In my last blog, I told you that there are 2 options for treatment:
Vaginal hormone cream involves inserting cream (or ovules, or little dissolvable tablets) into your vagina on a regular, ongoing basis. The most common hormone to use is estrogen, though others are sometimes used too. The amounts are so small that little to none of this hormone is absorbed into your body. In fact, studies have been conducted that show even if you have had treatment for breast cancer, it is safe to use vaginal estrogen cream. That is how safe it is.
Typically, the hormone is inserted nightly for 14 days, then alternate days for another 6 weeks and then 2 to 3 times weekly on an ongoing basis. The hormone is effective for as long as it is used. How long until you see the results you desire depends to some degree on how old you are and how long you have been having symptoms. If you stop using it, the vagina slowly loses the benefit and symptoms typically return. Sadly, it is not something that you can use for a short period of time, stop it, and expect it to have long-lasting effect. The hormone causes the vaginal lining to thicken, which relieves the symptoms you are experiencing. Inserting hormone vaginally also benefits your bladder and can treat your bladder symptoms too.
If you are tired of using vaginal hormone (which over time can be a bit on the messy side, not to mention having to make this part of your regular routine) or vaginal hormone insertion just does not appeal to you, then laser treatment is something you should consider.
In my next blog, I will discuss laser treatment.
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