“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:
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:
- “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:
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:
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.- 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 6. Myth – Complementary Medicines and Therapies Are As Effective As MHT and Safer
- 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 7. Myth – Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Is Safer Than Conventional MHT
- Bioidentical Custom Compounded Hormone Therapy
- Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
- Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- By the Way Doctor: Is Vaginal Estrogen Safe?
- Caredownthere.com.au
- Combined Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
- Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
- Early Treatment of Vulvovaginal Atrophy May Prevent Distressing Symptoms
- Essential Information: See Your Doctor If
- Estrogen (Vaginal Route): Before Using
- Estrogen (Vaginal Route): Description and Brand Names
- Estrogen (Vaginal Route): Precautions
- Estrogen (Vaginal Route): Proper Use
- Estrogen (Vaginal Route): Side Effects
- Everything You Wanted To Know About Painful Sex… But Were Too Embarrassed To Ask
- Fact Sheets and Downloads: Additional Downloadable Resources – Vaginal Estrogen Therapy
- For Women Factsheets
- HRT
- HRT and Alternatives
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Types
- Index To Drug-Specific Information [United States]
- Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
- Intercourse Was Becoming Painful – Ask Dr Jean
- International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease: Resource Library – Patients
- Managing Menopause: Don’t Let Symptoms of Menopause Reduce Your Quality of Life
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms – Q. How can I counteract vaginal dryness during menopause?
- Menopause Management: Managing Vaginal Problems
- Menopause Symptoms and Relief
- Menopause – Complementary Therapies [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause – Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT) Safe? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause – Non-Hormonal Treatment Options [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause – What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause – What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT)? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause – Will It Affect My Sex Life? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
- Menopause: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Libido, Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Problems and the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Medicines To Help You
- Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
- Menopause: Non-HRT and Lifestyle Options [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Relationships, Sex and Contraception and the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
- Mona Lisa Touch – Ask Dr Jean
- NAMS 2017 Position Statement Updates Guidelines for Hormone Therapy Use
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
- New Study Reassures Women About the Safety of Vaginal Estrogen
- Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- Oestrogen Only Menopausal Hormone Therapy
- Pain During or After Sex
- PRAC Confirms Four-Week Limit for Use of High-Strength Estradiol Creams [Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee]
- Patient Information Leaflet: Vaginal Atrophy – A Change With the Menopause
- Recent Review Confirms Safety of Low Dose Vaginal Estrogen: July 2019
- Resequedad Vaginal
- Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms
- Shrinking Sensation In Genital Area – Ask Dr Jean
- Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Urogenital Problems
- Vaginal Atrophy
- Vaginal Discomfort
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It?
- Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
- Vaginal Dryness and the Menopause
- Vaginal Health After Breast Cancer: A Guide for Patients
- Video Series-2018 – Moisturizers, Lubricants, and Prasterone
- Video Series-2018 – Risks and Benefits of Long Term Hormone Therapy
- Video Series-2019 – Talking To Your Clinician About Sexual Health Concerns
- Video Series-2020 – How To Talk To Your Primary Care Clinician About Your Overall Health
- Vulva and Vaginal Health: Getting the Right Advice
- Vulvovaginal Health
- Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
- What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?
- What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Is It Safe?
- Wild Yam
- Will Menopause Affect My Sex Life? [+ Video]
- Women Can Breathe Sigh of Relief When Using Vaginal Estrogen To Treat Menopause Symptoms
- Women’s Wellness: Painful Sex After Menopause
- Women’s Wellness: Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Health Problems
- Women’s Wellness: Vaginal Atrophy After Breast Cancer
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- 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/manage/images/pdf/ba6379e868044bec13015ac2b84f2753.pdf Accessed: 02 December 2020
- 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: 02 December 2020
- 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/manage/images/pdf/ba6379e868044bec13015ac2b84f2753.pdf Accessed: 02 December 2020
- 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: 02 December 2020
- Menopause Management: Managing Vaginal Problems – Dry Vagina Treatments: Vaginal Oestrogen. Last Updated: 22 October 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 02 December 2020
- 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: 02 December 2020
- 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: 02 December 2020
- Vaginal Dryness: Note. 2018: 2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/mn-vaginal-dryness.pdf Accessed: 02 December 2020
- Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options. 2018: 1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/mn-vaginal-dryness.pdf Accessed: 02 December 2020
- 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: 02 December 2020
- 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: 02 December 2020