Treatment of vaginal atrophy

Womens Health (Lond). 2014 Mar;10(2):191-200. doi: 10.2217/whe.14.9.

Abstract

Vaginal or vulvovaginal atrophy is a widespread but poorly recognized condition of peri- and post-menopausal women. It causes urogenital symptoms of dryness, reduced lubrication, itching, burning, irritable bladder symptoms and painful intercourse. This impacts quality of life and sexual health, but increases with time rather than reduces, as with most other menopausal symptoms. With early identification, treatments can improve these symptoms and reverse the physical changes. However, when embedded, bladder and sexual changes have occurred and these may be more difficult to remedy. Therefore, it is important to educate both healthcare professionals and women about these symptoms and advise on the range of interventions available.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Administration, Intravaginal
  • Administration, Oral
  • Androgens / therapeutic use*
  • Atrophic Vaginitis / drug therapy*
  • Atrophy / drug therapy
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone / therapeutic use
  • Estrogen Replacement Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Lubricants / therapeutic use*
  • Oxytocics / therapeutic use*
  • Oxytocin / therapeutic use
  • Postmenopause*
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / therapeutic use*
  • Testosterone / therapeutic use
  • Vulvar Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Vulvar Diseases / pathology

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Lubricants
  • Oxytocics
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators
  • Testosterone
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone
  • Oxytocin
  • Hyaluronic Acid