What is vaginal atrophy?

Many women don't hear about vaginal atrophy until they experience the symptoms. And many will often suffer in silence because they feel uncomfortable talking about it. This is why I make a point of talking with my patients about Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), which is just the fancy medical name for vaginal atrophy.

Here's what you need to know about vaginal atrophy:

Vaginal atrophy impacts all women. It's not a matter of if but when. You are not alone and it's a really good idea to talk about it with your doctor.

Vaginal atrophy is a significant change in your vagina's physiology. In youth, vaginal tissues are thick, elastic and lubricated. As estrogen levels fall, the tissues of the vagina stop being renewed by the body and they start to lose their vitality and plumpness. As a result, the estrogen-starved vaginal tissues thin out, lose blood flow, lose collagen and elastin, and become dry.

The symptoms of vaginal atrophy can be very disruptive. Symptoms often include burning, itching, tightness and discomfort, and a day-long preoccupation with things down there. The thinning tissues can also impact a woman's bladder health and ability to hold it.

Vaginal atrophy doesn't just affect women in menopause. While it's true that estrogen levels drop naturally as women age and enter menopause, estrogen levels are also impacted by premature menopause, hysterectomy and oophorectomy, breast cancer treatment that brings early onset of menopause, and premature ovarian failure. Women who breastfeed for a year or longer and/or who breastfeed in their late thirties and forties may also see a drop in estrogen levels.

So what can you do about vaginal atrophy?

Suffering in silence is not the answer. Talk to your doctor about these and other options to address vaginal atrophy:

For an easy fix, over-the-counter lubricants can provide quick, temporary relief of vaginal dryness - whether in the bedroom or during your daily routine. Lubricants are quick to apply and quick to work, but require ongoing application and they're messy.

Estrogen and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help boost your body's hormone levels and improve the symptoms of vaginal atrophy. HRT can treat common menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and vaginal discomfort, by replacing the hormones your body would naturally produce. HRT is particularly effective for women who respond well to hormones and who have not had breast cancer and other health concers for which hormones are not advisable.

Laser vaginal regeneration uses the body's natural healing response to rebuild vaginal tissues, stimulate new blood vessels, and return tissues to a healthy, youthful, functional state. While this therapy does not address hot flashes, it is a natural remedy to other symptoms of vaginal discomfort. This therapy is particularly well-suited for women with breast cancer, breast cancer survivors, and women who are advised to avoid estrogen.

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-Dr Alina Constantin