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Low-Dose Vaginal Estrogen for Dryness and Atrophy
Why It Is Used
Since women are now generally discouraged from using long-term Reference hormone therapy (HT) Opens New Window because of health risks, low-dose vaginal estrogen is recommended for treating vaginal and urethral (genitourinary) dryness and weakening after menopause. Because it is low-dose and has a localized effect, it is thought to be a lower-risk treatment than HT or estrogen alone (Reference estrogen therapy, or ET Opens New Window). Low-dose estrogen absorbed vaginally:
- Helps maintain the muscle tone of the vagina and urethra.
- Reduces vaginal dryness, irritation, and pain.
- Reduces urinary tract irritation and tendency toward infection.
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