Can estriol vaginal cream help with menopause-related vaginal dryness?

Lower estrogen levels after menopause can make vaginal tissue thinner, drier, and more easily irritated. Vaginal estrogen treatment may ease dryness and discomfort caused by these changes. Results vary. Evidence and FDA review for approved vaginal estrogen products should not be assumed to apply to a compounded estriol formula.

Dryness, burning, itching, or pain with sex can have other causes. These include infections, skin conditions, and reactions to soaps or other products. Estriol does not treat all of these problems. Tell your physician about unusual discharge, sores, bleeding, pelvic pain, or urinary symptoms before starting treatment.

A licensed physician in your state decides whether estriol is appropriate and whether you need an in-person exam. Vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, or FDA-approved medicines may also be options, depending on the cause of your symptoms.

Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed pharmacy for one patient and are not FDA-approved. Do not apply a skin cream inside the vagina unless the prescription specifically directs you to do so.