Among the most common menopause issues — and unfortunately, one of the most difficult to discuss — are vaginal symptoms. There are many ways to treat vaginal symptoms including lifestyle changes, hormonal treatments, and sometimes surgery may be recommended by your physician.
Vaginal dryness can happen periodically throughout a woman’s life: during different parts of her cycle, while breastfeeding, and when taking certain medications. These occurrences are often temporary and resolve when the trigger is gone. In menopause, the concern is vaginal atrophy — when the vaginal wall becomes thin and dry, and can become inflamed.
Before menopause, estrogen supports the layers in the walls of the vagina, keeping it thick and elastic.
Once estrogen levels drop, the tissues become thinner and less elastic. A lot of women notice increased discomfort and/or decreased sensation due to these changes.
And as the vaginal tissues dry and thin, sex can become increasingly unpleasant or painful; even daily activity such as exercise or sitting can cause discomfort. Incontinence can arise or increase, and infections such as UTIs or yeast infections are of greater risk.
Our providers will review your health history, family history, and gynecological history before your telemedicine visit.
During the 30-minute video call, your doctor will listen to your experience with menopause so far, including other symptoms you may be experiencing (like painful sex or low libido).
We'll explain how lifestyle changes at home can help boost moisture, like which daily moisturizers to try.
Our doctors can prescribe vaginal hormonal creams, rings or tablets. By applying hormones to the vagina directly, the hormones stay in the area and aren’t routed systemically through the body, lowering their risks.
Our doctors can also discuss surgeries and laser treatments, like The Mona Lisa Touch. The Mona Lisa Touch, the only laser therapy (and there are many other devices on the market) with published studies showing results for reversing vaginal atrophy, stimulates new vaginal growth by causing tiny micro-tears in vaginal tissue
Our doctors and health coaches are by your side, answering your questions and to monitor your symptoms. As your hormones fluctuate, your symptoms will change over time. Be sure to talk to your doctor about these changes so they may adjust your treatment plan to match your new needs.
Everyone's experience with menopause is unique. That's why our integrated care model offers evidence-based treatments.
We've interviewed leading experts in menopause and vaginal dryness over the years. These articles are a great starting point to educating yourself on this symptom (and others) of menopause.