Vaginal estrogen for postmenopausal women has been in the UK news. Gina 10 microgram vaginal tablets are to become available, without a prescription, from local pharmacies.
Gina 10 Microgram Vaginal Tablets
In the United Kingdom (UK), what did the news about Gina 10 microgram vaginal tablets explain?
In the press release Easier Access To locally-Applied HRT To Treat Postmenopausal Vaginal Symptoms In Landmark MHRA Reclassification, published 20 July 2022, the (United Kingdom) Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency elaborate on:
Gina 10 microgram vaginal tablets (containing estradiol) are used for the treatment of vaginal symptoms such as dryness, soreness, itching, burning and uncomfortable sex caused by oestrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women aged 50 years and above who have not had a period for at least 1 year. This product is locally-applied, meaning it is inserted into the vagina and not taken orally”.
Vaginal Atrophy
How common is vaginal atrophy?
In Vaginal Atrophy: What Is Vaginal Atrophy? the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:

Vaginal Atrophy Treatment Options
What are some vaginal atrophy treatment options?
In Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) elaborate on:

- “Nonhormone Remedies
- Vaginal Lubricants…
- Vaginal Moisturizers…
- Regular Sexual Stimulation…
- Expanding Your Views of Sexual Pleasure…
- Vaginal Dilators…
- Pelvic Floor Exercises…
- Vaginal Estrogen Therapy…
- An effective and safe treatment…
- Government-approved low-dose vaginal estrogen products…
- Standard doses of estrogen therapy…
- Other Prescription Therapies…
- Ospemifene …
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)”.
Different Differences
Can different Countries have different treatment brands for vaginal atrophy?
Yes, so talk to your health care provider about your Country’s brands of vaginal lubricants, vaginal moisturizes, vaginal estrogen, systemic hormone therapies and more, that may be suitable for your symptoms of vaginal atrophy.
Vaginal Lubricants
What are some vaginal lubricants?
In Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the (United States) Mayo Clinic include:
- “Water-based lubricants. These lubricants (Astroglide, K-Y Jelly, Sliquid, others) are applied just before sexual activity and can reduce discomfort during intercourse. Choose products that don’t contain glycerin or warming properties because women who are sensitive to these substances may experience irritation. Avoid petroleum jelly or other petroleum-based products for lubrication if you’re also using condoms, because petroleum can break down latex condoms on contact”.
In Vulvovaginal Atrophy: Non-Hormonal Options Include: Vaginal Lubricants the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) note:
- “May be water, silicone, hyaluronic acid or oil based
- Are usually used prior to intercourse
- Provide temporary relief of symptoms
- Can be used alone or with systemic or topical menopausal hormone therapy”.
Vaginal Moisturizers
What are some vaginal moisturizers?
In Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the Mayo Clinic include:
- “Vaginal moisturizers. Try a vaginal moisturizer (K-Y Liquibeads, Replens, Sliquid, others) to restore some moisture to your vaginal area. You may have to apply the moisturizer every few days. The effects of a moisturizer generally last a bit longer than those of a lubricant”.
In Vulvovaginal Atrophy: Non-Hormonal Options Include: Vaginal Moisturizers the EMAS note:
- “May contain a bioadhesive polycarbophil-based polymer
- Are usually used on a regular basis, typically two or three times per week
- Can be effective for mild symptoms
- May cause local irritation
- Can be used alone or with systemic or topical menopausal hormone therapy”.
Vaginal Oestrogen
What is some vaginal oestrogen?
In Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Topical Estrogen the Mayo Clinic include:
- “Vaginal estrogen cream (Estrace, Premarin). You insert this cream directly into your vagina with an applicator, usually at bedtime. Typically women use it daily for one to three weeks and then one to three times a week thereafter, but your doctor will let you know how much cream to use and how often to insert it
- Vaginal estrogen suppositories (Imvexxy). These low-dose estrogen suppositories are inserted about 2 inches into the vaginal canal daily for weeks. Then, the suppositories only need to be inserted twice a week
- Vaginal estrogen ring (Estring, Femring). You or your doctor inserts a soft, flexible ring into the upper part of the vagina. The ring releases a consistent dose of estrogen while in place and needs to be replaced about every three months. Many women like the convenience this offers. A different, higher dose ring is considered a systemic rather than topical treatment
- Vaginal estrogen tablet (Vagifem). You use a disposable applicator to place a vaginal estrogen tablet in your vagina. Your doctor will let you know how often to insert the tablet. You might, for instance, use it daily for the first two weeks and then twice a week thereafter”.
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 Mayo Clinic also note:
- “If you’ve had breast cancer, talk with your doctor about the risks of vaginal estrogen therapy”.
Ospemifene
What is Ospemifene (Osphena)?
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 Mayo Clinic include:
- “Ospemifene (Osphena), a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) medication taken by mouth is used to treat painful intercourse associated with vaginal atrophy. This medication isn’t recommended for women who have had breast cancer or who are at high risk of breast cancer”.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
What is Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)?
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 Mayo Clinic include:
- “Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), in the form of a nightly vaginal suppository is a treatment that may ease painful intercourse in menopausal women”.
Systemic Hormone Therapy
When may systemic hormone therapy be suggested for vaginal atrophy?
In Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the Mayo Clinic include:
Alternative Medicine
Is alternative medicine recommended to treat vaginal atrophy?
In Vaginal Atrophy: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the Mayo Clinic note:
Vaginal Laser Therapy
Is vaginal laser therapy an effective and safe treatment for vaginal atrophy?
In Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms: Treating Vaginal Symptoms the EMAS note:
Sexual Activity
May regular sexual activity help prevent vaginal atrophy?
In Vaginal Atrophy: Prevention of Vaginal Atrophy the JH explain:
Oils
Can vegetable oil, olive oil or sweet almond oil, be good-quality lubricants for intercourse?
In How Do I Deal With Vaginal Atrophy? — Ask Dr Jean the author explains:
- “2. For intercourse, use a good-quality lubricant. Natural lubricants include oils such as olive oil or sweet almond oil; however, if using condoms, note that these oils can cause them to break or tear”.
In Vaginal Atrophy: Management and Treatment – How Is Vaginal Atrophy (Atrophic Vaginitis) Treated? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic note:
Ground Linseed
Can adding freshly ground linseed to our diet help vaginal dryness?
In Vaginal Atrophy: Treatment for Vaginal Atrophy – Non-Hormonal Treatments the JH explain:
- “Eating 2 tablespoons of freshly ground linseed (also known as flaxseed), a plant-based oestrogen or phytoestrogen, each day may also help with vaginal dryness. You can add this food to your cereal, in salads or smoothies”.
Other
What else can I try to reduce vaginal atrophy?
In Vaginal Dryness: Symptoms, Causes and Remedies the author explains:
- Avoid bath soaps, lotions or gels that contain perfumes
- Avoid all bubble baths, bath salts and scented oils
- Do not use hot water while bathing or showering
- Avoid all feminine hygiene sprays and perfumes
- Do not use adult or baby wipes on the area
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing and pantyhose. Wear white, 100% cotton underwear
- Avoid all over-the-counter creams and ointments, except A&D Ointment. But do not use A&D Ointment if you have a wool allergy.”
Health Care Provider
What if I think I have vaginal atrophy?
In Vaginal Discomfort: Discomfort Not Directly Related To Menopause the NAMS elaborate on:
In Vaginal Atrophy: When To See Your Doctor the JH note:

In Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause the Australasian Menopause Society remind us:
- “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 aging”.
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Vaginal Atrophy, Lubricants, Moisturizers, Oestrogen, More?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
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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.- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
- Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
- Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
- Laser Treatment for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (Scientific Impact Paper No. 72)
- 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]
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Managing Vaginal Dryness
- Menopause Management: Managing Vaginal Problems – Dry Vagina Treatments
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
- Menopause – Will It Affect My Sex Life? [Video]
- Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- Painful Sex (Dyspareunia)
- Sex & Relationships [+ Video: 5 Things To Know About Sex In Later Life]
- Vaginal Atrophy
- Vaginal Atrophy
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness
- 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?
- Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
- Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
- Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
- Vulvovaginal Atrophy
- Wild Yam