What it feels like
- Dryness, burning, or itching in the vaginal area
- Pain or tearing with intercourse
- Frequent urination or urinary tract infections
- Loss of elasticity or feeling of tightness
Vaginal Dryness & Painful Intercourse
If intimacy has become uncomfortable—or you’ve noticed dryness, itching, or urinary changes—you’re not alone. These symptoms are caused by low estrogen in the vaginal tissue, but the good news is that effective, gentle treatments can restore comfort and confidence.
Why it happens
After menopause, estrogen levels drop, leading to thinning of vaginal and vulvar tissue, decreased natural lubrication, and reduced elasticity. This condition—called Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)—can also affect the bladder and urethra, causing urinary symptoms.
How Midlife MD Helps Restore Comfort
1) Local Estrogen Therapy
Low‑dose vaginal estrogen (cream, tablet, or ring) safely restores moisture, thickness, and elasticity to the vaginal tissue—without meaningfully affecting whole‑body hormone levels. Most women notice improvement within weeks.
2) Non‑Hormonal Moisturizers & Lubricants
We recommend pH‑balanced, fragrance‑free products to use regularly (moisturizers) and before intimacy (lubricants). These can provide relief even for women who prefer not to use hormones.
3) DHEA (Prasterone) & Ospemifene Options
Prescription non‑estrogen therapies like vaginal DHEA or oral ospemifene can improve tissue tone and comfort for women who can’t or prefer not to use estrogen.
4) Pelvic Floor & Sexual Health Coaching
We provide guidance or referrals for gentle pelvic floor therapy, intimacy‑focused exercises, and pain‑reduction techniques to rebuild confidence and enjoyment.
5) Urinary Support & Screening
We assess for recurrent UTIs, pH imbalance, and offer prevention strategies. Local estrogen often reduces urinary frequency and burning.
6) Follow‑Up & Maintenance
Once symptoms improve, most women continue local treatment long‑term to maintain comfort and tissue health. We guide ongoing care and dose adjustments.
What to Expect
Step 1 — History & Evaluation
We review your symptoms, history, and current treatments to understand the pattern and severity of dryness, pain, and urinary changes.
Step 2 — Personalized Plan
A tailored mix of local estrogen, moisturizers/lubricants, or alternative therapies to restore comfort and tissue health.
Step 3 — Follow‑Up
We check progress within weeks, fine‑tune treatment, and help maintain results long‑term.
FAQ
Is vaginal estrogen safe?
Yes. Local estrogen stays mostly within the vaginal tissue, with minimal absorption into the bloodstream. It’s considered safe for most women, even many who can’t take systemic hormones. We individualize based on your health history.
How soon will I notice improvement?
Most women begin to notice relief within 2–4 weeks of consistent use, with continued improvements over 8–12 weeks as tissue health is restored.
Do I have to keep using it forever?
Local estrogen or moisturizers need to be maintained long‑term to keep the tissue healthy—similar to skincare. Stopping treatment may cause symptoms to return, but dosing can often be reduced to minimal maintenance.
Can I use it with systemic HRT?
Yes. Local estrogen can be safely added to systemic therapy if dryness or urinary symptoms persist. We ensure the regimen remains balanced and effective.
Educational content only; not a substitute for personal medical advice. For unexplained bleeding, pain, or urinary changes, seek professional evaluation promptly.