In a sense, the most “natural” replacement for lost estrogen is estrogen, which is a prescription product (like Premarin or Estrace vaginal cream, Estring, Vagifem, or the non-estrogen Osphena).
If, for a number of reasons, you prefer not to take that path, the next-best option is to maintain vaginal tissues by using a moisturizer regularly, two to three times a week. Moisturizers are designed to bring more moisture--no surprise--into the vagina to prevent the progressive dryness that occurs in menopause with the absence of estrogen.
You might also try Stronvivo, which some research shows improves vaginal moisture. It does this by improving blood flow, and that circulation also supports tissue health.
Dr. Barb DePree, M.D., has been a gynecologist and women’s health provider for almost 30 years and a menopause care specialist for the past ten.
22 comments
Hello,
I’d like to ask if it is safe to continue with Premarin having had an inguinal lymphadenectomy following skin Cancer. I am 64 years old and suffer very badly with side effects if I dont take HRT every other day.
Thank you
I have hyperkerotosis/ a urethral caruncle/vaginal and anal prolapse/vulva skin thickening. I was prescribed Premarin 0.625 twice weekly. Are natural moisturuzers as effective as estrogen and what are the side effects of natural moisturizers?
Caroll-There are no side effects from using moisturizers. Premarin cream should restore atrophic vaginal and vulvar tissues, moisturizers are designed to preserve moisture in the vagina, they don’t really serve exactly the same purpose. Some women using premarin cream also benefit from adding a moisturizer.
Barbara, we carry several options on our website: https://middlesexmd.com/collections/vaginal-moisturizers
I am not familiar with the term ‘uterine wall weakening,’ that is not a clinical term we use. Maybe there has been some discussion about vaginal wall weakening, that might be a description used for the diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse (which includes a cystocele and/or rectocele, for instance). If that is the case the pelvic floor exercise devices can be of benefit.