Vaginal dryness refers to a medical condition that typically affects women during or after menopause. The Mayo Clinic says that some symptoms of vaginal dryness include vaginal burning, itching, urinary frequency and pain or bleeding with sexual intercourse. Low estrogen levels, certain medications like antidepressants or douching can lead to vaginal dryness. Fortunately, drugs for vaginal dryness exist to decrease these symptoms.
Estradiol Oral
Estradiol oral, commonly sold as Estrace, Gynodiol or Femtrace, is a form of estrogen that treats vaginal drynes. Drugs.com says that estradiol oral's less concerning side effects include vomiting, a poor appetite, depression, vaginal pain, decreased sex drive, discomfort and difficulty having an orgasm. Some of estradiol oral's serious side effects include chest pain, sudden numbness or weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and pain or swelling in the lower leg. Suffering from such conditions as diabetes, migraines, asthma or high blood pressure may require a decrease in estradiol oral's dose. Estradiol oral is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
Estradiol Vaginal
Estradiol vaginal, commonly sold as Estring Vaginal Cream or Vagifem, is also a form of estrogen that treats vaginal dryness. Drugs.com says that estradiol vaginal's less concerning side effects include a poor appetite, depression, acne, a decreased sex drive and a migraine. Some of this medication's serious side effects include pain or swelling in the lower leg, confusion, chest pain, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Suffering from such conditions as liver or kidney disease, gallbladder disease, a seizure disorder or high blood pressure may require a decrease in estradiol vaginal's dose. This medication is a ring that is placed into the vagina and replaced every 90 days or as prescribed.
Conjugated Estrogens
Conjugated estrogens, commonly sold as Premarin, is another medication that reduces vaginal dryness. DailyMed of the National Library of Medicine says that some side effects include stomach pain, headache, joint pain and a sore throat. This medication can also lead to breast pain, vaginal hemorrhage and nausea. Conjugated estrogen is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
