Vaginal Changes After Menopause

What Is Menopause?

Let us start from scratch: Menopause occurs when your menstrual cycles cease completely. It occurs naturally between 45 and 55 years old, though did you know it doesn’t happen overnight? There’s a period of transition called perimenopause, which can last for years, during which the body gradually produces lesser amounts of estrogen.

Estrogen, among other things, helps to maintain a healthy reproductive system and vagina. Therefore, when estrogen levels decrease during menopause, you may experience some noticeable changes. 

Have you noticed any changes in your body lately? Perhaps irregular menstruation cycles, hot flashes, or mood swings? These are all part of the process.

Common Vaginal Changes After Menopause

Menopause can take you by surprise. Have you ever wondered why things don’t feel quite the same “down there”? Vaginal changes during menopause are ordinary, but they do not have to make you feel uncomfortable or confused. Well then, what really is happening? What exactly is occurring, and how can it be resolved? These changes should be understood before control and comfort can regained.

1. Dry Vagina

Dry vagina is one of the most common changes that come with menopause. The reason behind this is that reduced amounts of estrogen make the vaginal tissue thinner and less stretchable. This can cause:

• Itching And Discomfort: Do they sometimes make it seem like your skin is irritated?
• Painful Intercourse: Has intimacy become less pleasurable for you or even painful?

Fortunately, though, there are solutions that can help you feel comfortable again. We’ll examine them closely later.

2. Menopausal Vaginal Atrophy

This could be a scary-sounding term, but it simply refers to thinning, drying and inflammation of your vagina’s walls. With reduced estrogen, your vaginal tissues can become more delicate. You might detect:

• Painful Intercourse: Does it feel like there is more friction than before?
• Urinary Urgency: Are you finding yourself racing to the bathroom more often?
• Pelvic Pressure: Have you started to feel a heaviness in your lower belly?

These alterations have implications beyond mere physical comfort. They can also affect your mental health. But don’t worry; we’ll get to know how those can be managed.

3. Changes In Vaginal pH

Do you know that your vagina has its own ecosystem? It is naturally acidic, which helps protect against infections. However, during menopause, the pH balance shifts because of lower levels of estrogen; this leads to:

• Recurrent Infections: Do you have signs of bacterial vaginosis or candida albicans?
• Changes In Discharge: Have you noticed changes in the colour, texture, or smell of the vaginal discharge?

The first stage towards dealing with these issues is understanding them.

4. Declined Vaginal Moistening

Have you noticed less natural moistness down there? Another common change that goes along with this is diminished lubrication, which can lead to:

• Unpleasantness During Sex: Do you feel like you are using more lubricants than before?
• Tenderness: Does it feel different down there? Maybe more sensitive than before.

While these changes may be irritating, remember that there are many ways to regain your comfort. Read on to understand how they affect your health overall.

The Impact Of Vaginal Changes On Your Health

Did you know that what’s happening inside your vagina can affect other parts of your body and overall well-being? It’s not just these symptoms alone; they have implications on your health, your relationships and your emotional being. Let’s unpack how these changes might be affecting you so that they become more understandable and easier to address.

1. Urinary Symptoms

Did you know that your vaginal health does not only affect your pelvic floor but also the bladder? Your bladder gets affected when estrogen levels go down. You may experience:

• Frequent Urination: You will find yourself going to the bathroom more often.
• Incontinence: Have you ever had a little leak when you coughed, sneezed or laughed?

2. Higher Risks Of Infections

With reduced estrogen, your vaginal tissues become less acidic and more susceptible to harmful bacteria. Have you had more episodes of UTIs or other infections? This can be such a pain sometimes, but with proper care, you can lower the risks.

3. Diminished Sexual Fulfilment

It is not very pleasant to have sex when your vagina is dry and sore. Have you experienced trouble bonding with your loved one due to pain during intercourse? Remember, assistance is always available.

4. Psychological and Emotional Effects

Your mental health might deteriorate as a result of these physical symptoms. Have you ever had anxiety or felt less confident or isolated because of this? These are acceptable feelings, but it’s also important for you to know that you do not have to suffer alone in silence. There are many women who experience this, and ways they can feel better.

How To Manage Vaginal Changes After Menopause

If you are severely hit by these concerning symptoms, it may seem impossible to find yourself again, but it is absolutely possible. Numerous tools are out there that can help you feel more comfortable at this time. We’ll look into solutions now so that you can begin taking steps towards relief today.

So, what does it take for you to feel like yourself again? Let’s break down the treatment options for vaginal dryness after menopause:

1. Over-The-Counter Products

• Lubricants: They give immediate relief during sex. Have you tried water-based lubricants yet? They are mild and highly effective.
• Moisturisers: To maintain hydration, one has to do this often. Adding one to your routine can make a big difference.

2. Hormonal Therapy

If your body is not producing enough hormones, the basic level solution is to provide the external hormones.

• Local Estrogen Therapy: Such remedies are typically vaginal creams, pills or rings that release estrogen directly into your vagina. They’re good and usually suggested by physicians. Have you ever talked about it with your doctor?
• Systemic Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): A broader treatment approach cannot just treat vaginal problems but also other symptoms of menopause.

3. The Role Of Lifestyle And Prevention

Did you know that making small changes in your everyday routine can make a huge difference? From what you eat to how you move around, every little action counts. Let’s examine how engaging in healthy lifestyles can keep your body and mind feeling excellent.

• Maintaining Good Hygiene
  It’s not just about using products regularly. You have to use the right products that suit your skin and body.
  - Avoid strong soaps.
  - Drink enough water.
  - Use gentle products without fragrance.
   
• Diet And Nutrition
  Including phytoestrogens in your diet, such as flaxseeds and soy products, may help in this regard. Have you tried incorporating these foods into your diet yet? If not, give it a try.
   
• Exercise
  Exercises for the pelvic floor muscles. These can help with strength or circulation issues. Are you saving a bit of your time for exercise every day? If not, do this at the earliest. Pelvic floor exercises for menopause, like Kegels, can increase the blood flow and tone up the muscles in your pelvic region.

Read Mastering Kegel Exercises: Benefits, Techniques, and Tips for Pelvic Floor Health for a better understanding.

• Mental Health
  When it comes to reducing stress, have you tried yoga, meditation, or therapy that upholds a person’s general health? Have you tried yoga/meditation to help with your overall well-being?

When To Seek Medical Advice 

Occasionally, self-administering these transformations is insufficient. Well, it’s alright! Recognising the occasions when one should borrow a helping hand is evidence of intelligence. It is now time to consult your healthcare provider if you have been suffering from symptoms that interfere with your daily life or relationships. So, when is making that call worthwhile?

There are times when professional opinion is needed more than any suggestions available elsewhere. Look out for these warning signs:

• Continuous or extreme pain during sex.
• Recurrent UTIs or infections.
• Unexplained bleeding or discharge.

Ayurveda And Yoga: A Natural Path To Wellness

These two disciplines have stood the test of time by offering solutions for menopausal women. In Ayurveda, a decline in vaginal moisture is often attributed to Vata imbalances. Remedies like Shatavari (asparagus) and amla (Indian gooseberry) can balance out the system while healing tissues, 

• Research studies prove the efficacy and safety of Shatavari root extract for the management of menopausal symptoms. Ayurvedic medicine highly regards shatavari as one of the most valuable herbs that heal vaginal dryness due to its capability of increasing moistness in the body, particularly around the vagina. It also nurtures and firms up the tissues within this region, making it a perfect option for dry female genitalia. Lastly, Shatavari can be taken on a daily basis, either in tablets or powder form, thus ensuring normal functioning of the reproductive system and that all necessary fluids are maintained. Additionally, you can consume Shatavari by steeping it in hot water to make herbal tea.
• Amla (Indian gooseberry) is well known for its rejuvenating properties and is quite helpful in maintaining healthy mucous membranes like those found inside the vaginal. It can also be bought as a dietary supplement, such as capsules or tablets, which increases overall energy levels, aiding in keeping the mucosal lining intact. You can also include amla in your daily diet.
• Oils like coconut or sesame oil, addressed in Ayurveda, can help moisturise. Another time-tested miracle is the power of yoga. Light exercises and yoga breathing techniques can improve circulation and strengthen pelvic muscles.

We at Nirva Health combine traditional knowledge from Ayurveda and Yoga with modern-day science for a more personalised approach towards vaginal dryness or other manifestations that come with menopause. Our comprehensive approaches allow women to find natural ways of regaining their comfort zone.

Wrapping It Up

Menopause is part of nature. Changes are inevitable during this time, too, though they should not limit a woman’s life. You don’t have to put up with them; however, you should understand yourself more and try different treatments. This way, you will keep being healthy, relaxed, and self-assured. There is a lot of support available for you. You just have to choose what suits you the most and stick with it.

Have you talked to someone about it? Let’s normalise these conversations and empower each other in the new chapter of our lives.