Effective Care for Vaginal Dryness and GSM

Understanding GSM

Vaginal dryness is the hallmark of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) — estrogen-deficiency changes affecting the vagina, urethra, and bladder. Unlike hot flashes, which often ease with time, GSM tends to progress without treatment. It affects up to half of postmenopausal women, yet most never raise it with a clinician. Telehealth has quietly made this conversation far easier to have.

Local vs. Systemic Treatment

• ›Local (vaginal) estrogen: Low-dose estradiol delivered directly to vaginal tissue as a cream, tablet, or ring. Minimal absorption into the bloodstream and an excellent safety profile — appropriate even for many women who can’t use systemic hormones.
• ›Systemic HRT: Estrogen via pill, patch, or body cream that circulates throughout the body, treating dryness alongside hot flashes, mood, and bone density. The right choice when multiple symptoms are present.
• ›Combination: Many women pair systemic HRT for overall symptom control with local vaginal estrogen for targeted relief — a common, clinician-endorsed strategy.

Benefits of Treating It

Why These Providers

Gala includes vaginal estradiol as a core part of its menopause portfolio, making it a standout for GSM. Hers and Inner Balance both build personalized plans that can incorporate local or systemic estrogen based on your intake. Every option above is fully remote — no in-person exam is required to start treatment.