Vaginal dryness is a usual condition that can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life and sexual well-being. While it often occurs due to hormonal changes like Menopause, various factors, including medications and health conditions, can contribute to it.
Recognizing the symptoms and seeking a proper diagnosis from a healthcare provider is crucial. Fortunately, numerous treatment options, such as Estrogen therapy and medications, are available to alleviate discomfort and improve vaginal health.
Open communication with your partner and doctor is key to addressing this issue and restoring comfort and intimacy, ensuring a fulfilling and healthy life for women of all ages.
What is Vaginal Dryness Cream?
ESTRADIOL, also known as es tra DYE ole, is an Estrogen hormone that effectively alleviates vaginal irritation, dryness, and discomfort experienced during sexual activity due to Menopause.
This Estrogen cream for vaginal dryness might have additional applications. If you have any inquiries, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
How to Use
This medication is intended solely for vaginal use and should not be ingested orally. Please adhere to the instructions on the prescription label and carefully review the package directions before using.
Employ the specialized applicator provided with the cream, and ensure your hands are washed before and after application. To administer the cream, fill the applicator with the prescribed quantity, lie on your back, part your knees, and insert the applicator into the vagina, pushing the plunger to release the cream.
Afterward, clean the applicator thoroughly with warm, soapy water and rinse it well. Follow the prescribed instructions precisely for the entire duration of the treatment, and only discontinue use if advised to do so by your healthcare team.
With each prescription and refill, you will receive a patient package insert for the product. It’s essential to read this sheet thoroughly every time, as its contents may change periodically.
Discuss the use of this medication in children with your healthcare team, as it is not approved for pediatric use. In the event of an overdose, promptly contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room. Please note that this medicine is intended exclusively for your use, and you should not share it with others.
Things to do While Using the Cream
Ensure you schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare team to monitor your progress. These check-ups should include routine breast and pelvic examinations. Additionally, discuss the necessity of regular mammograms with your care team and adhere to their recommendations.
Be aware that this Estrogen cream for vaginal dryness can cause fluid retention, resulting in swelling in your fingers, hands, or ankles, and it may also elevate your blood pressure. If you experience symptoms of fluid retention, promptly contact your care team.
If you suspect you might be pregnant for any reason, discontinue this medication immediately and reach out to your care team. It’s crucial to note that smoking tobacco increases the probability of blood clots and strokes, particularly if you are over 35.
Therefore, it is strongly advised that you refrain from smoking. For those who wear contact lenses and notice changes in their vision or discomfort while wearing the lenses, it is advisable to consult with an eye care specialist.
If you are planning to go through elective surgery, there may be a need to discontinue this medication before the procedure. Consult your care team for guidance before scheduling any surgery.
Side Effects
Here are the side effects you should promptly report to your care team while using Estrogen cream for vaginal dryness:
- Allergic reactions include skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Symptoms of a blood clot include pain, swelling, warmth in the leg, or experiencing shortness of breath, and chest pain
- Any changes in breast tissue, the development of new lumps, redness, pain, or discharge from the nipple
- Signs of gallbladder problems, like severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever
- An increase in blood pressure
- Symptoms of liver injury may manifest as right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or unusual weakness or fatigue
- Signs of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, or vision changes
- Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause or pelvic pain
Additionally, these side effects are typically not considered severe but should still be reported to your care team if they persist or become bothersome:
- Bloating
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Nausea
- Vaginal irritation at the application site
- Vomiting
Storage
Please ensure that this medication is kept out of the reach of children and pets. Store it at room temperature within the range of 15 to 30 degrees Celsius (59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
Avoid exposure to temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), and do not freeze the medication. Any unused medication should be discarded once it reaches its expiration date.
Please be aware that this sheet provides a summary and may not encompass all potential information. If you have any inquiries regarding this medicine, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Vaginal dryness is a common and often distressing condition for many women, primarily associated with menopause but influenced by various factors. Seeking medical advice is essential to address this issue effectively.
Vaginal dryness creams like Estradiol can offer relief when used correctly and under professional guidance. Regular check-ups, monitoring for side effects, and open communication with healthcare providers are crucial components of managing this condition.
Also read: Heart Health: Nurturing the Lifeline of Your Body
