Learn Why Women are Treating Vaginal Dryness with Estrogen Cream

Learn Why Women are Treating Vaginal Dryness with Estrogen Cream

Vaginal dryness is an issue for millions of women every year. The problem is typically reported by those experiencing the drastic hormonal changes associated with age and, more specifically, menopause. It also affects woman who smoke, have had hysterectomies or ovarian failure, have recently given birth, or are breast feeding, as their bodies no longer produce the hormones needed to maintain proper vaginal moisture. Because dryness can be an extremely painful issue if left untreated, many women turn to estrogen cream in order to solve the problem.

Symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Dryness
• Itching
• Burning
• Painful sex
• Bleeding during sex
• Frequent and urgent need to urinate

Although this problem can affect any woman or girl, it is associated with menopausal women and women who have had hysterectomies because their bodies no longer produce enough of the hormone estrogen, which is responsible for maintaining a constant lining of moisture in the vagina. A popular estrogen cream, like Wyeth’s Estrace, treats the malady by increasing the amount of the hormone in the body. For this reason, the creams can be considered a kind of hormone replacement therapy, also known as HRT. Another hormone often included in these therapies is progesterone, and both types of estrogens synthetic and natural.

Women should approach their doctor, gynecologist, physician, or other trusted health professional about the possibility of an estrogen cream prescription only if they have constant burning or itching, especially during sex, that does not improve with natural or self-care measures, including moisturizers and lubricants. You will be examined to determine whether the problem is due to hormone deficiency in one of three ways: pelvic exam, pap test, or urine test. The results of this information will tell your doctor whether you have a recognized medical issue, or if there is some other issue that needs to be dealt with.

However, before approaching anyone for this extreme solution, there are a few things you should know. HRT carries some specific and possibly very dangerous risks. Some of the milder side effects include:

• Allergic reactions
• Blood clots
• Leg cramps
• Migraines headaches
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• High blood pressure
• Dementia
• Stroke
• Heart attack

The most extreme risk of any HRT, including the regular use of a product like Estrace, is the development of cancer. It is true that the development of cancer is very rare; however, many clinicians feel that the link between these prescriptions and cancer is very real. And, in fact, the U.S. legal system seems to back this idea. As recently as 2007, three women who developed cancer after taking Premarin, another popular HRT, won a lawsuit against Wyeth, the maker of Estrace. A fourth woman was included in the lawsuit, but she settled out of court. She eventually died of complications at the age of 59.

If you are experiencing this problem, or know anyone that is, give serious thought to your options before approaching a doctor about HRT. If the therapy has already begun, and you feel unwell, contact your doctor immediately to have the proper tests performed. If you are diagnosed with any of the issues described above, contact a lawyer immediately. They are the only ones who will be able to determine your rights under the law, and possibly secure your place in an existing or new Prempro lawsuit .