5 Tips to Help Restore Vaginal Health During Menopause

Dr. Geri Schmitt, MD, an Obstetrician/Gynecologist at Hamptons Gynecology in Hampton Bays, NY, discusses aging and vaginal health, as well as five strategies for restoring vaginal health.

Diminishing levels of estrogen during menopause can lead to changes to the body, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms.

The Inevitable Loss of Estrogen

As women age and their ovaries begin to run out of eggs, the body begins to transition through perimenopause and menopause. Consequently, higher levels of estrogen are no longer needed for the release of eggs and preparation for fertilization. With a decrease in estrogen comes many changes to the vagina’s appearance and function. The end result for many women is a condition once referred to as vulvovaginal atrophy, which is now known as the genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

As women reach menopause and estrogen levels decline, the vaginal tissue becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic, and the vagina itself can become narrower. Referred to as genitourinary syndrome of menopause, this condition causes symptoms such as vaginal dryness, irritation, pain with intercourse, urinary frequency, and incontinence.

5 Tips to Restore Vaginal Health During Perimenopause and Menopause>

1. Visit a local pharmacy: Over-the-counter remedies like vaginal moisturizers and hyaluronic acid can help to treat symptoms of vaginal dryness, irritation, and pain with intercourse.
2. Try Kegel Exercises: Kegel exercises can help to address a weakened pelvic floor due to postmenopausal changes as they strengthen the pelvic floor and increase blood flow
3. Avoid Irritants: Harsh soaps and detergents, perfumes, dyes, and douching can worsen symptoms such as vaginal dryness and irritation.
4. Accept the Help of a Physician: Women should reach out to their doctors if symptoms such as pain with intercourse, persistent irritation, or urinary issues such as recurrent urinary tract infections or incontinence do not respond to over-the-counter remedies.
5. Be Open to Medical Intervention: If symptoms persist, a provider may prescribe vaginal estrogen to increase lubrication in the vagina. “Many women are concerned with vaginal estrogens because it is a hormonal treatment,” says Dr. Schmitt “but rest assured, minimal estrogen is absorbed in the vagina and they are quite safe.” Laser therapy is another treatment that can relieve symptoms by increasing the collagen and elasticity in the vaginal tissue.