September is Menopause Awareness Month. There are an estimated 64 million postmenopausal women in the United States (US), and as many as 32 million women may suffer from symptoms including pain during sexual intercourse, vaginal dryness, and vaginal irritation. This number is increasing as approximately 6000 women enter menopause each day in the US. I have worked with thousands of menopausal women for the past 20 years and a good majority of them have confided in me about their discomfort and how it affects their intimate relationships.
Let's first take a quick look at the root cause of the problem in menopausal women. During the childbearing years, a thin layer of clear fluid covers the walls of the vagina. This thin layer keeps the lining of your vagina elastic, thick and healthy. As you approach menopause, there is usually a drop in your estrogen (female hormone) level which reduces the amount of lubrication available. This can lead to vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy as well as dryness of the external female genitals (vulva). Vaginal dryness may cause fragile vulvovaginal tissues. The tissues may then become more susceptible to irritation, pain during intercourse or dyspareunia (dis-puh-ROO-nee-uh) and sometimes bleeding which is the result of injury and tearing of the vaginal tissue and vulva. Sometimes, even women who are not sexually active are bothered by vaginal dryness and the irritation that may accompany it.
In addition to natural menopause, there may be other factors causing vaginal dryness such as:
Chemotherapy and radiation for cancer treatment
Certain diseases such as diabetes and Sjogren’s syndrome
Some cold and allergy medicines can dry up mucus leading to vaginal dryness
Chemical irritants, perfumes, and dyes in soaps, feminine hygiene products
Swimming in the pool due to the chlorine used to keep the water clean
Anxiety and stress can interfere with your libido or sexual desire and may lead to vaginal dryness
Smoking
Childbirth
Breastfeeding
Surgical menopause and removal of ovaries (oophorectomy)
As a pharmacist specializing in Bio-identical hormone therapy and natural alternatives, I find myself discussing “Vaginal Dryness” frequently. I consider this issue to be extremely private yet important. Vaginal dryness can affect a woman’s (and her partner’s) life profoundly. It can ruin your day and your relationship alike. Fortunately, there are several solutions to this common problem (see chart below for a comparison of common ways to deal with vaginal dryness).
Q: What causes vaginal dryness?
A: A woman’s hormone levels drop in the years leading to and after menopause. This may result in vaginal dryness and dryness of the external female genitals (vulva).
Q: What are common signs of vaginal dryness?
A: Vaginal dryness may cause fragile vulvovaginal tissues. The tissues may then become more prone to irritation. A woman may experience pain during intercourse or dyspareunia (dis-puh-ROO-nee-uh) and sometimes bleeding which is the result of injury and tearing of the vaginal tissue and vulva.
Q: What happens if vaginal dryness is left untreated?
Possible increase in frequency of bladder and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Frequent urination
Urinary incontinence (leakage)
Vaginal discharge
Pain during intercourse -Affects as many as 45% of the 65 million menopausal and post-menopausal American women
Q: What other things besides menopause can cause vaginal dryness?
A: Swimming, certain medications, chemicals, childbirth, anxiety, and stress (will discuss more in my future article)
Q: Are treatments for vaginal dryness only suitable for women who are in a relationship?
A: No. Even women who are not sexually active can be bothered by vaginal dryness. Non-menopausal women may sometimes experience dryness as well and may benefit from treatment.
*FabuVag® is an herbal vaginal moisturizer that can effectively soothe dry vaginal tissue. It is an all-natural and mostly organic moisturizer that provides a healthy option for women.
FabuVag® was formulated by Sharzad Green, Pharm.D. and is available without a prescription at www.fabuvag.com and select pharmacies or medical offices.
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