In my practice, I often see women who’ve silently struggled with vaginal dryness for years—assuming it’s just part of getting older or something they need to tolerate after menopause. The truth is, vaginal dryness is not only treatable, but important to address early. When left untreated, it can progress to vaginal atrophy, where the vaginal tissues become thinner, less elastic, and more fragile due to declining estrogen. Once atrophy develops, it’s much harder to reverse—making early support essential.
Local HRT: A Targeted, Low-Risk Option
Vaginal estrogen therapy (also called local HRT) delivers small amounts of estrogen directly to the vaginal tissues through creams, tablets, or rings. Because absorption into the bloodstream is minimal, it has a much safer systemic profile compared to oral or transdermal hormone therapy.
This treatment helps restore the thickness, elasticity, and natural moisture of the vaginal tissue—often improving comfort, libido, and even bladder function. It can be started in perimenopause or menopause, and for many women, it can be truly life changing.
“Bioidentical” Estrogen—What That Really Means
In medicine, we don’t formally use the term bioidentical, but it can be a useful way to describe hormones that are chemically identical to the estrogen your body naturally produces. The other form would be considered synthetic, such as conjugated estrogens, which look and act very similar to estrogen.
When prescribed in vaginal form, estradiol—the body-identical version of estrogen—is generally well tolerated, safe for long-term use, and effective at restoring tissue health without significantly changing hormone levels throughout the body.
The Role of Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid vaginal gels or suppositories are another excellent option—either on their own or in combination with vaginal estrogen. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the tissue and supports repair of the vaginal mucosa, making it a gentle alternative for women who prefer to start with a non-hormonal option or want additional hydration.
The Takeaway
Vaginal dryness isn’t just a comfort issue—it’s a sign that your tissue health is changing. Addressing it early can prevent long-term atrophy and restore comfort and confidence. Whether you use hyaluronic acid, local estrogen, or a combination of both, there are safe and effective solutions available.
If you’re unsure which approach is right for you, let’s chat and see which option would be best! You deserve to feel comfortable in your body at every stage.
Disclaimer: Any information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in place of professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care practitioner with any questions or health concerns you may have and before starting any new treatments (including supplements).
