This drop in hormone levels causes changes in your body.
Some of these changes are silent, like bone loss.
Othermenopause symptomsare more obvious, like hot flashes.
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Lying somewhere between these two extremes are the changes that happen below your belt.
And worse, your healthcare provider may not ask you.
But don’t worry; there are things that you’re able to do to ease such symptoms.
The vulva is often referred to as your vagina, but it is actually its own separate anatomy.
You have two separate labia or skin folds that function to protect the more delicate structures of your vulva.
The outer labia majora is larger and contains fat cells or adipose tissue as well as hair follicles.
It acts as a protective cushion for the more delicate structures of your vulva.
The labia minora lies just inside the labia majora.
It contains multiple glands that produce secretions that provide lubrication to protect the area from dryness and irritation.
One of the (very) sensitive structures protected by your labia is yourclitoris.
Now let’s look at your menopausal vulva.
The drop in estrogen levels causes changes to your vulva.
Without adequate estrogen, there is also a thinning and shrinkage of the labia minora.
These changes often causesex to be painfuland can lead to a decreased interest in sex.
Your Vagina
Like your vulva, menopause brings unpleasant changes to your vagina as well.
For starters, yourvaginais lined with a special pop in of skin tissue that is composed of three layers.
The topmost or superficial layer is very sensitive to estrogen.
During your reproductive years, normal estrogen levels keep your vaginal lining thick and well lubricated.
But there is evidence to support that low estrogen levels do contribute to the urinary tract problems of menopause.
Your bladder andurethra(the tube that carries urine out of your bladder) are rich in estrogen receptors.
You also may notice that you dribble or drip urine occasionally just when you finish urinating.
Also, the thinned-out lining of your urethra makes it easier for the bacteria to get into your bladder.
These products are available over the counter at your pharmacy, online, or in specialty stores.
Vaginal lubricantsare the best choice if you are having pain with sex.
Their effect is short-acting and they may need to be reapplied as necessary.
These moisturizers work by trapping moisture in the tissues and providing longer relief of your symptoms.
Vaginal moisturizers are usually applied daily to improve the dryness and irritation triggered by vaginal atrophy.
Olive oil and coconut oil may also be used as vaginal moisturizers.
In other words, they correct the problem rather than just treat the symptoms of GSM.
Estrogen-containing products:Applying estrogen directly to the vaginal tissues is an effective treatment for GSM.
Usually, you will see significant improvement in your symptoms within a few weeks.
There is also an increased risk of breast cancer if estrogen is taken in combination with progestin.
These hormones are emerging as an alternative to estrogen.
Prasterone, often referred to as vaginal DHEA, is FDA-approved to treat GSM symptoms.
It is a vaginal insert that is used daily.
Once in the vagina, the hormone DHEA is converted into estrogen by the cells in your vagina.
Even if you are taking a break from having sex, there are ways to maintain your vaginal health.
Vaginal lubricants are common products used to reduce dryness and friction and ease such symptoms.
A Word From Verywell
Don’t be ashamed to discuss symptoms of GSM with your healthcare provider.
These symptoms are common and easily treated with a variety of options available.
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