Menopause and Vaginal Atrophy
Education Sessions With Dr. Jennifer Adams MD FRCSC
When women think of menopause, they think of hot flashes, moodiness and lack of sleep. They have been told by their mothers and their mother’s mothers that this is just temporary and will eventually go away.
What we don’t talk about as often is the vaginal changes that go along with menopause. This is called atrophy.
The unfortunate thing with vaginal atrophy is that instead of getting better over time, it is progressive and gets worse (unless you do something about it).
When the vagina atrophies, it’s skin gets thinner, less elastic and less lubricated. This often leads to vaginal dryness, painful intercourse and more frequent bladder and vaginal infections.
The architecture of the vagina changes over time when there is a decrease in Estrogen in the body. This typically occurs during menopause, or happens when someone has their ovaries removed surgically or via medication to render them menopausal (for example, breast cancer survivors). We call this ‘natural’, ‘surgical’, or ‘medical’ menopause. Whatever the reason, they all cause the same trouble with the vagina, as they all result in less Estrogen in the body.
The good news is that there are many ways to help with the symptoms of vaginal atrophy.
Vaginal lubricants or moisturizers allow for more moisture in the vagina which helps with symptoms and patient comfort. Some patients find these work great, and that is all they need.
Other treatment options change the actual architecture of the vagina to restore its integrity close to where it was before menopause (whether natural, surgical or medical).
These vaginal Estrogen or vaginal CO2 lasers (Mona Lisa Touch or equivalent). These are treatments that must be maintained regularly in order to keep up their result.
What is imperative here is that women are now starting to talk more about their vaginal health.
It is also important to know that you are NOT alone in having these symptoms!- in fact,
we estimate more than 80% of women in menopause have severe enough symptoms that their lives are affected every day.
The good news is that there are many options to treat vaginal atrophy. Get on your way to a more healthy vagina by speaking to your health care provider about what treatment options are best for you.
