Treating Vaginal Atrophy - What are my options?

The changes that occur during postmenopause due to lower levels of estrogen may cause symptoms such as vaginal itching, burning, and dryness in or around the vagina. Estrogen (hormone) therapy is one treatment option that may help to relieve these symptoms. This therapy can be administered in a variety of ways, including (oral) pills, creams, and vaginal rings. Your doctor can tell you more about each type of treatment and which may work best for you.


ESTRING® (estradiol vaginal ring) has been available for more than 10 years as a local treatment for vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. It works by releasing estradiol, an estrogen hormone that is structurally the same as what a woman’s body naturally produces.


After 90 days, there won’t be enough estradiol in the ring to maintain its full effect in relieving your vaginal or urinary symptoms. ESTRING should be removed at that time and replaced with a new ESTRING, if your doctor determines that you need to continue your therapy.


Local vs Systemic Therapy

ESTRING is a local estrogen therapy. This means that it works to relieve symptoms at the site of the problem (in and around the vagina), unlike a systemic treatment such as a patch or pill, which affects the whole body.


Questions about treatments

Make sure that you ask your doctor any questions you may have about vaginal atrophy and its treatment. The following are a few suggestions:

  • Is vaginal atrophy a permanent condition?
  • What can you tell me about the differences between types of treatments available to me: creams and ESTRING?
  • How soon can I expect to feel relief from my vaginal symptoms?
  • How long do I need to continue my treatment?

Next Section: Talking to Your Doctor >

INDICATION

ESTRING® (estradiol vaginal ring) is used after menopause to treat moderate to severe vaginal itching, burning and dryness, painful intercourse, urinary urgency, and painful urination due to urogenital atrophy.

Important Safety Information

Estrogens increase the risk of cancer of the uterus. It is important that you report any unusual vaginal bleeding to your doctor right away. Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, or dementia. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, breast cancer, or blood clots. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your risk of dementia, based on a study of women aged 65 years or older. Estrogens should only be used for as long as needed. You and your healthcare provider should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with ESTRING.


ESTRING should be removed after 90 days of continued use.

Do not use ESTRING if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, have or have had cancer of the breast or uterus, had a stroke or heart attack, have or have had blood clots or liver problems, are allergic to any of its ingredients, or think you may be pregnant.

The most frequently reported side effects are headaches, increased vaginal secretions, vaginal discomfort, abdominal pain, and genital itching.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following warning signs: breast lumps, unusual vaginal bleeding, dizziness and faintness, changes in speech, severe headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in your legs, or changes in vision.

Carefully follow instructions for use. If you have difficulty removing ESTRING, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Need help paying for your Pfizer medicines?
Pfizer Helpful Answers® may be able to help, regardless of your insurance situation.
Learn how at www.PHAHelps.com

Explore PfizerPro.com, the comprehensive professional resource for product information and patient support.
Pfizer

ETP430624-01/ETP00114 | © Copyright 2012 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved.