Is It Safe To Use Vaginal Estrogen?

Vaginal dryness and urinary problems associated with menopause can be treated with effective and safe vaginal estrogen, reveals a recent study.

Vaginal estrogen is effective and safe for treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause, reveals a new study.

Although hot flashes are the most commonly reported problem associated with menopause, between 20% and 45% of women also complain of sexual and urinary issues.

Vaginal Estrogen Therapy is a Safe Treatment for Genitourinary Symptoms
For post-menopausal women, using a vaginal form of estrogen therapy doesn't up the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, suggests a recent study.

‘Low-dose vaginal estrogen is effective and safe for postmenopausal women who need relief from only vaginal symptoms.’

The study results have been published in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).

Since the results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) were released, the risks and benefits of hormone therapy have been highly scrutinized. Concerns about possible increased risk of cancer and stroke have kept many women from getting relief from their menopause symptoms.

Newer studies, however, have suggested that low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy is not only effective in relieving a wide array of symptoms that can disrupt sexual and urinary function but is also safer than systemic estrogen therapy. It is important to note, however, that vaginal estrogen is not effective in managing hot flashes.

Menopause and Sex - Symptoms, Signs, Natural remedies
Menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries stop producing the hormone estrogen. Since estrogen is linked to sex drive, a woman will experience changes in sexual desire around the time of menopause.

In the article "Breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and cardiovascular events in participants who used vaginal estrogen in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study," data was analyzed from more than 45,000 participants.

In women with an intact uterus, the risk of stroke, invasive breast cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, and pulmonary embolism were not significantly different between vaginal estrogen users and nonusers. Moreover, women using vaginal estrogen were found to be at less risk for coronary heart disease, fracture, and all-cause mortality than nonusers.

Maturitas: Clinical Guide on Low-dose Vaginal Estrogens for Vaginal Atrophy
Elsevier announced the publication of a position statement by the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) in the journal Maturitas.

Several formulations of low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy are available, including topical creams, an intravaginal insert, and an intravaginal ring--all with the same proven efficacy and safety.

"These findings should reassure women and their healthcare providers that low-dose vaginal estrogen, which keeps blood levels within the normal postmenopausal range, is effective and safe for postmenopausal women who need relief from only vaginal symptoms," says Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, NAMS executive director.

Post-Menopausal Women are Most Likely to Use Vaginal Estrogen to Enhance Sex Life
Estrogens play a key role in maintaining vaginal health. They assist with lubrication. Some studies show them to be effective in preventing urinary tract infections.

"The boxed warnings about the risk of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and cancer do not apply to these low-dose vaginal therapies. Instead, women who experience bleeding or those with breast cancer should include their healthcare providers and oncologists in deciding about this option."

Source-Eurekalert