Hormone Therapy and Vaginal Dryness

“Local low-dose estrogen therapy is preferred for women whose symptoms are limited to vaginal dryness or associated discomfort with intercourse or for…”.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

Statements

What is one of the points of consensus about menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and vaginal dryness?

One of the points of consensus in the Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefit/Risk Profile of MHT – endorsed by seven menopause-related organizations – published online 20 June 2016, is:

  • “MHT, including tibolone, is effective in the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), now also considered as a component of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Local low-dose estrogen therapy is preferred for women whose symptoms are limited to vaginal dryness or associated discomfort with intercourse or for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections”.3

NICE Guidelines

What do the (British) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) guidelines note about HT and vaginal dryness?

In Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Managing Your Symptoms the NICE note about Vaginal Dryness:

“If you have vaginal dryness you should be offered vaginal oestrogen, which is put directly into the vagina as a pessary, cream or a vaginal ring. You can use vaginal oestrogen for as long as you need to, even if you are already using HRT. Moisturisers and lubricants can also help. If vaginal oestrogen doesn’t help to start with you may be offered a higher dose.

It’s rare for vaginal oestrogen to cause problems, but if you have any unexpected vaginal bleeding you should tell your GP. Your GP should explain that your symptoms may come back when you stop using it.

Vaginal oestrogen might be suitable for you if you can’t take HRT for medical reasons. Your GP should check this first with a healthcare professional specialising in menopause”.4

Who is a GP?

Dots and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.

Cream, Tablet, Pessary or Ring

How can estrogen be applied to the vagina?

In Menopause Management: Managing Vaginal Problems – Dry Vaginal Treatments: Vaginal Estrogen the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health explain:

Hormone Therapy An Vaginal Dryness

  • “Oestrogen can be applied directly to the vagina in the form of a cream, tablet or pessary”.5

In Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms – Q. What Is Hormone Therapy? the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) explain for genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM):

“Vaginal estrogen therapy for GSM after menopause is administered into the vagina and is effective for moisturizing and rebuilding tissue. Very little goes into blood circulation, so the risks are far lower”.6

Vaginal Estrogen

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

On page two in Vaginal Dryness: Vaginal Estrogen Therapy the NAMS elaborate on:

  • “Government-approved low-dose vaginal estrogen products are available by prescription as vaginal creams (used two or three nights/week), a vaginal estradiol tablet (used twice/week), and an estradiol vaginal ring (changed every 3 months). All are highly effective. You may wish to try several different forms and choose the one you prefer”.7

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”.8

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.

On page one in Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options the NAMS elaborate on:

“The good news is that effective treatment options, such as nonhormone remedies or different forms of low-dose estrogen applied directly to the vagina, are available. These can be combined for optimal symptom relief”.9

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”.10

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”.11

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

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

Your Country may have Links similar to:

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 Custom Compounded Hormone Therapy
  4. Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
  5. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  6. Caredownthere.com.au
  7. Combined Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  8. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  9. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  10. Consumer Health: Treating Vaginal Dryness After Menopause
  11. Deciding About Hormone Therapy
  12. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  13. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  14. Estrogen (Vaginal Route): Before Using
  15. Estrogen (Vaginal Route): Description and Brand Names
  16. Estrogen (Vaginal Route): Precautions
  17. Estrogen (Vaginal Route): Proper Use
  18. Estrogen (Vaginal Route): Side Effects
  19. Experiencing Vaginal Dryness? Here’s What You Need To Know
  20. Fast Facts: HRT and Breast Cancer Risk
  21. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  22. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  23. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  24. HRT
  25. HRT and Alternatives
  26. HRT: Benefits and Risks
  27. HRT: Types, Doses and Regimens
  28. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  29. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  30. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives
  31. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Types
  32. How Do I Deal With Vaginal Atrophy? — Ask Dr Jean
  33. Index To Drug-Specific Information [United States]
  34. Intercourse Was Becoming Painful – Ask Dr Jean
  35. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Public
  36. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Sexual Health Topics
  37. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health
  38. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  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 FAQs: Menopause Symptoms – Q. How can I counteract vaginal dryness during menopause?
  46. Menopause Management: Managing Vaginal Problems
  47. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools – Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  48. Menopause Symptoms and Relief
  49. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
  50. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  51. Menopause: Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT) Safe? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  52. Menopause: Medicines To Help You
  53. Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
  54. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
  55. Menopause: What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT)? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  56. Mona Lisa Touch – Ask Dr Jean
  57. NAMS 2017 Position Statement Updates Guidelines for Hormone Therapy Use
  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. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  61. New Study Reassures Women About the Safety of Vaginal Estrogen
  62. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  63. Oestrogen Only Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  64. Pain During or After Sex
  65. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  66. Risks and Benefits of MHT
  67. Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms
  68. The Menopause: Sexual Wellbeing and Intimacy During and After Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life]
  69. The Menopause: Supporting Someone Through the Menopause [+ Video: Men Don’t Need To Know About Menopause]
  70. The Menopause: Treating Menopause Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  71. Topical Estrogens and Non-Hormonal Preparations for Postmenopausal Vulvovaginal Atrophy: An EMAS Clinical Guide
  72. Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  73. Urogenital Problems
  74. Vaginal Atrophy
  75. Vaginal Atrophy
  76. Vaginal Dryness
  77. Vaginal Dryness
  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 and the Menopause
  83. Vaginal Laser Therapy
  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: Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
  87. Video Series-2021: What Women Need to Know About Hormone Therapies
  88. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  89. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Vulvovaginal Atrophy
  90. Vulva and Vaginal Health: Getting the Right Advice
  91. Vulvovaginal Health
  92. Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
  93. Webinars: Previous – VVA – The Silent Epidemic [Vulvovaginal Atrophy]
  94. What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?
  95. What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Is It Safe?
  96. Wild Yam
  97. Will Menopause Affect My Sex Life? [+ Video]
  98. Women’s Wellness: Painful Sex After Menopause
  99. Women’s Wellness: Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Health Problems
  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. De Villiers, T. J., Hall, J. E., Pinkerton, J. V., Pérez, S. C., Rees, M., Yang, C. and Pierroz, D. D. Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefit/Risk Profile of MHT. Climacteric, 2016;19:4:313 https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/global-consensus-hrt-2016-06.pdf Accessed: 01 April 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? 11 July 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/vaginal-dryness-after-menopause/expert-answers/faq-20115086 Accessed: 01 April 2022
  3. De Villiers, T. J., Hall, J. E., Pinkerton, J. V., Pérez, S. C., Rees, M., Yang, C. and Pierroz, D. D. Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefit/Risk Profile of MHT. Climacteric, 2016;19:4:313 https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/global-consensus-hrt-2016-06.pdf Accessed: 01 April 2022
  4. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Managing Your Symptoms – Vaginal Dryness. Published Date: 12 November 2015. Last Updated: 05 December 2019. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/ifp/chapter/Managing-your-symptoms Accessed: 01 April 2022
  5. Menopause Management: Managing Vaginal Problems – Dry Vagina Treatments: Vaginal Oestrogen. Last Updated: 13 July 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 01 April 2022
  6. 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: 01 April 2022
  7. Vaginal Dryness: Vaginal Estrogen Therapy. 2018: 2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/mn-vaginal-dryness.pdf Accessed: 01 April 2022
  8. Vaginal Dryness: Note. 2018: 2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/mn-vaginal-dryness.pdf Accessed: 01 April 2022
  9. Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options. 2018: 1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/mn-vaginal-dryness.pdf Accessed: 01 April 2022
  10. 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: 01 April 2022
  11. 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: 01 April 2022

Topic Last Updated: 01 April 2022 – Topic Last Reviewed: 01 April 2022
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