Vaginal dryness during menopause can bring about a range of symptoms, including vaginal dryness, night sweats, and hot flashes. Vaginal dryness can make sex less enjoyable and even painful. The vaginal wall has estrogen receptors, and when estrogen levels drop during menopause, the walls become fragile, tight, and less expandable. This can result in bleeding, tearing, and wearing during sex. Here are some tips for treating vaginal dryness during menopause.
Lose it or use it
One way to treat vaginal dryness is to engage in regular sexual activity, including masturbation. Without regular activity, the vagina can become tighter and smaller, exacerbating the problem. Non-hormonal therapy can also be effective. Two simple solutions are lubricants and moisturizers.
Non hormonal treatment
Menopausal vaginas need moisturizing just like normal skin. While you don’t need to moisturize every day, it’s important to be consistent and regular. There are many products available on the market, and you can consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable one for restoring the mucosa of a premenopausal vagina. Some products containing hyaluronic acid can be beneficial as well.
When trying different lubricant brands, avoid scented and flavored items, as they can cause sensitivity. Water-based lubricants are better for use with STD protection since they won’t affect condoms. For natural lubrication, you can use coconut oil, but remember that it is oil-based and won’t work well with condoms.
Vaginal hormonal therapy
Vaginal estrogen therapy, which restores estrogen levels in the vagina, is the most efficient treatment for vaginal dryness caused by low estrogen levels. This therapy thickens the vaginal walls, boosts blood circulation, and improves natural secretions. Vaginal estrogen therapy is available in different forms, including creams, suppositories, rings, and tablets. The dose varies depending on the form used.
Estrogen is the key hormone responsible for reproduction and sex in females. Hormone replacement therapy can increase the risk of breast cancer, but vaginal estrogen therapy has a much lower risk. Blood levels remain within menopausal range, and the risk of clotting is low. However, FDA warns against using both methods. If you have a medical history of breast cancer, it’s best to avoid vaginal estrogen therapy. Consult with your healthcare provider before using any method.
Estriol cream is a weak estrogen that effectively treats vaginal dryness. Although it is not FDA-approved, it is perfect for those who want to avoid FDA-approved items.
Intrarosa is a prescription DHEA vaginal suppository that converts into estrogen after being absorbed by vaginal tissue. It helps women avoid other estrogen items completely.
Oral treatment
Oral treatment with a natural estrogen called SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator) restores the moisture of the vagina and the integrity of the vaginal mucosa. It promotes the growth of the uterine lining in postmenopausal women, but it comes with a small risk of blood clots and hot flashes.
When lubricants and estrogen cannot restore usual sexual activity, vaginal dilators can help. These are soft plastic rods with 3mm-10mm in diameter that increase vaginal capacity. However, not all patients are suitable for using dilators.
The art of foreplay
Foreplay can restore lubrication naturally if done before sex, and it can help rediscover the joy of different intimacies and foreplay over simple intercourse. Vagina can take 6-8 weeks to return to its premenopausal state.
If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness during menopause, don’t hesitate to seek treatment from your doctor. Most GP clinics have safe and effective treatments for this condition.