How quickly does vaginal oestrogen therapy relieve vaginal dryness?

A fall in oestrogen can reduce natural moisture and make vaginal tissue more delicate. Local oestrogen supports the tissue in the treatment area, so burning, tightness or friction may settle step by step. How quickly you notice a difference depends on the severity of symptoms, the product and other health factors.

Dryness can occur alongside itching, soreness, urinary symptoms or pain during sex. These symptoms may have causes other than hormonal change, including irritation or infection. Ongoing or unusual symptoms should be assessed rather than treated by changing the dose yourself.

Apply or insert the prescribed treatment according to its instructions and keep follow-up appointments. A vaginal moisturiser can support day-to-day comfort, while a suitable lubricant can reduce friction during sex. Avoid scented washes and products that sting the vulval or vaginal area.

If dryness remains troublesome, tell your clinician how often it affects sleep, exercise, urination or sex. They can check technique, review other medicines and consider whether another diagnosis is present. Read [Vaginal Dryness] and [Vaginal Oestrogen Therapy] for more detail.

Contact a clinician for vaginal bleeding after menopause, repeated bleeding after sex, blood in the urine, fever, foul-smelling discharge, sores or severe pelvic pain. Seek advice sooner if treatment causes marked irritation or symptoms suddenly change.

Ask when improvement should be reviewed, whether you need a moisturiser as well as treatment, which lubricants are compatible, and what to do if dryness returns after a missed application.