Post Menopausal Symptom - Atrophic Vaginitis

What is Atrophic Vaginitis

Symptoms of atrophic vaginitis include redness, itching, and dryness of the vagina and vulva. This problem occurs in up to 75% of all postmenopausal women, but it can also happen to women at any age. Atrophic vaginitis is also commonly seen in women who breast feed, use Depo-Provera, or had their ovaries removed.

What Causes Atrophic Vaginitis

Before menopause, estrogen in a woman’s body helps keep the skin of the vagina healthy and stimulates vaginal secretions. After menopause, the ovaries stop producing estrogen so the walls of the vagina become thin and vaginal secretions decrease. Similar changes can happen to some women after childbirth. However, in this case, the changes are temporary and not as severe.

What are the Risk Factors of Atrophic Vaginitis

• Cigarette smoking
  


• Never having been pregnant
  


• Childbirth by cesarean section
  

What are the Symptoms of Atrophic Vaginitis

• Vaginal dryness
  


• Vaginal itching or burning
  


• Vaginal pain
  


• Painful intercourse
  


• Slight vaginal discharge
  


• Burning during urination
  


• Bleeding after intercourse


• Tears and cracks from atrophic vaginitis may predispose a woman to yeast infections. Here are some natural treatment options for yeast infections.
  

What Treatment Options are Available for Atrophic Vaginitis

• Oral estrogen therapy
  


• Estrogen-containing vaginal creams or vaginal suppositories
  


• Soy isoflavones
  


• Use a vaginal lubricant to prevent painful intercourse
  


• Drink lots of fluids every day

tags: menopause, symptoms, women's health, estrogen, vaginal dryness, atrophic vaginitis