If you are experiencing moderate to severe painful intercourse and/or moderate to severe vaginal dryness due to menopause, Osphena might be an option for you. Osphena is a prescription oral pill that treats these symptoms of changes in your vagina due to menopause, also called genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
What Is Osphena?
Osphena (Ospemifene) is a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of moderate to severe dyspareunia (painful intercourse), a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA) due to menopause. Osphena is classified as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM), which means it selectively affects certain estrogen receptors in the body.
Osphena as a SERM
As a SERM, Osphena has a different mechanism of action than traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT works by supplementing declining levels of estrogen with synthetic estrogen and/or progesterone. Osphena, on the other hand, works by selectively targeting the estrogen receptors in the vaginal tissue, which can help to alleviate symptoms without the need for systemic estrogen therapy.
How Does Osphena Work?
Osphena works by binding to estrogen receptors in the body, specifically those in the vaginal tissue. Unlike traditional hormone replacement therapy that introduces hormones into the body, Osphena acts on the existing estrogen receptors. It mimics the effects of estrogen on vaginal tissues, improving their thickness and reducing symptoms of dryness and discomfort during intercourse.
Health Considerations and Risks
If you are considering taking Osphena for menopausal symptoms, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and risks associated with the medication.
Potential Side Effects
Osphena is not estrogen, but it acts like one. As with any medication, there is a risk of side effects. Some of the most common side effects of Osphena include hot flashes, vaginal discharge, muscle spasms, and sweating. However, there are more serious side effects that may occur with Osphena use.
One of the most significant risks associated with Osphena is an increased risk of endometrial cancer. Osphena can also increase the risk of stroke, blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Osphena, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Understanding the Boxed Warning
The FDA has issued a boxed warning for Osphena, which is the most serious type of warning that can be issued for a medication. The boxed warning indicates that there is an increased risk of endometrial cancer with Osphena use. It also warns about the risk of stroke and blood clots, which can be fatal.
If you have a history of cancer, blood clots, or stroke, you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking Osphena. Additionally, if you experience vaginal bleeding, hypertension, thromboembolism, heart attack, or diabetes mellitus, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Osphena can be an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with the medication. If you have any concerns or questions about Osphena, you should talk to your healthcare provider.
Treatment and Usage
Menopause can be a challenging time for many women, but there are treatments available to help manage symptoms. Osphena is a prescription medication that is specifically designed to treat moderate to severe dyspareunia, a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, due to menopause.
How to Use Osphena
It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking Osphena. The medication is taken orally once daily, with or without food. It is recommended that you take the medication at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level in your body.
When taking Osphena, it is important to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they may interact with the medication and increase the risk of side effects. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Drug Interactions and Contraindications
Osphena may interact with certain medications, such as fluconazole, rifampin, and ketoconazole. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Osphena should not be used by women who have had, or currently have, tumors dependent on estrogen, experience unexplained vaginal bleeding, or have a history of blood clots. Additionally, it is not advisable for women who are pregnant, nursing, or intending to conceive.
Osphena is a prescription medication that can help manage symptoms of menopause. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking the medication, and to inform them of all medications you are currently taking. If you have any questions or concerns about taking Osphena, speak with your healthcare provider.
Managing Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It is often accompanied by a range of symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, vaginal atrophy, dyspareunia, and vulvar and vaginal atrophy. Osphena is a medication used to treat these symptoms, but there are non-hormonal options and lifestyle changes that can also help alleviate symptoms.
Non-Hormonal Options
If you’re looking for non-hormonal options to manage your menopause symptoms, you may want to consider using moisturizers and lubricants. These products can help relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort during sexual activity. It is important to choose a lubricant that is pH balanced and does not contain harmful chemicals or fragrances that can irritate the vaginal tissue. You can also talk to your healthcare provider about using vaginal estrogen, which is a low-dose estrogen therapy that is applied directly to the vaginal tissue.
Women’s Intimate Elixir
This ultra-lightweight, water-based lubricant is formulated especially as a menopause lubricant for women with low estrogen
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
There are also several lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help alleviate menopause symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise can help reduce the severity of hot flashes and night sweats. You may also want to avoid triggers such as spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol that can exacerbate symptoms. Wearing breathable clothing and using cotton underwear can also help reduce vaginal discomfort.
In addition, practicing good vaginal hygiene can help maintain vaginal health. This includes avoiding douching, using mild soap and warm water to clean the genital area, and wiping from front to back after using the bathroom. You can also use a vaginal moisturizer or lubricant to help maintain the vaginal pH and promote healthy vaginal tissue.
Additional Considerations for Postmenopausal Women
Monitoring Long-Term Health
As a postmenopausal woman, it’s important to monitor your long-term health, especially if you are taking hormone therapy. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help detect any potential issues early on. You should also be aware of any unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, as well as any changes in your breasts, such as pain or a lump. These could be signs of a more serious condition, such as breast cancer.
Understanding Hormone Therapy Alternatives
Hormone therapy is not the only option for treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) or other symptoms of menopause. There are several alternatives that you can discuss with your healthcare provider. For example, vaginal estrogen therapy can help relieve vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse. This can be administered in the form of creams, rings, or tablets.
Another option is ospemifene, which is a non-estrogen medication that can help relieve moderate to severe vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse. It works by acting like estrogen in the vaginal wall, without affecting the endometrium or uterus. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you have a history of unusual vaginal bleeding or breast cancer.
Other non-hormonal treatments for GSM include lubricants and moisturizers, which can help relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort. If you are taking tamoxifen for breast cancer, you should avoid using vaginal estrogen therapy, as it may interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.
There are several options available for managing the symptoms of menopause. It’s important to discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Hormone Happy
Contains a powerful blend of plant extracts shown to relieve symptoms of menopause.
