Vaginal Atrophy and Menopause

By Parveen Vahora, M.D.

During menopause, a woman’s body undergoes hormonal changes. The ovaries gradually produce fewer hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting fertility. As a result, menstruation becomes irregular and eventually ceases altogether.

Atrophy, in a medical context, refers to the shrinking or wasting away of tissue, usually due to a decrease in cell size or number. In the case of menopause, atrophy commonly affects the tissues of the genitourinary system, which includes the reproductive and urinary organs.

During menopause, a natural biological process that occurs in women usually between the ages of 45 and 55, there is a significant decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones by the ovaries. These hormonal changes can lead to various symptoms, including genitourinary symptoms related to atrophy.

Genitourinary symptoms of menopause often include vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy and urinary symptoms: Some women may experience changes in urinary function, such as increased frequency of urination, urgency, or urinary incontinence.

These genitourinary symptoms can significantly impact women’s health and quality of life. They can cause physical discomfort, affect sexual satisfaction and intimacy, and contribute to emotional distress or decreased self-esteem. Additionally, the symptoms of genitourinary atrophy may increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to changes in the pH balance and thinning of the urethral tissues.

Fortunately, treatment options are available to manage these symptoms and improve women’s health during menopause. Your healthcare provider may recommend:
1. Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants: These over-the-counter products can temporarily relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort during sexual activity.

2. Local estrogen therapy: This involves using low-dose estrogen in the form of creams, tablets, or vaginal rings, directly applied to the vaginal area. This helps restore the natural moisture and elasticity of the vaginal tissues, reducing symptoms.

3. Systemic hormone therapy: In some cases, systemic hormone therapy, which involves taking estrogen and progesterone hormones orally or through patches, may be prescribed to alleviate multiple menopausal symptoms, including genitourinary symptoms. However, hormone therapy has potential risks and should be carefully discussed with your healthcare provider.

4. Lifestyle changes: Adopting healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and staying adequately hydrated can support overall health and potentially improve genitourinary symptoms.

5. MonaLisa Touch: MonaLisa Touch® is a noninvasive laser therapy to treat vaginal atrophy (GSM or genitourinary syndrome of menopause). GSM is a condition that causes symptoms like vaginal dryness and pain during sex. The MonaLisa Touch can help make sexual intimacy more comfortable. It works by healing the tissue lining of your vagina, restoring its moisture.

MonaLisa Touch is an alternative to estrogen-based therapies like creams, lubricants, or medication. It’s ideal for people who either can’t or prefer not to use estrogen therapy as a treatment for GSM.

MonaLisa Touch and Menopause
The MonaLisa Touch treats symptoms of GSM that most commonly occur in menopause. During menopause, your estrogen levels decrease. These hormonal changes cause your vaginal tissue to become dry and thin. This can lead to several symptoms, such as:
• Painful sexual intercourse.
• Vaginal discomfort and bleeding.
• Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Urinary incontinence (leaking pee when you sneeze, laugh or cough).
• Vaginal irritation, itchiness or burning.

The MonaLisa Touch helps the tissues in your vagina regenerate, making it moist again. It’s important to note that the MonaLisa Touch doesn’t tighten your vagina. There are other methods your provider may suggest if your goal is to fix looseness or sagging. The MonaLisa Touch helps restore your vagina’s lubrication, not necessarily appearance.

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DR. PARVEEN S. VAHORA, MD, FACOG: Our practice’s mission is to inspire women to live their best life by providing compassionate and personalized care. We do everything we can to make you feel as comfortable as possible. For all your women’s health needs, we are here by your side through all phases of life.

Our gynecologist’s office is small, intimate, and welcoming. Women under our care are treated with the utmost respect, which means we offer personalized care: educating them on conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures. Our focus is on sexual health. We are proud to offer the MonaLisa Touch® for patients going through menopause as well as post-menopausal women, breast cancer survivors, and those suffering from pain during intercourse or intense dryness. We also offer genetic testing for breast, ovarian, and colon cancer. From birth control to robotic surgery, we have got you covered.

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9332 State Road 54, Suite 403, Trinity, FL 34655
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