Health Centres - Vagifem
How does it work?
Vagifem vaginal tablets contain the active ingredient estradiol (previously spelt oestradiol in the UK), which is a naturally occuring form of the main female sex hormone, oestrogen.
Womens’ ovaries gradually produce less and less oestrogen in the period up to the menopause, and oestrogen blood levels decline as a result. The declining levels of oestrogen can cause distressing symptoms, and often affect the delicate lining of the vagina. Oestrogen deficiency can cause vaginal dryness, inflammation or itching, and this in turn can lead to sex being uncomfortable or painful, and to an increased susceptibility to vaginal or urinary infections.
Oestrogen can be given as a supplement to replace the falling levels in the body and help reduce the distressing symptoms of the menopause. This is known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Oestrogen (in this case in the form of estradiol) can also be inserted directly into the vagina in the form of vaginal tablets, in order to directly supplement the vaginal tissues with oestrogen. This is known as topical HRT and is useful for relieving just the vaginal symptoms of the menopause.
Vagifem vaginal tablets release small amounts of oestrogen locally into the vaginal tissues and are used short-term to provide relief from the vaginal symptoms of the menopause, such as dryness, itching and irritation.
Estradiol from Vagifem is only absorbed from the vagina into the bloodstream to a very small extent, however, this means it may potentially be associated with the same risks as other forms of HRT and so carries the same warnings. These warnings are most relevent to repeated or long-term use of the tablets. You can read more about the risks and benefits of HRT in the factsheet about the menopause linked below. To minimise the absorption of this medicine, the lowest dose to control symptoms should be used, and treatment should be stopped about every three months to see if it is still needed.
What is it used for?
- Vaginal symptoms of the menopause (atrophic vaginitis)
Warning!
- Follow the instructions provided with your Vagifem vaginal tablets carefully. The tablets should NOT be taken by mouth.
- Using oestrogen-only HRT tablets or patches for a long time can increase the risk of cancer of the lining of the womb (the endometrium). It is possible there may be a similar risk when oestrogen tablets, creams or rings are used in the vagina for repeated treatments, or over a long period of time. If you experience any vaginal bleeding or spotting, abnormal vaginal discharge or vaginal discomfort while you are using Vagifem vaginal tablets, you should consult your doctor so that this can be investigated.
- Women using any form of HRT should have regular medical and gynaecological check-ups.
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