Upon entering menopause, many women experience a handful of unpleasant symptoms in the vaginal area. Declining estrogen levels can cause vaginal tissue to become thinner, less elastic, and more prone to irritation.
Burning and itching may be noticeable during intercourse. In severe cases, these symptoms may become noticeable when walking or playing sports.
If you’re experiencing discomfort on a regular basis, read on. In this blog, Dr. John Macey explains how vaginal tissue changes over time, and what can be done to treat these changes.
Risk factors for poor vaginal health
Aging, chemotherapy, and the removal of the uterus or ovaries can lead to low levels of estrogen and poor vaginal health. Other risk factors that can increase your risk for developing severe menopausal symptoms include having a high percentage of body fat, smoking cigarettes, and consuming a diet low in dairy.
Furthermore, women who have a diet rich in fructose, which is the sugar found in fruits, and glucose, which is a sugar found in bread, dairy, and plant products, may switch off the genes that control estrogen production.
And, foods high in phytoestrogens — which are plant-derived hormonally active compounds found in soy, flaxseed, wheat, oats, barley, lentils, rice, and beans — have both estrogenic and estrogen-blocking effects. This means that one food with phytoestrogens may increase estrogen production, whereas another food with phytoestrogens may block estrogen production.
Restoring vaginal health
If you have issues with your vaginal health, Dr. Macey can see if hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or vaginal rejuvenation therapy can help you.
Hormone replacement therapy
Hormone replacement therapy is often used to manage menopausal symptoms, including itchiness, dryness, and burning in the vaginal area. Hormone replacement therapy can restore the delicate hormone balance, and it can be administered via pills, injections, or implants underneath the skin.
Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for HRT, as it can lead to a slightly increased risk for blood clots, heart disease, and cancer.
Vaginal rejuvenation therapy
Vaginal rejuvenation therapy involves using the MonaLisa Touch® laser on vaginal tissues to stimulate the production of collagen. The added collagen can then help improve elasticity and relieve uncomfortable symptoms, such as dryness and itching.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may need anywhere from 2-5 sessions. Treatments are performed on an outpatient basis, and most people don’t experience any pain, as topical anesthesia can minimize any discomfort.
If you have problems with your vaginal health, Dr. Macey can help you get well again. To learn about your treatment options, book an appointment online or over the phone with the practice of Dr. John Macey today.