smartscripts can provide prescriptions to help treat menopausal vaginal dryness, vaginal tablets Vagifem are prescribed to help treat vaginal dryness caused by menopausal hormonal changes.

When you start the menopause your ovaries produce less oestrogen. This causes your vaginal walls to get thinner and drier. Vagifem works by restoring oestrogen to your vaginal tissue, replenishing natural lubrication and relieving discomfort.

Vagifem starts to replace your natural oestrogen levels as soon as you start using it. It will take 8–12 weeks until you feel the full benefit of the treatment. You can stop using it once you feel better, but symptoms may return. You can use it long term if you need to. Common side effects you might experience when using Vagifem are vaginal irritation, new vaginal discharge, abdominal discomfort or bloating and headaches.

Vaginal dryness, sometimes called vaginal atrophy, is a common problem that many women may experience at some point in their life. Decreased levels of oestrogen in the body can cause changes in vaginal tissue and lead to reduced vaginal moisture and vaginal lubrication, causing vaginal dryness.

Those who experience vaginal dryness may experience symptoms such as burning, itching, frequent urination, urinary tract infections (UTIs), vaginal soreness, discomfort and irritation. These can be worsened during sex as it causes a lack of natural lubrication which results in discomfort and pain.

This can lead you to avoid sex or a drop in sexual desire.

It is predominately caused by hormonal changes which affect the vaginal wall causing vaginal atrophy. Most often the hormonal change is a result of menopause. Some research suggests that genitourinary symptoms, like vaginal dryness, affect up to 50% of women during menopause.

Other causes of vaginal dryness can include breastfeeding, taking contraceptive pills, antidepressants, hysterectomies and cancer treatments. These and other conditions can cause a disruption in your hormone levels. This disruption is what often results in vaginal dryness.

If you have other menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood changes, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) patches or tablets may be beneficial for you.