What local treatment is proven to alleviate vaginal pain and dyspareunia?

DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone that can be applied locally to address specific menopausal symptoms, particularly vaginal pain and dyspareunia (painful intercourse). Research has shown that vaginal DHEA can help restore vaginal tissue health, thus alleviating symptoms associated with vaginal atrophy, which is common during menopause. This can enhance lubrication, elasticity, and overall comfort during intercourse, addressing both vaginal pain and dyspareunia effectively.

Estrogen patches, while beneficial for systemic menopausal symptoms, may not be specifically recognized for their local action and efficacy in alleviating vaginal-specific issues without the concurrent use of local estrogen formulations. Antidepressants, while useful in managing mood-related symptoms of menopause, do not directly target vaginal pain or dyspareunia. Testosterone therapy is not typically approved or commonly recommended for treating vaginal pain in women, and its effects on dyspareunia remain less studied compared to DHEA. Thus, DHEA stands out as a targeted local treatment that has shown effectiveness in alleviating these specific symptoms.