Water-soluble vaginal lubricants and moisturizers can help relieve problems due to vaginal dryness, such as painful sex. Unlike lubricants, moisturizers can work directly on the vaginal tissue to make it less dry.

Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps a person develop ways to manage problems and learn to cope. This kind of therapy helps examine feelings and separates helpful from unhelpful thoughts. It may help women manage some symptoms, such as hot flashes.

References:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynacologists (ACOG). Practice Bulletin No. 141: management of menopausal symptoms. Obstet Gynecol. 2014 Jan;123(1):202-216, reaffirmed 2016, correction can be found in Obstet Gynecol 2016 Jan;127(1):166.

Menopause. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/menopause. Updated December 5, 2019. Accessed July 22, 2020.

Menopause. Planned Parenthood website. Available at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menopause. Accessed July 22, 2020.

Menopause basics. Office on Women's Health website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated March 18, 2019. Accessed July 23, 2020.

Menopause 101: A primer for the perimenopausal. North American Menopause Society website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed July 22, 2020.

Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Elliot M. Levine, MD, FACOG
Last Updated: 3/16/2021

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.