Vaginal oestrogen creams by Nada Radi
A women's health or pelvic floor physiotherapist has a significant role in suggesting prescription of some medicines. It is often your pelvic floor physio that may recommend medicines or creams to be prescribed by your doctor to help with the treatment of your issues 'down there.' One of these is vaginal oestrogen.
Vaginal oestrogen is in a class of medications called hormones. These work to boost the natural oestrogen levels in your body. Vaginal oestrogen is commonly prescribed to treat vaginal dryness, itchiness and burning; painful or difficult urination; urinary frequency and/or pain with sexual intercourse due to vaginal dryness. These symptoms are most common amongst women who are breastfeeding or post-menopausal secondary to the low amounts of oestrogen occurring naturally in the body.
What are the different types of Vaginal Oestrogen and how are they administered?
Vaginal oestrogen can come in three different forms including a flexible ring, a tablet or cream with all three being applied inside the vagina. The vaginal oestrogen rings are inserted inside the vagina and left in place for 3 months. After 3 months, the ring is removed, and a new ring may be inserted if treatment is still needed. Oestrogen tablets or cream are usually inserted once a day for the first 2 weeks of treatment and then are inserted twice a week as long as treatment is needed. Use vaginal oestrogen at around the same time of day every time you use it. Follow the directions on your prescription carefully and exactly as directed by your doctor. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any parts you do not understand.
What are the side effects of using Vaginal Oestrogen?
Vaginal oestrogen may have an array of different side effects for example breast pain or tenderness, changes in sexual desire, hair loss, unwanted hair growth, redness or swelling of the vagina, spotty darkening of the skin on the face, sudden feelings of heat or sweating, loss of appetite and rashes or blisters. It may cause other less significant side effects, it is important to notify your doctor or physiotherapists if any symptoms arise soon after the use of vaginal oestrogen.
Before you begin using vaginal oestrogen, it is best to speak with your doctor about your individual benefits and risks of using vaginal oestrogen and ways to ensure regular check-ups to lower your risk of any possible serious side effects.
How can a Women's Health Physiotherapist assist in the prescription of vaginal oestrogen?
A women's health physiotherapist's has a significant role in the use and prescription of vaginal oestrogen. They will assess your need for vaginal oestrogen through their comprehensive subjective examination and routine internal vaginal examination. A physio may find some signs that the use of vaginal oestrogen may help your symptoms. These signs are:
- vaginal atrophy or wasting
- redness
- inflammation
- thinning of vaginal mucosa or
- dryness.
Your women's health physiotherapists usually will notify you of that and possibly recommend the use of vaginal oestrogen. They will always liaise with your treating doctor to notify them about their recommendations. For some clients the prescription of vaginal oestrogen can be very beneficial for treating your condition, which can increase your chance of success with physiotherapy treatment.
Chat with your Fix Program women's health physio if you think that vaginal oestrogen may be for you.
