For postmenopausal women, suppositories containing the hormone DHEA may reduce vaginal dryness, discomfort and pain during sex without raising overall estrogen levels, researchers report.
DHEA is an anti-aging hormone produced by both women and men. In supplement form, it is used to improve thinking skills in
older people.
But DHEA is also a hormonal precursor of
estrogen and testosterone, so some women who have low levels of certain hormones take it to improve well-being and sexuality,
according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
"Although this medication is considered 'hormonal,' the mechanism appears to be primarily local with minimal side effects beyond vaginal discharge from the suppository," said Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, executive director of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
Generally, without hormonal treatment after menopause, vaginal tissues shrink and produce less moisture, leading to discomfort during sex, and vaginal and urinary problems, according to background information in the study.
Source: nlm.nih.gov
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