Energy-based and RF Treatments

In addition to hormonal therapies, there are several non-invasive procedures available to help improve vaginal collagen and elasticity. Femilift and Thermiva are two popular options. Femilift is a CO2 laser treatment that uses a controlled beam to heat the inner layers of vaginal tissue. The application of intense heat is said to stimulate the regeneration of elastin and collagen, thereby improving the function of the entire vagina by normalizing blood flow, increasing lubrication, and strengthening vaginal walls. Thermiva works in a similar way to stimulate collagen. However, Thermiva uses radio frequency (RF) technology instead of laser. The procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes and has a purported 95% success rate.

Topical and Inter-vaginal Treatments

As for intra-vaginal treatments, there is a medication called estradiol (aka, Vagifem and Yuvafem) which replaces the estrogen that is lost during menopause. Your doctor can prescribe a hormone-releasing ring or the most popular is a tube-shaped dispenser applicator. These applicators are similar to a tampon and eject a tablet into the upper part of the vagina. The tablet dissolves, bathing the region in estrogen. The common recommendation is to use the tablet dispenser every day for 2 weeks and then reduce the application to twice a week for as long as you want to be sexually active.

Estradiol also comes in the form of a transdermal patch which you can apply and leave on the skin inside your bikini line. The medication is absorbed through the skin providing you with the same type of results that you’d find with the intervaginal dispenser. The treatments I’m referring to are considered “local” and not “systemic” estrogen. Systemic estrogen therapy is an option, however, it isn’t used as often.

Even though I love the idea of a natural approach like CBD, my personal opinion would be that results may be short-lived. The estradiol medication assists with many issues, such as urinary urgency, assisting with blood flow, lubrication, dryness, elasticity, thickening, pH and several other important functions. It doesn’t seem possible that CBD could provide all of those essentials. However, this shouldn’t stop you from trying it; CBD may provide positive, synergistic benefits when using estradiol and other potent hormones.