What does vaginal oestrogen therapy treat?

After menopause or other changes in oestrogen levels, vaginal tissues may become thinner, drier, and more easily irritated. Local treatment can ease vaginal dryness, burning, discomfort during sex, and some urinary symptoms. It is commonly considered for genitourinary syndrome of menopause and may be discussed when recurrent urinary tract infections occur. It acts mainly in the vaginal area, so it is different from hormone treatment intended to treat hot flushes throughout the body.

A clinician can help choose a cream, tablet, insert, or ring and explain the schedule. Use the product exactly as prescribed and mention vaginal bleeding, unexplained symptoms, a history of hormone-sensitive cancer, or medicines you take. Non-hormonal moisturisers and lubricants may also help dryness or discomfort. Improvement may take time, and ongoing symptoms deserve review rather than repeated self-treatment.

Contact a clinician about bleeding after menopause, new pelvic pain, unusual discharge, sores, or urinary symptoms that persist or worsen. Seek urgent help for severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever with feeling very unwell, or inability to pass urine.

Ask which symptoms the treatment is expected to address, how long to try it, and whether you need an examination before starting. Discuss vaginal bleeding, personal cancer history, pregnancy possibility, and what to do if symptoms return.