Vaginal dryness, known medically as "atrophic vaginitis," is defined as insufficient moisture of the vaginal walls and opening. The body naturally produces a thin layer of moisture to lubricate the vagina. It does this by secreting a clear liquid from the cervix. When the body produces less lubrication, a woman may experience the unpleasant symptoms of vaginal dryness.

It may feel different for different women but it can cause discomfort, itching, burning, and pain in and around the vagina. It can also cause dryness and pain during sexual activity and recurring urinary infections.

Apart from menopause, vaginal dryness and itching can be caused by several factors. Having cancer treatment, a hysterectomy, or taking contraceptive pills or antidepressants can all cause vaginal dryness. Certain underlying conditions, like diabetes, can also be a cause of vaginal dryness.

The number-one cause of vaginal dryness during menopause is decreased levels of estrogen in the body. As women approach menopause, the body begins to produce less and less estrogen. As a result, the vaginal tissues become thinner and drier, losing their elasticity, a condition called atrophy. This can lead to vaginal dryness.

Vaginal dryness is a very common symptom of menopause. While statistics vary slightly by source, most experts estimate that 40 - 60% of women will develop vaginal dryness at some point during the menopause transition.Some women experience this symptom before the cessation of menstruation, while others will experience vaginal dryness in the years following menopause. The average age of menopause is approximately 51. Thus, the onset of vaginal dryness is typically ages 40 - 55.

Fortunately, self-care measures can drastically alleviate the symptoms of vaginal dryness. Drink more water, Use a water-based lubricant, Eat a balanced die, Exercise more frequently, Utilize stress reduction techniques, Reduce or eliminate alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine consumption, Communicate with your partner

IIt is a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider about any menopause symptoms, including vaginal dryness. Menopausal women who have questions or concerns about their symptoms, those for whom vaginal dryness is severe, persistent, or life-impeding, and those with other unexplained symptoms are urged to talk to a healthcare provider.

Three approaches can be considered for treating vaginal dryness: (1) lifestyle changes, (2) alternative remedies, and (3) medications. Most experts recommend that women begin with the least aggressive approach and move to the next level of treatment only if symptoms persist. Click on treatments for vaginal dryness to find out more about these approaches.

Oestrogen creams are a form of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and are not available to buy over the counter.

Vagifem is a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). It is used to treat vaginal symptoms of the menopause, also known as vaginal atrophy.

Vagifem has the same benefits as other topical vaginal treatments, such as creams or vaginal rings for menopausal symptoms.Vagifem is inserted locally into the vagina meaning that only a small amount reaches the bloodstream. This means that it is effective at treating vaginal symptoms of the menopause (e.g dryness, discomfort, itching). However, topical treatments and pessaries like Vagifem do not have the same increased risks associated with oral HRT tablets. Again, this makes experiencing side effects much less likely when using Vagifem (or any other topical HRT).

After a Vagifem vaginal tablet is ejected from the applicator it will stick to the wall of the vagina and not fall out. From here it will slowly dissolve over several hours.

Commonly reported side effects include: HeadacheVaginal bleeding or dischargeVaginal discomfortStomach pain.

In the first 2 weeks of treatment, you will insert 1 Vagifem tablet into the vagina every day. After this, you must only use 1 tablet twice a week. If you do not feel that Vagifem is working for you, do not use more than is recommended. Instead, discuss your options with a doctor or pharmacist. They may suggest alternative treatment options that might suit you better.

Yes, Vagifem is an oestrogen-only HRT.

Although Vagifem is primarily prescribed to treat discomfort associated with the vagina, it can be used to treat bladder problems too. Vagifem has proven to be effective for some women at reducing issues with the bladder and urinary tract, such as painful urination and urinary incontinence.

Like other HRT, Vagifem works by restoring the body’s oestrogen levels. Oestrogen is produced by the ovaries, but during the menopause, the levels of oestrogen naturally decrease, resulting in a number of changes in the body. Because Vagifem tablets are inserted directly into the vagina instead of swallowed, the oestrogen is absorbed directly where it is needed. This means Vagifem can effectively relieve discomfort, dryness and other vaginal symptoms associated with menopause.

Vagifem has been used internationally to treat millions of women with symptoms of menopause since 1999. There have been many studies and its use has been widely researched to indicate its effectiveness and safety. However, as with all HRTs (and any medicine), Vagifem may cause some women to experience unwanted side effects and it may not be suitable for all women due to certain risks.

There is no current evidence to suggest that there is a link between using any form of HRT and weight gain or weight loss. However, in rare circumstances, women have reported putting on weight when using it. It is difficult to say whether Vagifem and weight gain are really connected, as there is very little clinical evidence to suggest this. Women going through menopause often notice an increase in their weight, regardless of whether they are using any form of HRT or not.

You should speak to your doctor before stopping using Vagifem. Your doctor will explain the effects of stopping treatment and they will be able to discuss the possibilities for further treatment with you.