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Vaginal Atrophy
- Vaginal tissue no longer functions normally, as the lining of the vagina begins to shrink/thin out
- Also known as “Genital Syndrome of Menopause”
- Often occurs in women during menopause due to the loss of estrogen
- Can also occur in younger women who have a decrease in estrogen
- Lower estrogen production as a result of menopause
- The lining of the vagina can become thinner and less stretchy and the vaginal canal can narrow and shorten
- Less estrogen lowers the amount of normal vaginal fluids and changes the acid balance of the vagina
- Lower estrogen levels can also occur in women who have just given birth and are breastfeeding, have had their ovaries removed or are taking certain medications (aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer treatment)
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal burning
- Vaginal discharge
- Genital itching
- Burning with urination
- Urgency with urination
- Frequent urination
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Urinary incontinence
- Light bleeding after intercourse
- Discomfort with intercourse
- Decreased vaginal lubrication during sexual activity
- Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal
- Pelvic exam: Pelvic organs are felt and your external genitalia, vagina and cervix are visually examined
- Urine test: To check for blood/abnormalities if you have urinary symptoms
- Acid balance test: A sample of vaginal fluids is taken with a paper indicator strip to test its acid balance
- Lotions & Oils: Add moisture and loosen the vagina to improve comfort during sex
- Moisturizers: For irritation and dryness similar to a skin moisturizer
- Personal Lubricants: Best used to minimize friction and relieve vaginal dryness during intercourse
- Not recommended to use Vaseline (can lead to yeast infections), olive/Vitamin E oil (can cause an allergic irritation in the vaginal area) or Mineral oil
- Dilators: Devices to widen (dilate) the vagina to enable you to go back to having sex without pain
- Hormone Therapy: Brings back the health of the skin by restoring the normal acid balance of the vagina, thickening the skin (back to how it was originally), maintaining natural moisture and improving bacterial balance
- Dilators used in conjunction with local hormone therapy for best results
- Vaginal Estrogen Therapy: Helps restore normal vaginal pH
- Cream form: Estradiol/conjugated estrogens
- Pill form: Inserted into the vagina
- Ring form: Left in the vagina and replaced every 3 months
- Vaginal Laser Therapy: To restore the function of the vaginal area
- Can help with painful intercourse, dryness and laxity
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)/Systemic Hormone Therapy: Taken orally in higher doses
- For those who have additional menopausal symptoms
- Ospemifene (Osphena): Non-estrogen pill that is taken orally
- Its benefits to the vagina are similar to that of estrogen
