Relief may be in sight for women who experience painful intercourse during or after menopause. One in four women moving through menopause complain of painful intercourse due to changes in the vagina including vaginal atrophy, which doesn’t change without treatment.

The FDA has approved a new low-dose version of Premarin vaginal cream at 0.5 grams to be used twice weekly to help restore vaginal tissue. The approval gives women another dosing option: twice weekly for 21 days, followed by 7 days of no use. If you’re considering using an estrogen cream, know the risks associated with estrogens including cancer, vaginal bleeding, heart attacks, breast cancer, blood clots or strokes. Discuss your individual risks for using estrogens at the lowest dose and for the shortest time possible with your healthcare provider.