Prescriptions for Vaginal Dryness

Many women who are perimenopausal or menopausal experience vaginal dryness and weakening of vaginal tissue. This change is associated with the natural decline in estrogen levels that continues through menopause and beyond.

There are a number of prescription treatment options women have can choose from not only for relief of dryness, itching and discomfort, but also to keep vaginal tissues healthy.

Natural Hormone Therapy

Many women choose systemic hormone therapy (HT) to alleviate a wide range of symptoms associated with menopause, including vaginal dryness and weakening. Women's Health America's approach to hormone therapy uses simple, personalized hormone-level assessment and monitoring combined with customized doses of natural hormones that are identical to those your body makes.

Treatment options include oral or cream hormone supplements containing estrogen, progesterone, and possibly testosterone. Estrogen and testosterone transdermal patches are also available through our on-site pharmacy, Madison Pharmacy Associates.

Vaginal Delivery of Estrogen Therapy

When vaginal dryness and weakening of vaginal tissues are the primary concern, there are several vaginal prescription options available. Low-dose estrogen therapy delivered directly to the vaginal area has a localized effect that rebuilds the lining of the vagina and urethra by promoting collagen production. Low-dose estrogen absorbed vaginally:

• Helps maintain muscle tone of the vagina and urethra.

• Reduces vaginal dryness, irritation, and pain.

• Reduces urinary tract irritation and tendency toward infection.

In most cases, there is noticeable improvement in vaginal dryness and sensitivity after 1 month of vaginal estrogen treatment. More complete restoration of vaginal and urethral weakening generally occurs within 6 to 12 months.

Vaginal Delivery Options

Estrogen may be delivered locally to the vaginal area in four ways.

Vaginal estrogen cream. An applicator is used to insert the cream into the vagina two or three times a week. A typical schedule for administering low-dose estrogen cream is 1 week of daily use followed by 2 to 3 times weekly thereafter.

Vaginal estrogen tablets. A tablet is inserted into the vagina on a regular basis: daily for the first week, and then 2 to 3 times a week thereafter.

Vaginal Estrogen Suppositories are also used daily for the first week and then 2 to 3 times a week thereafter.

Vaginal estrogen rings. You or your doctor inserts this soft, plastic ring into the upper part of your vagina. The ring releases estrogen over a period of 90 days.

We can customize a low-dose estrogen cream, tablet, or suppository just for you. Commercially prepared standard-dose vaginal estrogen rings are also available through Madison Pharmacy Associates.

For additional information, contact Women's Health America, Madison Pharmacy Associates by calling 800.558.7046 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .