Low Estrogen and Vaginal Dryness: Treating Your Discomfort

A common, uncomfortable symptom of low estrogen levels is atrophic vaginitis, also known as vaginal dryness. Typically, menopausal women experience this condition due to declining estrogen levels in their bodies. Atrophic vaginitis is often a cause for discomfort and embarrassment in women. However, treating your low estrogen levels may help with this condition and improve vaginal dryness symptoms.

Low Estrogen and Vaginal Dryness

Treating your low estrogen can help you feel comfortable during menopause.

Atrophic vaginitis occurs when a woman’s vaginal walls become thin, dry, and inflamed. Up to 40% of women experience this issue after menopause, but only 20-25% of those women talk to their doctor about their symptoms. Unfortunately, untreated vaginal dryness caused by low estrogen levels in menopause can have serious impacts on your wellbeing.

Symptoms of Atrophic Vaginitis

There are many symptoms of vaginal dryness during menopause, including:

• Irritation when wearing certain clothing
• Painful urination
• Paleness or thinning of the labia and vagina
• Painful intercourse
• Abnormal discharge

In addition, women with low estrogen who are experiencing atrophic vaginitis may be more at risk for urinary tract and vaginal infections. Therefore, women may also notice more frequent UTIs as a side effect of vaginal dryness.

Estrogen’s Role in Vaginal Dryness

Declining estrogen levels during menopause cause your vaginal walls to thin and your vaginal pH to increase. Low estrogen levels also cause a decrease in vaginal secretions and a thinning of vaginal walls. This is typically the cause of vaginal dryness. Many women try moisturizers and lubricants to help with their atrophic vaginitis. However, these products generally only provide temporary relief for less than 24 hours. By contrast, bioidentical hormone therapy may be able to treat your vaginal dryness in the long term.

How Estrogen Hormone Therapy Can Help with Vaginal Dryness

Because declining estrogen levels typically cause menopausal vaginal dryness, it makes sense that bringing levels into normal ranges can help with the condition. Bioidentical hormone therapy for menopause can help restore the pH balance, thicken vaginal walls, and increase blood flow to your vagina. Therefore, ERT may help relieve your vaginal dryness.

Your physician may prescribe hormone therapy when you have symptoms of atrophic vaginitis or other menopause symptoms like hot flashes. Estrogen injections can help reduce symptoms, which can lead to increased comfort during and after menopause, as well as improved overall wellbeing.

Unfortunately, many women may avoid talking about their vaginal dryness due to embarrassment. However, this is a very common condition that can cause major discomfort. If you are experiencing symptoms of atrophic vaginitis, your doctor is here to help you feel better. Therefore, speak to your physician about treatment options for vaginal dryness and other symptoms of menopause.

At HerKare, we understand that you know your body better than anyone. Therefore, our medical professionals listen to your concerns and work with you to find a treatment plan that works for you. We are a women’s health clinic that is owned and managed by women, so we understand how you feel. For individualized women’s care, schedule an appointment online today and take a step toward feeling great again.