Emma Ginns – GP with an interest in the menopause
Vaginal dryness is a very common symptom which women can experience during the perimenopause...
Vaginal dryness is a very common symptom which women can experience during the perimenopause, menopause or many years after their menopause. Common symptoms associated with this include discomfort, itching and soreness, discomfort during intercourse as well as frequency of passing urine and urinary tract infections.
Treatments for it include vaginal moisturisers- which do not contain estrogen but moisturise the tissues thereby reducing symptoms. These are available over the counter and on prescription. Common brands include YES vaginal moisturiser, Sylk intimate and Regelle. Lubricants can also be used to help with discomfort during sexual intercourse – YES water based lubricant and Sylk intimate are good options to try.
Vaginal oestrogen is a very effective treatment for vaginal dryness for many women. It is available on prescription and is very safe to use long term for most women. It can be given as a small vaginal pessary, vaginal cream/gel or via a ring placed in the vagina.
– Dr Jane Robertson
As you head towards menopause, the levels of the hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone produced by your ovaries begin to fluctuate and fall. There’s nothing you can do to alter the age at which you reach menopause as this is mostly influenced by genetics, unless of course you’ve had a surgical menopause following a hysterectomy,…
July 2023
