Many women experience vaginal dryness, discomfort, and urinary symptoms during menopause due to declining estrogen levels. These changes, part of the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), can affect daily comfort, intimacy, and overall well-being.
The good news? There are effective treatments—both hormonal and non-hormonal—to relieve symptoms.
Non-Hormonal Treatments
For mild symptoms, these options can help:
- Vaginal moisturizers: Used regularly, they help hydrate vaginal tissues.
- Lubricants: Water-, silicone-, or oil-based lubricants reduce discomfort during intimacy.
- Regular sexual activity: Can improve blood flow and maintain vaginal health.
- Pelvic floor therapy: Strengthens muscles and improves vaginal elasticity.
These treatments can be used alone or combined with medical options.
Hormonal Treatments
When symptoms are moderate to severe, hormonal options may provide more relief:
- Low-dose vaginal estrogen: Available as creams, tablets, inserts, or rings. This option can be used under medical guidance to restore vaginal moisture and elasticity.
- DHEA vaginal suppositories: A hormone treatment that can improve vaginal dryness and discomfort.
- Ospemifene: An FDA-approved oral medication that treats painful sex related to vaginal changes.
What About Vaginal Laser Therapy?
Some clinics offer laser or radiofrequency treatments to improve vaginal health. While promising, more research is needed before these procedures become standard treatments. They can be costly and are usually not covered by insurance.
Choosing the Right Treatment
If vulvovaginal symptoms are interfering with your quality of life, talk to your healthcare provider about the best option for you. A combination of lifestyle changes, non-hormonal, and hormonal treatments can provide long-term relief.
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