From the FDA Drug Label
Use of estradiol vaginal cream USP 0. 01% alone or in combination with a progestin, should be limited to the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. The usual dosage range is 2 to 4 g (marked on the applicator) daily for one or two weeks, then gradually reduced to one half initial dosage for a similar period. A maintenance dosage of 1 g, one to three times a week, may be used after restoration of the vaginal mucosa has been achieved.
The proper usage of estrogen cream on scar tissue after a vaginal birth is not directly addressed in the provided drug label. Key points to consider when using estradiol vaginal cream USP 0.01% include:
- Using the lowest dose and regimen that will control symptoms
- Limiting treatment to the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman However, the label does not provide guidance on the use of estrogen cream for scar tissue post-vaginally birth. 1
From the Research
Estrogen cream can be beneficial for healing scar tissue after vaginal birth, but should only be used under medical supervision, with a recommended dosage of 0.5-1 gram of low-dose topical estrogen cream applied directly to the scarred vaginal tissue once daily for 2-4 weeks, as supported by the study published in 2018 2. The application of estrogen cream should begin after initial healing has occurred, usually 6-8 weeks postpartum. To apply, use a clean finger to place a small amount of cream on the scarred area, focusing on any painful spots. Wash hands thoroughly before and after application. Some key points to consider when using estrogen cream for scar tissue after vaginal birth include:
- Estrogen cream works by improving blood flow to the area, increasing tissue elasticity, and promoting collagen production, which helps soften scar tissue and reduce pain or tightness, as noted in the study published in 2009 3.
- Potential side effects include local irritation, mild vaginal discharge, or rarely, systemic absorption causing breast tenderness or spotting.
- Women who are breastfeeding should discuss potential risks with their healthcare provider, as small amounts of estrogen may pass into breast milk, as mentioned in the study published in 2010 4.
- Discontinue use and contact your healthcare provider if you experience unusual bleeding, severe irritation, or other concerning symptoms. It's also important to note that a more recent study published in 2020 5 compared vaginal laser therapy to vaginal estrogen therapy in women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and found that both treatments resulted in similar improvement in symptoms, with 70% to 80% of participants being satisfied or very satisfied with either treatment. However, this study did not specifically focus on the use of estrogen cream for scar tissue after vaginal birth. In terms of dosage and application, the study published in 2018 2 used a very low-dose estradiol vaginal cream (0.003%) applied twice weekly, which may be a suitable option for some women. However, the optimal dosage and application schedule may vary depending on individual circumstances, and should be determined under medical supervision.