When is vaginal oestrogen therapy recommended for genitourinary syndrome of menopause?

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause can affect vaginal and urinary tissues after oestrogen levels fall. Local vaginal oestrogen is placed in or around the vagina, depending on the prescribed product. It is intended to act mainly in the treated area and can support tissue comfort and flexibility.

Symptoms may include dryness, irritation, discomfort with sex, urgency, or burning when passing urine. A clinician should consider infection, unexplained bleeding, skin disease, and your medical history before recommending treatment.

Discuss your symptoms, medicines, past cancers, blood clots, liver disease, and any vaginal bleeding with your clinician. Use the prescribed product exactly as directed and mention persistent symptoms, discharge, or irritation. Moisturisers and lubricants may also help with comfort.

Improvement may take time and depends on the symptom and product. Do not borrow another person’s medicine or change the schedule without advice. Follow-up can clarify whether the diagnosis and treatment remain suitable.

Seek medical advice for any bleeding after menopause, new pelvic pain, unusual discharge, sores, or urinary symptoms that persist. Prompt assessment is needed for heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or feeling faint, whether or not you use vaginal oestrogen.

Ask which product fits your symptoms, how to use it, what side effects to watch for, whether your medical history changes the choice, and when a review should take place.