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The WHCSI Blog

Menopausal Vaginal Dryness

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After women go through menopause, they often begin to experience vaginal dryness. The symptoms typically start mild but progress over time. Some women may not experience discomfort, while for others the dryness can cause everyday irritation or itching and often causes intercourse to be painful. There are several options women have to help improve their symptoms, including both over the counter and prescription treatments.

Over the counter options include lubricants and vaginal moisturizers. Lubricants are applied as needed and will improve symptoms for a short amount of time. Coconut oil is a natural option that seems to be tolerated by most women, even those with sensitive skin. Astroglide is a water based lubricant that works well for many women. Another over the counter option includes vaginal moisturizers. Vaginal moisturizers are applied every 2-3 days routinely. These help decrease vaginal dryness overall, not just during intercourse. Replens is a commonly used brand of vaginal moisturizer.

There are multiple different prescription options available for management of vaginal dryness. Vaginal estrogen is the commonly prescribed hormonal medication that is used and comes in various forms. Creams, such as Estrace, are inserted in the vagina with an applicator and can be applied to the external area as well. Tablets, such as Vagifem, are also inserted in the vagina with an applicator. These are preferred by some women because they are less messy. There is also a vaginal ring, Estring, which is inserted into the vagina and changed every 3 months.

If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, speak to your healthcare provider to decide which method may work best for your symptoms and lifestyle. With all of the options available, there is likely something that can help relieve your discomfort.

Menopausal Vaginal Dryness

After women go through menopause, they often begin to experience vaginal dryness. The symptoms typically start mild but progress over time. Some women may not experience discomfort, while for others the dryness can cause everyday irritation or itching and often causes intercourse to be painful. There are several options women have to help improve their symptoms, including both over the counter and prescription treatments.

Over the counter options include lubricants and vaginal moisturizers. Lubricants are applied as needed and will improve symptoms for a short amount of time. Coconut oil is a natural option that seems to be tolerated by most women, even those with sensitive skin. Astroglide is a water based lubricant that works well for many women. Another over the counter option includes vaginal moisturizers. Vaginal moisturizers are applied every 2-3 days routinely. These help decrease vaginal dryness overall, not just during intercourse. Replens is a commonly used brand of vaginal moisturizer.

There are multiple different prescription options available for management of vaginal dryness. Vaginal estrogen is the commonly prescribed hormonal medication that is used and comes in various forms. Creams, such as Estrace, are inserted in the vagina with an applicator and can be applied to the external area as well. Tablets, such as Vagifem, are also inserted in the vagina with an applicator. These are preferred by some women because they are less messy. There is also a vaginal ring, Estring, which is inserted into the vagina and changed every 3 months.

If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, speak to your healthcare provider to decide which method may work best for your symptoms and lifestyle. With all of the options available, there is likely something that can help relieve your discomfort.