Uncomfortable Vaginal Symptoms Caused by Menopause.

Have other women experienced this?

Yes, up to 57% of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women experience a condition known as vaginal atrophy. It may not be easy to talk about at first, but you are not alone.

Will my vaginal symptoms go away on their own?

After menopause, a woman’s body produces less estrogen. If your uncomfortable vaginal symptoms are caused by this loss of estrogen, they will not go away on their own. You and your health care provider should talk about whether treatment is right for you.

How are menopause-related vaginal symptoms treated?

There are a variety of treatment options for menopausal changes in and around the vagina. Local estrogen therapies, such as Vagifem^® 10 mcg, are an option. Read about all the treatment options.

I’ve heard that symptoms like hot flashes will stop; won’t my vaginal symptoms go away on their own, too?

After menopause, a woman’s body produces less estrogen, and that change doesn’t reverse itself. While it’s true that the symptoms of menopause, such as night sweats and hot flashes, do come to an end, other changes caused by declining estrogen levels do not. If your uncomfortable vaginal symptoms are caused by menopause, they may not go away on their own.

What about personal lubricants or other over-the-counter treatments?

Over-the-counter products can sometimes provide temporary relief for vaginal dryness during intercourse, but they don’t treat its underlying cause—they can’t help replenish your vagina’s estrogen. They also don’t treat other common vaginal symptoms caused by menopause, such as painful urination or painful intercourse. And, their effects are only temporary.

Hormone Therapy.

What is estrogen, and what are the different forms of estrogen?

Estrogen is a hormone responsible for changes in the vagina and uterus. Estrogens include estradiol, estrone, and estriol. Conjugated estrogens are made from a combination of estrogens.

Is Vagifem^® 10 mcg the same as hormone therapy (HT)?

Vagifem^® 10 mcg is a type of hormone therapy called local estrogen therapy. It’s applied directly to the vagina, while other types of HT deliver estrogen to the whole body by means of an oral insert, ring, patch, gel, emulsion, spray, or injection. Learn more about the different types of treatments.

How does Vagifem^® 10 mcg treat bothersome vaginal symptoms due to menopause?

Vagifem^® 10 mcg helps replenish vaginal estrogen depleted due to menopause. Learn more about how Vagifem^® 10 mcg works in the body.

Are estrogen therapies safe?

As with all medications, you should carefully review the safety data and Prescribing Information for Vagifem^® 10 mcg and discuss this information with your health care provider before beginning treatment. Systemic hormone replacement therapy has been studied; read more about the Women’s Health Initiative.

Taking Vagifem^® 10 mcg.

How long does Vagifem^® 10 mcg take to work?

Vagifem^® 10 mcg treats the loss of vaginal estrogen, which is the underlying cause of your symptoms. Even though you may not see results right away, Vagifem^® begins working to help replenish vaginal estrogen when you start using it. One study, which had a primary endpoint of 12 weeks, showed that Vagifem^® 10 mcg reduced a combined score of the most bothersome vaginal symptoms at 12 weeks, but some people may see improvements as early as at 8 weeks of treatment.

How long will I need to take Vagifem^® 10 mcg?

How long you will remain on treatment is something you and your health care provider will decide together.

Where can I learn more about the safety of Vagifem^® 10 mcg?

Read the Important Safety Information and the Prescribing Information to learn more about safety data and warning information for Vagifem^® 10 mcg. Discuss these materials with your health care provider. You may also want to check out some of the menopause-related resources listed here.

What if I’ve taken Vagifem^® 10 mcg before?

If you have relief from your vaginal symptoms, your health care provider may tell you to stop taking Vagifem^® 10 mcg. However, should your symptoms return, your health care provider might prescribe Vagifem^® 10 mcg for you again, consistent with treatment goals and personal risk.

What time of day should I use Vagifem^® 10 mcg?

You can use Vagifem^® 10 mcg at any time of the day, but you should try to use it at the same time every day.

What if the insert has come out of the applicator inside the package?

If, after opening the package, you see that the insert has come out of the applicator but has not fallen out of the package, carefully put it back into the applicator for insertion. Please keep your hands clean and dry while handling the insert.

What if the insert falls out of the applicator?

If, prior to insertion, the insert falls out of the applicator, throw the insert and applicator away and use a new insert-filled applicator.

Do I need to wash or reuse the applicator?

No, the applicators are disposable. After use, dispose of the applicator as you would a plastic tampon applicator.

How should I store Vagifem^® 10 mcg?

You should always keep Vagifem^® 10 mcg out of the reach of children. Store at 77°F (25°C). It’s okay for Vagifem^® to get as cool as 59°F (15°C) or as warm as 86°F (30°C). Do not refrigerate.

What if I forget a dose of Vagifem^® 10 mcg?

Because the dosing regimen for Vagifem^® 10 mcg varies after the first 2 weeks, it’s best to talk with your health care provider about what to do if you accidentally miss a dose.

What are the ingredients in Vagifem^® 10 mcg?

Vagifem^® 10 mcg are small, white, film-coated inserts containing estradiol. Each insert also contains hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, maize starch, and magnesium stearate. The film coating contains hypromellose and polyethylene glycol.