Overview
Vaginal dryness and pain can be a problem for many women post-menopause. During menopause, the decline in estrogen production causes the vaginal tissues to become thinner and gets irritated more easily. Treatment of vaginal dryness and pain include the use of vaginal moisturizers and water-based lubricants. Vaginal moisturizers can restore moisture to the vaginal area. Water-based lubricants are used before sexual activity to reduce pain during intercourse. Vaginal estrogen therapy is another option. It comes in the form of cream, tablet, suppositories, and ring. They contain low doses of estrogen and provide direct relief of vaginal dryness and pain while limiting the overall exposure to estrogen. Vaginal dilators can be used together with estrogen therapy. They stretch and reversing vagina narrowing. Other treatment options include ospemifene and systemic estrogen therapy. Ospemifene relieves pain, especially during intercourse. Systemic estrogen therapy is recommended for those who also have other menopausal symptoms.
