Vaginal dryness in post menopausal women
Vaginal dryness in post menopausal women

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Vaginal dryness in post menopausal women

Vaginal dryness in post menopausal women

vaginal dryness and crampness causesFor many post-menopausal women vaginal dryness is a sensitive and sometimes embarrassing subject to talk about. Despite this, it is a symptom suffered by millions of women each year and it is only by talking about it and understanding its causes that we call help face it in a more comfortable way. Read over the following page for more information on the causes and treatments of vaginal dryness in post-menopausal women.

What exactly is vaginal dryness in post menopausal women?

Quick Fact:
Some degree of vaginal dryness affects more than 80% of women just entering menopause and continues to affect up to 50% of those completing menopause.

Vaginal dryness, described basically, is the loss of the usual moist and soft feel of the lining of the vagina. Women at all ages and stages in their lives can suffer from vaginal dryness, but it is most often experienced by post-menopausal women.

Normally the vagina is kept moist by mucus membranes that are located at the mouth of the uterus. Estrogen in a female´s body aids these membranes in producing lubrication that works to keep the vagina moist, strong, and avoid the painful frictions as a result of vaginal dryness. The lubricant also has a minor acidity level that protects the vagina from foreign bacteria, and thus keeping it free from infection.

Vaginal dryness in post-menopausal women often produces pain during sex, which often leads to a loss of libido and relationship strain. The good news is that vaginal dryness in post-menopausal women can be reversed.

What causes vaginal dryness in post menopausal women?

Normally, it is reduced estrogen hormone levels that are the main source of vaginal dryness in post-menopausal women. This is because estrogen is the hormone responsible for keeping the vaginal tissue healthy by maintaining acid levels that defend against infections. It therefore follows that when hormone levels decrease as a result of menopause, so does the natural defenses in the amount of vaginal lubrication.

vaginal dryness and crampness causesKeeping in mind that hormone imbalance is the most probable cause of vaginal dryness in post-menopausal women there are also other rare and much less cited factors such as Sjorgren´s syndrome, cancer treatment medications and yeast infections. Vaginal dryness as a result of these latter factors should obviously be discussed with a medical professional.

Vaginal dryness as caused by estrogen imbalance is in most cases relatively easy to overcome.

What can be done about vaginal dryness in post menopausal women?

vaginal dryness and crampness causesThe first step in overcoming vaginal dryness is restoring the decreased levels of estrogen in the body. Therefore, as obvious as it sounds, a healthy diet followed with regular exercise is critical in giving the body the support it needs to rebuild these hormonal levels. One option to supplement your healthy nutrition and hydration program should be natural herbs or alternative medicines.

Alternative medicines often work by targeting the core problem of hormonal deficiency that many post-menopausal women face, and often are a good natural support to the diet and exercise regime.

Click on the following link to learn more about the treatment for vaginal dryness in post-menopausal women that suits you best.

Three approaches for treating vaginal dryness in post menopausal women:
Three levels of approaches can be considered for treating vaginal dryness in post menopausal women: (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 in post menopausal women and go on to the next level only if it is necessary. Click on treatments for vaginal dryness in post menopausal women to learn all about these three excellent approaches.

Other Related Articles:
Vaginal Dryness Help
Lubricants for vaginal dryness
Vaginal Dryness Intercourse
Vaginal dryness treated with testosterone and estrogen creams

Sources:
  • "Vaginal Dryness". Mayo Clinic Health Resource. 2007.
  • "Vulvovaginal Symptoms". The Changing Body: Menopause Handbook. www.menopause.org.
  • Love, Susan M.D. Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.