You may have heard of Vagifem in the context of treatment for symptoms of menopause. It is a vaginal tablet containing estradiol (a form of oestrogen) that can help to relieve vaginal irritation or dryness associated with menopause. The moisturising effect not only reduces vaginal discomfort but also helps to support vaginal health generally. The benefit to Vagifem being a vaginal tablet means it can target and act on the area directly, rather than systemically (on the whole body) like traditional hormone replacement therapy. If you are experiencing similar symptoms of vaginal dryness, vaginal irritation or vaginal atrophy then Vagifem may be suitable for you.
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Vagifem is a medication often prescribed to manage vaginal symptoms of menopause such as dryness and irritation. Estradiol pessaries like Vagifem come in tablet form and are designed to be placed in the vagina to exert its relieving effects directly to the area affected. If you are familiar with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Vagifem works similarly as it also uses hormones. Vagifem contains Estradiol Hemihydrate (containing the active ingredient estradiol) which means oestrogen is delivered directly to the vaginal area unlike traditional HRT which works systemically (through being absorbed in the bloodstream). Thus, if you need more targeted relief, medication like Vagifem that works locally may be more suitable for you.
While there are some ‘classic’ symptoms of menopause, it is important to be aware that many people can experience it differently. Also, some people notice symptoms months or even years before periods stop completely so if any of these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is advised that you seek medical advice. Here is a general overview of some common symptoms of menopause.
Symptom | Description
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Irregular periods | You may notice your periods becoming irregular before they completely stop. This could be in the amount of flow or the length of the menstrual cycle. |
Night sweats | This refers to intense sweating when you sleep. It often disturbs sleep quality, falling asleep, or staying asleep which can have other uncomfortable effects. |
Hot flushes | People going through menopause often report suddenly feeling uncomfortably hot. This is often in the chest, the face, or the neck. |
Mood swings, brain fog, and libido changes | For example, this is when you might suddenly go from feeling very anxious to very low in mood. Some people also note problems with remembering things or finding concentration more difficult. You may also notice a reduced sex drive. |
Palpitations | You might notice changes to your heartbeat like a racing or irregular heartbeat. |
Muscle, skin, and body changes | Some other commonly reported symptoms are aches or stiffness in the muscles and joints. Itchy or dry skin may also occur. You may also notice some changes in body shape or weight gain. |
If you relate to these symptoms, although they are associated with menopause, it is still best to consult a medical professional about them as many of the symptoms listed can also overlap with other conditions.
So the ovaries start to produce less and less oestrogen during menopause. Oestrogen is a key hormone supporting good blood flow, moisture, and elasticity of tissues in the vagina. Thus with the decreased levels of oestrogen in menopause, the vagina becomes drier, thinner, and more fragile which results in the commonly reported symptoms of irritation and vaginal discomfort. The key ingredient in Vagifem that helps relieve vaginal symptoms of menopause is estradiol (form of oestrogen).
By increasing the levels of oestrogen, this improves moisture to the tissues of the vagina and relieves symptoms. The fact that Vagifem is an Estradiol pessary means it is administered as a tablet directly to the vagina to target the affected area, and there is a lower risk of systemic side effects.
The medication may take almost 3 months for full symptom relief. If you have been using Vagifem and feel like it has not been effective or you have concerns about the medication, please seek medical advice.
Typically, when using Vagifem 10 micrograms you may need to wait up to 3 months for symptoms of vaginal irritation or dryness to fully be relieved. This is a similar timeframe to other oestrogen treatments for the vagina. If you have not noticed any benefits after 3 months, you should inform your doctor who can reassess the situation and explore other treatment options such as vaginal moisturisers or prasterone pessaries.
Vagifem may be a bit strange to use at first if you are not used to using an applicator, however, once you get used to it, it is much easier. Typically the dosage is initially one Vagifem tablet every day for two weeks and then after that one tablet two times a week. Here is a step-by-step guide of how to use Vagifem:
The exact timeframe it takes for Vagifem tablets to dissolve after being inserted into the vagina is varied but usually it is around several hours or up to one day. This is because the medication is designed to release estradiol slowly over time to stick to the walls of the vagina and help relieve symptoms of irritation and dryness.
If you are considering using Vagifem UK it is important that you are well informed about the benefits but also the potential risks associated with taking this medication. Here is a table comparing some pros and cons of Vagifem to help guide you to an informed decision:
Pros | Cons
|
– Effective: It is effective at treating vaginal dryness and irritation
– Targeted: Vagifem is a localised treatment as it is delivered directly to the vagina.
– Less systemic risks: as mentioned in the previous point, Vagifem is a local treatment which unlike traditional HRT is less likely to get taken up in the blood. Thus there is a lower risk of breast cancer or blood clots. | – Side effects: Some people experience abdominal pain, headaches, or vaginal bleeding when using Vagifem.
– Does not treat all symptoms: The targeted effect may also be a con as Vagifem does not help with other common symptoms of menopause such as mood swings or hot flushes.
– Long-term use: Symptoms may come back if you stop using Vagifem so long-term use may be needed. Long-term use of oestrogen therapy is still associated with a risk of blood clots and breast cancer (although the chances are lower than traditional HRT).
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Like all medication, there are some common and serious side effects associated with Vagifem use. If you have any concerns about the medication, please consult a medical professional for further assessment.
If you notice any of these serious symptoms, make sure you seek medical attention urgently.
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