Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Vaginal dryness? Don't be embarrassed to seek help.

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release: 11 May 2006

Vaginal dryness? Don’t be embarrassed to seek help.

Up to 40% of women experience vaginal dryness at the menopause, but many are reluctant to seek medical advice. Vaginal dryness can cause painful sex and is often linked to bladder problems. Fortunately, there are ways to ease the symptoms.

In the Spring 2006 issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter, Kathy Abernethy (senior nurse specialist at The Menopause Clinical and Research Unit at Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow) describes the discomfort of vaginal dryness. She looks at common causes like infections or hormonal changes, and recommends treatments including HRT, lubricants or moisturisers and complementary therapies.

“Vaginal dryness is a very common problem for menopausal women and, unfortunately, causes a lot of unnecessary pain and discomfort before women seek help,” says Norma Goldman, founder and director of The Menopause Exchange. “Treatments for vaginal dryness are often very effective, and women should be encouraged to speak to their doctor about their symptoms.”

The Menopause Exchange covers a wide range of subjects like menopausal symptoms, HRT and its alternatives, nutrition and lifestyle and medical conditions (e.g. breast cancer). It is completely independent – it is not sponsored by any companies and is funded purely by subscriptions. Other articles in the Spring 2006 issue include HRT hormones (part one of three articles), herbs at the menopause and screening for women over 40. The Menopause Exchange has an Ask the Experts panel and fact sheets specifically for members.

For more info on The Menopause Exchange, write to The Menopause Exchange at PO Box 205, Bushey, Herts WD23 1ZS, call 020 8420 7245, fax 020 8954 2783 or send an e-mail to norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

1.The Menopause Exchange Newsletter was launched in June 1999.

2.The founder and director of The Menopause Exchange is Norma Goldman, a pharmacist with a Master’s degree in health promotion.
She gives talks on the menopause at health clubs, organisations/workplaces, pharmacies and other venues. Her daughter, Victoria, the editor of the newsletter, is an experienced health journalist with a BSc. degree in Biomedical Science and a Master’s degree in Science Communication.

3.The aim of The Menopause Exchange is to raise the awareness of the menopause among women, healthcare professionals (e.g. nurses and pharmacists) and complementary practitioners.

4.Topics covered in previous issues of the newsletter include: HRT questions you forget to ask your doctor; osteoporosis treatments; sexuality after the menopause; complementary therapies at the menopause; heart disease; memory problems; anti-ageing beauty secrets; weight control; and phytoestrogens in your diet.

5.UK annual membership (4 issues of the newsletter and regular fact sheets) costs £18 for individuals; £22 for local organisations; £30 for companies/national organisations; corporate (over 10 copies) and overseas memberships are available on request.

6.All press enquiries to Norma Goldman on 020 8420 7245.