Menopause and vaginal atrophy
For most women vaginal dryness and the changes it brings about during menopause are difficult and embarrassing issues to discuss. However, understanding vaginal dryness during menopause and the changes that occur in the vagina at this time will help women to deal with this problem in a more comfortable way. The following information discusses vaginal dryness during menopause in detail, so please read on to understand more about this menopausal symptom.
Understanding the relationship between menopause and vaginal atrophy
During menopause the vagina can become dry due to loss of the usual moist and soft feel of its lining; this is known as vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness during menopause and vaginal atrophy go hand in hand, and this can cause many unpleasant symptoms for women. This is just one way in which menopause and vaginal atrophy are linked.
Normally, the vagina is kept moist by mucus membranes (vaginal epithelium) that are located at the mouth of the uterus. Estrogen in a woman´s body helps these membranes to lubricate the vagina and keep it moist, supple, and strong. The lubricant produced has a certain acidity level which helps to protect the vagina from foreign bacteria, keeping it free from infection and keeping vaginal dryness at bay. This lubricant also helps women to control certain symptoms of menopause, including vaginal dryness.
The nature of the relationship between menopause and vaginal atrophy means that vaginal dryness can result in pain during sexual intercourse. However, this symptom is easily controlled by using an appropriate vaginal dryness treatment.
Menopause and vaginal atrophy: What causes vaginal dryness?
Reduced estrogen hormone levels are the main cause of vaginal dryness during menopause and the vaginal atrophy that results. The estrogen hormone helps keep vaginal tissue healthy by maintaining a normal acidity level, creating a natural defense against infections. But when hormonal levels decrease, this natural defense weakens, and some vaginal lubrication is lost.
Even though hormone imbalance occurring during menopause is the most likely cause of vaginal dryness and atrophy, there are also other rare and much less frequent factors such as:
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Cancer treatment medications
• Chronic yeast infection
Although estrogen imbalance is the most common trigger of vaginal dryness during menopause and the vaginal atrophy that occurs, there are many safe and easy ways to overcome this problem. Keep reading to learn more about menopause and the issue of vaginal dryness.
Menopause and vagina atrophy: Coping with vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness during menopause is closely related to decreased levels of estrogen in a woman´s body. Therefore, the first step to treating this symptom during menopause is to ensure that you are giving your body the support it needs to maintain healthy hormonal levels. One option is to eat a balanced, nutritional diet and to combine this with a hormone balancing treatment such as alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is always a safe and effective option in treating the symptoms of menopause and vaginal atrophy, and it is a sought-after remedy for many women suffering from vaginal dryness during menopause.
Healthy nutrition also involves lifestyle changes, so consider embarking on an exercise program as well. Doctors recommend that combining a healthy lifestyle with a natural treatment is the best way to combat vaginal dryness during menopause.
Click on one of the links in the article below to learn more about which treatment is best for you in dealing with vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy during menopause.
Three approaches for treating vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy
Three levels of approaches can be considered for treating vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy: (1)lifestyle changes, (2)alternative approaches, and (3)drugs and surgery. The safest way is to start with the least risky approach for vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy and go on to the next level only if it is necessary. Click on treatments for vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy to learn all about these three excellent approaches.
Other Related Articles:
Vaginal dryness in post menopausal women
Lubricants for vaginal dryness
Vaginal Dryness Intercourse