Understanding Atrophic Vaginitis: A Guide to Postmenopausal Vaginal Health
How to Treat Atrophic Vaginitis: From Vaginal Moisturizers to Estrogen Therapy For many women, the transition into menopause is marked by well-known milestones: the end of menstrual cycles, hot flashes, and mood shifts. However, a significant and often silent aspect of postmenopausal health remains whispered about, even in doctors’ offices. This is the profound impact of declining estrogen on vaginal health, specifically a condition known as atrophic vaginitis, or more comprehensively, Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). If you're experiencing discomfort you can't quite name, you are not alone, and more importantly, you are not without solutions. Understanding the Core Issue: More Than Just Dryness Atrophic vaginitis is not merely a nuisance; it’s a medical condition characterized by the thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to a drop in estrogen levels. This low estrogen state is most common during and after menopause, but can also occur during b...