Treatment for vaginal dryness, thinning skin, itchiness, painful sex, frequent UTIs, and urgency.
Hyaluronic acid is a non-hormonal ingredient used in vaginal moisturizers to treat vaginal dryness. According to one study, 84% of women reported an improvement after 10 uses.
55% of postmenopausal women report vaginal dryness, but it can affect women at any age. Vaginal dryness can be extremely distressing and can interfere with your overall health and quality of life in many ways, including:
The onset of vaginal dryness can begin at different times, with irritation being common in perimenopause and vaginal dryness more likely to begin one year after menopause.
Stage of menopause | Percent of women reporting vaginal dryness |
---|---|
Pre-menopause | 3% |
Early Perimenopause | 4% |
Late Perimenopause | 21% |
Post-menopause 1 year | 25% |
Post-menopause 2 years | 32% |
Post-menopause 3 years | 47% |
To relieve this distressing problem, hyaluronic acid can be applied as a vaginal moisturizer to help restore moisture and comfort.
Hyaluronic acid is a non-hormonal ingredient. It does not contain hormones, and it does not have any hormone-like effects on the body.
Hyaluronic acid is known as a humectant - meaning it is a substance that retains moisture. When applied internally to the vaginal skin, hyaluronic acid works by hydrating the top layer of the vaginal skin surface.
As a vaginal moisturizer, hyaluronic acid is a compelling solution for several reasons.
Hyaluronic acid is available over-the-counter. But how effective is it compared to other vaginal moisturizers or vaginal lubricants on the market?
In a 2020 review of treatment options for vaginal atrophy, the Menopause Society concluded that there is no evidence to show that vaginal moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid are more effective than other over-the-counter moisturizers or lubricants.
Yes. Hyaluronic acid is an effective treatment for vaginal dryness. Although hyaluronic acid may not be as effective as prescription therapies, research has found that it can significantly improve symptoms when compared to a placebo.
Emerging research has been conducted on vaginal moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid and the results are encouraging.
In one small study, researchers concluded that hyaluronic acid and vaginal estradiol are similarly effective at treating vaginal dryness.
In another small study, researchers found that hyaluronic acid and vaginal estrogen both significantly improve symptoms. However, researchers concluded that the improvements were greater with vaginal estrogen.
Symptom | Improvement after 8 weeks |
---|---|
Vaginal dryness | Significant |
Improvement in vaginal pH | Significant |
Symptom | Improvement after 8 weeks |
---|---|
Vaginal dryness | Significant (more significant than hyaluronic acid) |
Improvement in vaginal pH | Significant (more significant than hyaluronic acid) |
For women with persistent vaginal dryness after non-hormonal treatments, prescription therapy like vaginal estrogen may provide the greater benefit. Vaginal estrogen works to target the underlying cause of vaginal dryness - which can explain why it may be more effective both in relieving vaginal dryness and in alleviating the myriad of other vaginal and urinary symptoms that arise from loss of estrogen after menopause.
A vaginal moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid can be used on its own or in combination with other treatments for vaginal dryness - including vaginal estrogen and vaginal lubricants.
The vaginal environment after menopause can be delicate and sensitive - with dry skin and an increasing risk of vaginal infection. To protect your skin and your vaginal pH, it’s essential to choose a moisturizer that matches the vaginal pH and natural vaginal secretions as much as possible.
Hyaluronic acid is not shown to cause a disruption in the vagina’s skin cells or pH. However, different vaginal moisturizers may contain other ingredients besides hyaluronic acid. For this reason, you’ll want to test a vaginal moisturizer to make sure you don’t have a reaction to the other ingredients.
In summary, if you’re looking to alleviate vaginal dryness, hyaluronic acid could be a great place to start. It is the only over-the-counter treatment on the market that’s been studied and proven to have any effect on vaginal dryness.
However, many women may find that over-the-counter treatments are not adequate. In these cases, prescription therapy could be the next option to consider. Vaginal estrogen is available by prescription as a cream, suppository, or ring to reverse vaginal dryness and related symptoms. And, it can be a safer alternative to HRT - even women with a history of breast cancer can take it with approval from their oncologist.
If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness that’s not resolved by over-the-counter treatments, we can help at Interlude. We offer prescription treatment and caring MDs and GYNs to support you on a path to optimal vaginal and urinary health after menopause.
Interlude offers online treatment and support for menopause-related symptoms. Women can access a provider that acknowledges the importance and safety of prescription treatment, feel comfortable talking about private topics, and get ongoing treatment delivered.