Vaginal atrophy is the thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls. In this article, ScreenMe discusses the causes, signs, and how you treat these uncomfortable symptoms.

In more recent years, the term ‘vaginal atrophy’ has been replaced with GSM (genitourinary syndrome of menopause), to better describe the urinary symptoms that are also associated with lower oestrogen levels. We will stick with vaginal atrophy for this article, as we understand that it is not just menopausal women who experience vaginal atrophy and the associated symptoms.

What causes vaginal atrophy?

Vaginal atrophy is most often caused by reduced oestrogen in the body. Lower levels of oestrogen, in turn reduces the volume of vaginal fluids, as well as changing the pH balance of the vagina.

More often than not this is experienced as women enter the menopause. At least 50% of women entering menopause are thought to experience vaginal atrophy at some point.

However, hormonal imbalances can also play their role in such and therefore younger women are also affected by this. In particular, women most at risk include: those who have just given birth, those who have just had their ovaries removed, and those taking particular medications.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms associated with vaginal atrophy include:

• Pain during and after sex
• Pain or burning when passing urine
• Vaginal dryness
• Inflammation
• Vaginal itchiness
• Vaginal burning
• Recurrent UTIs
• Reduced vaginal lubrication
• Spotting or bleeding
• Needing to pass urine more often

What can I do to help this?

Women too often put up with uncomfortable symptoms, particularly those related to their vagina. But it is time to start taking ownership of our own bodies, and work towards solutions that optimise our health, and ultimately happiness.

1. Speak to your GP

• Your GP is there to speak to about any uncomfortable symptoms or changes that you are experiencing in your body and hormones. They are experts who can advise you on the appropriate options or next steps, such are HRT (hormone replacement therapy).
• Women often feel too embarrassed to speak to their GP, but in all honestly — they have seen and heard it all before! It is their job to listen to you, so please do not be afraid and have your health suffer as a consequence.
• Also, these symptoms are common for many other vaginal conditions — so speaking to your doctor will allow you to be sure of the root cause of these issues, and address such appropriately.

2. Vaginal Moisturiser

• Vaginal moisturisers can be a brilliant way to relieve some of the symptoms associated with vaginal atrophy — particularly dryness and inflammation.

• However, you must be careful with what you use around your genital area — as it can be particularly sensitive and has a delicate pH — so you can actually exacerbate symptoms if you are not careful!
• In general, stay away from fragranced moisturisers, or those containing BPA, parabens, or any other nasty chemicals.
• We highly recommend using OlioVita’s Intima cream, which is available on our site here! This cream has an anti-inflammatory effect, as well as hydrating the genital area and soothing dryness.

3. Test your hormones

• It can sometimes be difficult to determine the precise cause of your symptoms, as well as understand exactly what is going on with your hormones, particularly in times of change.

• ScreenMe offers a range of Menopausal Packages which include:
  • An in-depth understanding of your hormonal health, with an at-home kit allowing you to do so from the comfort of your own homeTests 9 major sex hormones related to menopause & its symptoms — including oestradiol, progesterone & TSH.NHS registered doctor’s report
  • Free consultation with our experts to discuss results & create a bespoke plan of action
  • Tailored advice on nutrition & lifestyle

• ScreenMe offers a specific Hormonal Balance Package for women struggling to understand their hormones, and who are suffering from hormonal imbalances (the side effects of which often include vaginal atrophy).
  • An in-depth understanding of your hormonal health, with an at-home kit allowing you to do so from the comfort of your own home
  • Tailored advice on nutrition & lifestyle
  • Tests 7 major sex hormones — including LS, FSH & Oestradiol.
  • NHS registered doctor’s report
  • Free consultation with our experts to discuss results & create a bespoke plan of action.

4. Test your vaginal microbiome

• Many of the vaginal symptoms described above are a symptom of a vaginal imbalance. If these symptoms are persistent, we would really recommend checking your vaginal microbiome.

• ScreenMe offers a range of Vaginal & Sexual Health Packages which include:
  • Testing of 100% of the bacteria and yeast present in your microbiome, using 99% accurate, gold-standard NGS technology
  • Screening of the entire vaginal ecosystem
  • Discovery of your vaginal community state-type
  • Comprehensive report of your vaginal health from ScreenMe experts
  • Free consultation with our experts to discuss results, and create a bespoke plan of action

5. Other vaginal products

• Check out the Vaginal & Sexual Health Products page of our Health Shop to see other intimate products that are recommended and approved by our team of experts.

• From different lubricants, to natural deodorants and more — make sure you really start to prioritise your vaginal & sexual health!

• The use of vagina-friendly products will also prevent vaginal atrophy from reoccurring, or from getting worse! So, even if your symptoms disappear, we recommend you still continue to use these brilliant products!

We hope that this has answered some of your questions related to vaginal atrophy, and has helped get you started on the road to taking back control of your vaginal and sexual health!

Jessica Hobbis