*Content reviewed by HotPause Health Medical Advisor & Board-Certified OB/GYN Beverly Joyce, MD, MSCP

How To Help Vaginal Dryness In Menopause

HotPause Health Medical Advisor and OBGYN, Dr. Beverly Joyce shares how to help vaginal dryness in menopause. Vaginal dryness is a common symptom of menopause linked to a decrease in estrogen production. Normally, the vagina is lined with a moist layer, produced by vaginal cells, which facilitates sperm mobility and reduces friction during sex. As estrogen levels drop, this moisture diminishes, leading to dryness.

Symptoms often include irritation, itching, a decrease in sexual desire, bleeding after intercourse, and frequent urinary tract infections. This condition can lead to discomfort, make sexual activity painful, and adversely impact one’s quality of life.

Symptom Relief Strategies:

• Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants: Utilize lubricants to minimize discomfort during intercourse.
• Vaginal Estrogen Therapy: To alleviate vaginal dryness and discomfort, vaginal estrogen is available in various forms, including:
  • Vaginal Estradiol Tablets
  • Vaginal Gels & Creams
  • Vaginal Suppositories or Rings

Studies have shown there is no evidence of increased early breast cancer risk in patients who used vaginal estrogen therapy, compared with patients who did not use HRT.

That said, always consult with a healthcare provider to understand your personal risks and benefits. Standard doses of estrogen therapy can also be combined with vaginal creams.

Non-Hormonal Treatments:

• Prasterone (Intrarosa): This vaginal insert is a non-estrogen treatment that provides dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to the vagina, alleviating vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse due to GSM.
• Ospemifene (Osphena): A daily pill that eases painful intercourse for women with moderate to severe GSM, not recommended for those at high risk for breast cancer.