Hormone Therapy and Vaginal Dryness

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: Overview – What Is Vaginal Dryness? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic’s definition is:

“Vaginal dryness is a painful symptom that affects a person’s quality of life. It can cause pain during sitting, exercising, peeing and sexual intercourse. Normally, your vaginal lining is lubricated with fluid that helps keep it thick and elastic. Vaginal dryness happens when the tissues in your vagina are dry, thin and not well-moisturized. This leads to discomfort, especially during sex”.2

Vaginal Estrogen

What is vaginal estrogen?

DotS the definition of vaginal oestrogen may vary. In Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen: About Vaginal Oestrogen the (United Kingdom) NHS definition is:

“Vaginal oestrogen is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medicine that contains the hormone oestrogen. It’s used to treat the vaginal dryness and irritation that can happen during the menopause”.3

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy, published February 2025, the (United States) Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society) 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”.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 online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

  • “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

Compounded Vaginal Estrogen and Testosterone

Are compounded vaginal estrogen and testosterone recommended?

On page two in Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, published May 2025, the Menopause Society explain:

“Compounded vaginal estrogen and testosterone are not government regulated or recommended for treatment of GSM in most cases”.6

What is FDA?

FDA in the context above, is an abbreviation for the (United States) Food and Drug Administration.

What is GSM?

GSM in this context, is an abbreviation for the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.

Health Care Provider

What if my vaginal symptoms do not improve with treatment?

On page two in Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause the Menopause Society also note:

“Vaginal and vulvar symptoms not related to menopause include yeast infections, allergic reactions, and certain skin conditions, so consult your healthcare professional if symptoms do not improve with treatment”.7

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z 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?

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Links

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New or Updated

  1. ACOG Explains: Managing Menopause Symptoms [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]
  2. Anatomy of the Vagina
  3. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  4. BMS TV: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  5. BMS TV: Urogenital Atrophy
  6. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  7. Caredownthere
  8. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Lifestyle Modification and Prevention of Breast Cancer
  9. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  10. Deciding About Hormone Therapy
  11. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  12. “Doctor, is it normal?” [Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
  13. Dyspareunia – Vaginal Atrophy and Beyond [Webinar] [ Sign In To Confirm Your Age]
  14. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Management
  15. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): Unmet Needs, Treatment Gaps, and Opportunities for Better Care
  16. Estradiol Vaginal Cream
  17. Estradiol (Vaginal Route)
  18. Estradiol (Vaginal Route): Before Using
  19. Estradiol (Vaginal Route): Brand Name US
  20. Estradiol (Vaginal Route): Precautions
  21. Estradiol (Vaginal Route): Proper Use
  22. Estradiol (Vaginal Route): Side Effects
  23. Experiencing Vaginal Dryness? Here’s What You Need To Know
  24. FAQs: Vulvovaginal Health
  25. FDA Direct: Removing Black Box Warnings for HRT (Part 1/2)
  26. FDA Direct: Removing Black Box Warnings for HRT (Part 2/2)
  27. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  28. Find A Practitioner [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  29. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  30. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  31. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
  32. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: AUA/SUFU/AUGS Guideline (2025)
  33. HRT Questions Answered
  34. HRT Types and Doses | Dr Louise Newson
  35. HRT, Misinformation and Navigating the Menopause Media Minefield With Kaye Adams
  36. HRT: Benefits and Risks
  37. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen
  38. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen – About Vaginal Oestrogen
  39. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen – Common Questions About Vaginal Oestrogen
  40. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen – How and When To Use Vaginal Oestrogen
  41. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen – Side Effects of Vaginal Estrogen
  42. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen – Using Vaginal Oestrogen With Other Medicines and Herbal Supplements
  43. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen – Who Can and Cannot Use Vaginal Oestrogen
  44. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  45. How To Manage Menopausal Symptoms: Managing Bladder, Vaginal and Vulval Problems
  46. International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause
  47. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  48. 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
  49. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing, Intimacy and Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life] [Other Languages and Formats]
  50. Menopause
  51. Menopause
  52. Menopause
  53. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]
  54. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]
    Vaginal and Vulval Treatment Options
  55. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: The Burn, the Itch, the Pain, the Urge: GSM In Women
  56. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Midlife Body Changes
  57. Prosayla Supported By ISSWSH [International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health]
  58. Sex and Sexual Health
  59. Talk About Painful Sex
  60. The Role of Topical Vaginal Oestrogen
  61. The Vulva & Vagina Explained: Sex Ed #2
  62. Topical Vaginal Oestrogen for Breast Cancer Patients
  63. Urogenital Problems
  64. Vagina
  65. Vaginal Atrophy
  66. Vaginal Atrophy
  67. Vaginal Dryness
  68. Vaginal Dryness
  69. Vaginal Dryness
  70. Vaginal Dryness
  71. Vaginal Dryness
  72. 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?
  73. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  74. Vulval Irritation and Treatment
  75. Vulva and Vagina
  76. Vulva and Vagina [Multiply Languages]
  77. Vulval and Vaginal Conditions
  78. Vulval and Vaginal Pain
  79. What Is the Difference Between Vagifem and Estring?
  80. What Types of Vaginal Oestrogens Are There?
  81. Which Vaginal Moisturiser Should You Use?
  82. Why You Get An Itch or Thrush on Vaginal Estrogen and What To Do About It
  83. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women – Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy [Multiply Languages]
  84. Your Daily Dose: Perimenopause, Don’t Suffer In Silence

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use. 2025:1. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/default-document-library/MenoNote-Deciding-About-HT-2025.pdf Accessed: 25 May 2026
  2. Vaginal Dryness: Overview – What Is Vaginal Dryness? Last Reviewed: 03 February 2026. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21027-vaginal-dryness Accessed: 25 May 2026
  3. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen: About Vaginal Oestrogen. Page Last Reviewed: 27 January 2023. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/vaginal-oestrogen/about-vaginal-oestrogen/ Accessed: 25 May 2026
  4. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use. 2025:1. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/default-document-library/MenoNote-Deciding-About-HT-2025.pdf Accessed: 25 May 2026
  5. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. 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 Online 10 June 2022:3-4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 25 May 2026
  6. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause. 2025:2. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/for-women/MenoNote-GSM.pdf Accessed: 25 May 2026
  7. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause. 2025:2. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/for-women/MenoNote-GSM.pdf Accessed: 25 May 2026
Topic Last Updated: 25 May 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 25 May 2026

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