Dear Pam:

Almost every woman experiences vaginal dryness at some point in her life. Fortunately, there are several excellent prescription and non-prescription options available for relieving dryness and improving the health and comfort of vaginal tissue.

Vaginal dryness can be caused by many different things from soaps to chemotherapy to antidepressants. The most common cause is a decline in estrogen levels as a woman approaches menopause. Changes in hormone levels can also occur for many other reasons including childbirth, stress, and even exercise.

Over the counter products for relief of vaginal dryness generally fall into two categories. These are vaginal lubricants such as Astroglide and Creme de la Femme, which can be particularly helpful for improving vaginal comfort during intercourse, and vaginal moisturizers like our Vaginal Moisturizing Cream, which offer more widespread benefits. Used on a regular basis, vaginal moisturizers not only help with vaginal dryness but also promote healthy vaginal tissue, which in turn may help reduce development of vaginal infection.

For women who choose prescription hormone therapy, benefits can be systemic or localized. Estrogen therapy delivered orally or through a patch can help relieve symptoms of menopause including vaginal dryness. Localized hormone therapy delivered through a prescription vaginal cream, tablet, or suppository is another option for women whose primary concern is vaginal dryness and weakening of vaginal tissues.

The advantage of localized therapy is that it only delivers estrogen to the vaginal area without systemic effects or side effects. The localized effect helps rebuild the lining of the vagina and urethra by promoting collagen production, thereby reducing dryness, irritation and pain, helping maintain muscle tone and decreasing pH, which reduces the tendency toward infection. The disadvantage is that localized therapy will not relieve other menopause symptoms such as hot flashes or help in keeping bones strong.

You don't have to live with vaginal dryness! Your health care provider can help you decide which of these options is right for you. If you have additional questions, please call us at 800.558.7046.

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