Treatment options
Treatment options
A number of different treatments are available for VA. These include vaginal oestrogen, vaginal lubricants and moisturisers.16
Click on the boxes below to find out more about each type of treatment.
Vaginal oestrogen
The NICE Guideline states that women with VA should be offered vaginal oestrogen and treatment should be continued for as long as needed to treat the symptoms. Guidance directs clinicians to explain that:
- Symptoms often come back when treatment is stopped
- Adverse effects from vaginal oestrogens are very rare
- Women should report unscheduled vaginal bleeding or spotting to their GP17
Vaginal oestrogen is recommended as an effective treatment for VA by NICE, the British Menopause Society and the International Menopause Society.16-19
Introducing Gina
Gina 10 micrograms vaginal tablet is a local (vaginal) oestrogen therapy which contains low dose estradiol. It is available as a P medicine for the treatment of vaginal atrophy due to oestrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women aged 50 years and above, who have not had a period for at least one year. The second module in this series will give more information about Gina.
Other local oestrogen therapies (such as creams, gels, capsules and vaginal rings) are available on prescription.
Vaginal lubricants and moisturisers
These provide short-term relief from symptoms but do not address the underlying condition or change the level of oestrogen in the vaginal tissue.
- The NICE Guideline recommends that women with vaginal dryness should be advised that moisturisers and lubricants can be used alone or in addition to vaginal oestrogen17
- Vaginal moisturisers relieve discomfort and pain during intercourse for women with mild to moderate VA20
- Vaginal lubricants offer short-term relief of vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse21
Systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not usually recommended as first-line treatment for women with only vaginal symptoms of the menopause.16
THE AVAILABILITY OF GINA IN THE PHARMACY OFFERS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR TEAMS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE CONDITION AND THE TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE.