What are some treatment options for vaginal dryness?
Dr. Thacker: There are a number of over-the-counter water based lubricants-like KY Jelly, Astroglide, as well as non-hormonal vaginal moisturizers like Replens or Silk E. The two oils that can be used in the vaginal as a lubricant / moisturizer are vitamin D oil or olive oil. If there is severe thinning or dryness, the best treatment is local vaginal estrogen that comes in a variety of creams, a tablet and a vaginal ring (the latter which can be used in many breast cancer survivors.) Local vaginal estrogen will restore the integrity of the vaginal tissues and can reduce recurrent bladder infection. Question: What are some of the most successful ways to deal with hot flashes and mood swings? Dr. Thacker: In my recently published book “Womens Health: Your Body, Your Hormones, Your Choices, a Cleveland Clinic Guide”, I have a chapter on “Maintaining Mood at Midlife” that reviews the various mood stabilizing treatments and talks about which comes first, menopause or depression? Estrogen tr
