How effective is vaginal oestrogen therapy for genitourinary syndrome of menopause?

Treatment may reduce vaginal dryness, burning, soreness and discomfort during sex. It can also improve urinary urgency or irritation when these symptoms are related to tissue changes after menopause. Improvement is gradual rather than immediate, and symptoms can return if treatment is stopped. Local treatment is designed to act mainly in the vaginal area, but suitability still depends on your medical history, symptoms and any previous hormone-sensitive illness.

A clinician can discuss a cream, tablet, gel or ring and explain how to use it. Use the prescribed schedule consistently and report bothersome irritation, discharge or bleeding. Lubricants can help with sexual discomfort, while moisturisers may support day-to-day dryness; these do not replace assessment when symptoms persist. Tell the clinician about unexplained bleeding, breast or womb conditions, clotting problems, medicines and any history of cancer before starting.

Arrange medical review for bleeding after menopause, new pelvic pain, unusual discharge, sores, blood in the urine or urinary symptoms that do not settle. Seek urgent help for severe pain, fever with urinary symptoms, inability to pass urine or heavy bleeding. These signs need assessment rather than an assumption that menopause is the cause.

Ask which product and dose fit your symptoms, when improvement should be expected, how long to continue, and what to do after a missed dose. Ask whether you need an examination or urine test, and whether your personal history changes the choice of local treatment.