Wednesday 3 April 2013

Vaginal Dryness - Lube or Hormones?

Many women experience vaginal changes and vaginal problems due to the lack of estrogen after the menopause. Initially, this can be in the form of dryness during sex. At this stage, lubricants can be used and many effective preparations are available. Some are applied just during sexual activity, others can be applied regularly to maintain the moisture. It is often a case of trial and error to find what works best.

While lubricants and moisturisers can reduce the dryness and ease the discomfort, to treat the underlying problem of the lack of estrogen and consequent changes in vaginal blood flow, secretions, thickness, elasticity and support of the vaginal skin and acidity level, consideration should be given to replacing estrogen which can either be in the form of HRT (hormones which circulate throughout the body and would be used if other generalised menopausal symptoms are also present) or vaginal estrogen.

The debate around the risks and benefits of HRT continues, but it should be understood that vaginal estrogen provides a very low dose of estrogen which is concentrated in the vagina and bladder with minimal absorption around the body. Therefore, vaginal estrogen can be used by women who either do not want to take HRT, or have been advised not to take HRT.

Various types of vaginal estrogen treatments are available and again, it may require trial and error to find which suits best. Preparations include small vaginal tablets inserted by an applicator, vaginal creams, pessaries and a three monthly vaginal ring. Vaginal tablets, creams and pessaries are used every night for two weeks, during which time there may be a little absorption and some women may notice breast tenderness. This should not cause concern. After the first two weeks, the maintenance dose is twice weekly, during which the absorption is minimal and any breast tenderness should settle. The vaginal ring is changed every three months and produces a small regular amount of vaginal estrogen. Vaginal estrogen used at the maintenance doses can be used long term, there being no known risks with many years of treatment. Indeed, we know that if vaginal estrogen is stopped, the symptoms frequently return and long-term treatment is recommended.

Whatever you choose, be aware of menopausal effects on the vagina and look after your vagina in the happy, healthy years ahead!

See more at Menopause Matters.

What do you think? Is this a problem you've encountered yourself? If so, what impact has it had on your relationship and sex life?




4 comments:

  1. Your contents are too straightforward to browse and easy to understand. Learn About it

    ReplyDelete
  2. I suffered from VA for many years before it was finally diagnosed and am now on vaginal pessaries which have made a huge difference. It affected my life in many ways and was not picked up by any of the medical people I saw, even after extremely painful smear tests and internal examinations. It started long before I was officially peri-menopausal, and I would urge anyone else who is suffering to go and get help NOW! Swallow your embarrassment and talk to someone who can help you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. You have showed some educative matters that must be helpful to girls suffering from such problem. In fact, it can lead a better solution to remove
    feminine dryness !

    ReplyDelete