

  1. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  2. BMS & WHC’s 2020 Recommendations on Hormone Replacement Therapy In Menopausal Women
  3. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  4. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  5. Caredownthere
  6. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  7. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  8. Consumer Health: Treating Vaginal Dryness After Menopause
  9. Deciding About Hormone Therapy
  10. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  11. EMAS Menopause Essentials
  12. EMAS Replay [Webinar]
  13. Early Menopause: Experiences and Perspectives of Women and Health Practitioners – Women’s Profiles
  14. Early Treatment of Vulvovaginal Atrophy May Prevent Distressing Symptoms
  15. Easier Access To Locally Applied HRT To Treat Postmenopausal Vaginal Symptoms In Landmark MHRA Reclassification [British Menopause Society]
  16. Easier Access To Locally-Applied HRT To Treat Postmenopausal Vaginal Symptoms In Landmark MHRA Reclassification [Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, GOV.UK]
  17. Estradiol Vaginal Cream
  18. Estrogen (Vaginal Route): Before Using
  19. Estrogen (Vaginal Route): Description and Brand Names
  20. Estrogen (Vaginal Route): Precautions
  21. Estrogen (Vaginal Route): Proper Use
  22. Estrogen (Vaginal Route): Side Effects
  23. Estrogen Vaginal
  24. Experiencing Vaginal Dryness? Here’s What You Need To Know
  25. HRT
  26. HRT: Benefits and Risks
  27. HRT: Types, Doses and Regimens
  28. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  29. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives
  30. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  31. How Do I Deal With Vaginal Atrophy? — Ask Dr Jean
  32. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  33. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
  34. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing and Intimacy During and After Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life]
  35. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  36. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Supporting Someone Through the Menopause [+ Video: Men Don’t Need To Know About Menopause]
  37. Looking After Yourself: Sex and Relationships
  38. Managing Your Symptoms: Managing Bladder, Vaginal and Vulval Problems
  39. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Treatment for Vaginal Dryness for Menopausal Women
  40. Menopause
  41. Menopause
  42. Menopause
  43. Menopause
  44. Menopause
  45. Menopause
  46. Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms
  47. Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms – Q. How Can I Counteract Vaginal Dryness During Menopause?
  48. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools – Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  49. Menopause Patient Information [Videos: 5: – 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  50. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  51. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  52. Menopause Ruining Your Sex Life?
  53. Menopause and Sex – Fact Sheet
  54. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
  55. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  56. Menopause: Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT) Safe? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  57. Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
  58. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  59. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
  60. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  61. Navigating Menopause Together: How Partners Can Help
  62. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  63. Oestrogen Only Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  64. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  65. Public Assessment Report – Prescription Only Medicine To Pharmacy Reclassification – Gina 10 Microgram Vaginal Tablets
  66. Recent Review Confirms Safety of Low Dose Vaginal Estrogen: July 2019
  67. Risks and Benefits of MHT
  68. Safety of Vaginal Estrogens: A Recap of A Systematic Review [Video]
  69. Sex & Relationships: 5 Things To Know About Sex In Later Life [Video]
  70. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  71. The 2020 Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society
  72. The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement
  73. Topical Estrogens and Non-Hormonal Preparations for Postmenopausal Vulvovaginal Atrophy: An EMAS Clinical Guide
  74. Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  75. Urogenital Problems
  76. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  77. Vaginal Atrophy
  78. Vaginal Dryness
  79. Vaginal Dryness
  80. Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It? I’m postmenopausal and often have vaginal dryness, which makes intercourse painful. Is there anything I can do about it?
  81. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  82. Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options
  83. Vaginal Estrogen
  84. Video Series-2021: Common Issues Surrounding Sexuality and Menopause
  85. Video Series-2021: Female Urinary and Bladder Issues At Midlife
  86. Video Series-2021: How Menopause Symptoms Can Affect Your Quality of Life
  87. Video Series-2021: Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
  88. Video Series-2021: What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
  89. Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  90. Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
  91. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  92. Videos and Podcasts Archive: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Vulvovaginal Atrophy
  93. Vulva and Vaginal Health: Getting the Right Advice
  94. Vulvovaginal Atrophy
  95. Vulvovaginal Health
  96. Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
  97. Webinars: Previous – The Early Menopausal Patient
  98. Webinars: Previous – VVA – The Silent Epidemic
  99. Wild Yam
  100. Women’s Wellness: Vaginal Atrophy After Breast Cancer

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use. 2022:1 North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 03 November 2022
  2. Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It? I’m postmenopausal and often have vaginal dryness, which makes intercourse painful. Is there anything I can do about it? 18 June 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/vaginal-dryness-after-menopause/expert-answers/faq-20115086 Accessed: 03 November 2022
  3. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use. 2022:1 North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 03 November 2022
  4. Vulvovaginal Atrophy: Topical Vaginal Estrogens. 2022. European Menopause and Andropause Society https://emas-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Vulvovaginal-atrophy.pdf Accessed: 03 November 2022
  5. Hamoda et al. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. Fist published 10 June 2022:3-4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 03 November 2022
  6. Vaginal Dryness: Note. 2018: 2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/mn-vaginal-dryness.pdf Accessed: 03 November 2022
  7. Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause. Content Created September 2018. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/376-vulvovaginal-symptoms-after-menopause Accessed: 03 November 2022
  8. Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms – Q. What Is Hormone Therapy? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-hormone-therapy-for-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 03 November 2022
Topic Last Updated: 03 November 2022 – Topic Last Reviewed: 03 November 2022

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