Many women are concerned about using estrogen for relief of menopausal symptoms, due to all of the negative press that estrogen has received. But there is a difference in safety and side effect profile based on how the estrogen is used. If your symptoms are mostly related to dryness and painful intercourse (vaginal atrophy) then using local estrogens may bring you relief with little to no side effects. Local estrogens (in ring, pill or cream form) are estrogens that are used in very low doses in the vagina. They work by restoring the vaginal pH, as well as thickening the vaginal epithelium. Because the hormone works locally, absorbed through the vaginal walls, it does not typically increase estrogen levels in the blood. Studies have shown that it does not increase your risk for endometrial cancer. So it can be a safe, effective way to relieve the symptoms of postmenopausal vaginal atrophy.
Should Women Be Worried About Using Local Estrogen For Postmenopausal Atrophy?
- Posted in: Health, Menopause, Pain, Sex Life, Sexual Health
- Tagged with: estrogen, estrogen replacement, estrogen replacement therapy, menopause, menopause and hormones, post menopausal pain
Cathleen Kneidl, RPA-C
Cathleen earned her physician assistant degree from Albany Medical School. Prior to that, she earned a B.A. in social sciences from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She has been a physician assistant specializing in women’s health issues for more than 20 years. She has worked with gynecologists, infertility specialists and general practitioners. Cathleen also worked at Planned Parenthood for the past 15 years, meeting the obstetrical and gynecological needs of women. Cathleen believes that every woman should be able to work with her healthcare provider to develop the best treatment plan for her.
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A safe and comfortable place to discuss vaginismus
The vaginismus forum at Maze Women’s Health is designed to bring women together. We understand that painful sex, vaginismus treatment, and the subsequent recovery can be sensitive topics, and you should have a safe and comfortable place to voice your experience, opinions, and concerns.
We envision this vaginismus forum as a place for you to introduce yourself, share your personal story, ask questions, and discuss any and all aspects of vaginismus, including our treatment options. We sincerely hope that you find this to be a comfortable place to discuss your struggles and triumphs as you navigate through vaginismus treatment. Talking through these issues with women that have gone through it can make all the difference.
