Menopause & Vaginal Dryness
Women of all ages may experience vaginal dryness with symptoms typically peaking in the years following menopause. Vaginal dryness is most often associated with a condition called vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis), which is the thinning, drying, and inflammation of vaginal walls. Vaginal atrophy is a hallmark symptom of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), which includes genital, sexual, and urinary symptoms linked to estrogen decline in menopausal women.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause along with associated symptoms such as vaginal dryness are chronic disorders that are very unlikely to improve over time without menopausal women first receiving safe and effective treatment.
Take a moment to learn more about GSM symptoms, our individualized approach to treating vaginal dryness through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and how you can take the first step towards improving your overall health and well-being.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause along with associated symptoms such as vaginal dryness are chronic disorders that are very unlikely to improve over time without menopausal women first receiving safe and effective treatment.
Take a moment to learn more about GSM symptoms, our individualized approach to treating vaginal dryness through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and how you can take the first step towards improving your overall health and well-being.
Dr. Jennifer Krup, ABHRT Certified Physician
Dr. Jennifer Krup, ABHRT Certified Physician
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
Prior to prescribing BHRT or other treatments for vaginal dryness alone, we stress the importance of educating our patients on three key symptomatic signs of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) and how we can best provide personalized treatment for optimal hormone balancing results.
Genital Symptoms
Reduced estrogen levels have been shown to decrease collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin which contributes to:
Vaginal Dryness
Reductions in natural lubrication during years before and after menopause.
Vaginal Irritation
Generally caused by thinning of vaginal walls and increased vaginal dryness.
Vaginal Burning
Typical sensation felt by women suffering from vaginal dryness and irritation.
Sexual Symptoms
Genital symptoms often combine with sexual symptoms to create instances of overall impaired sexual function.
Sexual Arousal Difficulties
Associated with hormone imbalances, low libido, and GSM genital symptoms.
Painful Intercourse
Caused by genital symptoms such as vaginal atrophy, dryness, and irritation.
Lack of Sexual Desire
Often a result of imbalanced hormones, arousal difficulty, or painful intercourse.
Urinary Symptoms
Estrogen deficiencies have been shown to contribute to chronic lower urinary tract conditions such as:
Dysuria
Painful, slow, or difficult urination often associated with UTIs.
Urgency or Incontinence
Sudden urges to urinate, frequent urination, or involuntary leakage.
Urinary Tract Infections
Recurring UTIs which may result from vaginal dryness and irritation.
Vaginal Dryness & GSM: Who is Affected?
Symptoms of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause including vaginal dryness have been detected in upwards of 90% of clinically-evaluated postmenopausal women. Sadly, only one-third of menopausal women have been shown to actually report vulvovaginal symptoms when asked by their physician. Studies indicate due to the sensitive nature of GSM that many women may be reluctant to report their symptoms and thereby do not receive needed treatment.
Increased Risk Factors for Vaginal Dryness
Cigarette Smoking
Smoking negatively affects blood circulation and oxygen to the vagina and other genital areas. Smoking also inhibits the positive effects of naturally occurring estrogens.
Lack of Vaginal Births
Research indicates women who have not given vaginal birth are more likely to develop GSM symptoms (including vaginal dryness) versus women who have had vaginal deliveries.
Lack of Sexual Activity
Sexual activities and stimulation while alone or with a partner increases blood flow and circulation while preserving or improving vaginal tissue elasticity.
Treating Vaginal Dryness & GSM
The good news for women suffering from vaginal dryness and other symptoms of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause is that these conditions are very treatable. RejuvinAge is committed to providing the highest quality bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women that is both safe and effective. Our BHRT programs are physician managed by Dr. Jennifer Krup and completely individualized for every patient's unique needs, body chemistry, and wellness goals.
The First Step is You
To ensure a comprehensive diagnosis and to best utilize future appointments with Dr. Krup, it is important to fully and accurately complete our secure and private new patient questionnaire.
Expert BHRT Management
From your initial consultation to program and follow-up appointments, Dr. Krup is there to listen, educate, and structure your individualized BHRT program for safe and effective treatment.
Hormone Optimization
Our care philosophy to best treat vaginal dryness, GSM, or other menopause symptoms is to first balance hormones through comprehensive testing, program utilization, and periodic assessment.
Vaginal Dryness Compounds
Women with certain hormonal sensitivities or those needing additional vaginal dryness treatment may benefit from MedQuest's new DHEA based specialty compound in suppository form.
MedQuest Compounding Pharmacy
Dr. Krup and staff work closely with MedQuest's compounding pharmacy experts to provide state of the art pharmaceutical products for our BHRT programs including treatments for vaginal dryness. Patients always receive precise customized dosages with unique formulations that consistently deliver the greatest absorption and effectiveness. Formulations for specific dietary needs are available with options such as dye, sugar, and lactose-free delivery methods.
How You Can Take the Next Step
Women's BHRT Program
Learn about our bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) program, pricing, and what to expect. Ready for a consultation with Dr. Krup now? Proceed to our new patient questionnaire to get started.
