Treatments for Vaginal Atrophy

Key takeaways

• This rewrite is classified as menopause and focuses on the reader’s likely question: Treatments for vaginal atrophy
• Factual health claims have been kept cautious and tied to current authority sources.
• Assessment matters when symptoms are new, changing, severe, persistent or affecting daily life.
• Use NHS 111 for urgent advice if symptoms are severe, sudden or worrying. Call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

Overview

Treatment may include lubricants, moisturisers, avoiding irritants, pelvic floor support and local hormone options when suitable. Suitability should be confirmed after consultation.

Why it happens

Changing oestrogen levels affect the brain, blood vessels, skin, bones, pelvic tissues and the vaginal microbiome. Lower oestrogen can reduce vaginal tissue elasticity, lubrication and blood flow.

Treatment and support options

Options may include lifestyle support, CBT for some symptoms, HRT discussion, vaginal moisturisers, lubricants or vaginal oestrogen when appropriate. The right choice depends on symptoms, risks, preferences and medical history.

Self-care

Track symptoms, protect sleep, keep active, avoid vulval irritants and seek support for sexual pain, recurrent urinary symptoms or mood changes. Symptoms do not have to be dismissed as something to put up with.

When to seek medical advice

Seek medical advice for bleeding after menopause, bleeding after sex, severe pain, recurrent urinary symptoms, symptoms before age 45 or symptoms after cancer treatment. Use NHS 111 for urgent advice if symptoms are severe, and call 999 in an emergency.

Sources

• NHS, Menopause and perimenopause: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause-and-perimenopause/
  Relevance: NHS explains menopause timing, symptoms, hormone changes and support options.
• NICE NG23, Menopause: identification and management: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations
  Relevance: NICE gives UK recommendations for identifying and managing menopause symptoms, including genitourinary symptoms.
• NHS, Vaginal dryness: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/vaginal-dryness/
  Relevance: NHS explains vaginal dryness symptoms, causes, self-care and treatment routes.

Disclaimer

Educational only. Results vary. Not a cure.