For women suffering from painful sex due to estrogen plummeting during perimenopause and menopause, listen up, there might be a new option on the horizon soon! A new DHEA vaginal suppository for treating vaginal dryness may be one step closer to government approval!
For postmenopausal women, suppositories containing the hormone DHEA may reduce vaginal dryness, discomfort and pain during sex without raising overall estrogen levels, researchers report. Please note that this is a small trial, but could be promising for many women.
DHEA is an anti-aging hormone which is produced by both women and men. Many women with low levels of certain hormones take DHEA to improve well-being and sexuality.
Vaginal tissues tends to shrink after menopause and produce less moisture. This leads to discomfort during sex, and vaginal and urinary problems, according to background information in the study.
“Intravaginal DHEA is a good alternative to estrogen creams in postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy that manifests as vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kavaler, an urology specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
