Hormone medicines

Ospemifene

A selective estrogen receptor modulator for painful intercourse or vaginal dryness due to menopausal tissue changes.

Randomized menopausal dyspareunia trial; short-term symptom and tissue outcomes; checked 2026-10-01

Also known as: Osphena · Senshio

Ospemifene molecular structure — Structure reference · C24H23ClO2

Practical use

Clinical purpose, evidence and review questions

Describe the concern precisely: Separate dryness, pain, bleeding, arousal and desire when seeking evaluation.
Bring vascular and cancer history: These factors affect whether the product’s safety restrictions apply.
Measure meaningful relief: Track the symptom that led to care and any new hot flushes or bleeding.

Twelve-week phase III dyspareunia study

US prescribing information; checked October 1, 2026

Overview

Ospemifene has estrogen-agonist and antagonist effects that vary by tissue. US Osphena is indicated for moderate-to-severe dyspareunia or vaginal dryness caused by menopausal vulvar and vaginal atrophy. It is not a general libido medicine or a treatment for every cause of painful intercourse.

Risks and limitations

Thromboembolic and endometrial concerns matter. Unexplained genital bleeding, estrogen-dependent neoplasia, prior clot or arterial-thrombotic disease and pregnancy are contraindications. Hot flushes may occur. Postmenopausal bleeding needs evaluation; sudden chest pain, breathlessness or neurological symptoms need emergency care.

How to read this

Pain, tissue findings, dryness and desire are different dimensions of sexual health. Improvement in a tissue-related pain condition should not be recast as a universal sexual-performance benefit.

Research explained

Twelve-week phase III dyspareunia study

Who was studied

605 postmenopausal women aged 40–80 with vulvovaginal atrophy and moderate-to-severe painful intercourse randomized double-blind to ospemifene (303) or placebo (302).

What was found

Ospemifene improved vaginal-cell measures, pH and reported dyspareunia versus placebo. At least one treatment-emergent adverse event was reported by 61.4% versus 51.0%; treatment-related hot flushes by 6.6% versus 3.6%.

What it cannot establish

A 12-week study does not resolve uncommon or long-term harms. The population had a specific menopausal tissue disorder; other pain causes and low desire require separate evidence.

Read the original study

The symptom needs the correct explanation

The indication ties pain or dryness to menopausal tissue atrophy. Infection, pelvic disorders and other causes are not ruled out by the existence of this drug.

Supporting source