Vaginal changes during menopause

Menopause is a stage for women in which important hormonal and physiological changes occur. These changes can cause changes in the vagina. In the following, we will examine some of these changes: 1. **Estrogen reduction:** During menopause, the amount of estrogen in women's body decreases. Estrogen is a hormone that plays a role in maintaining vaginal moisture and maintaining the structure of the vaginal walls. A decrease in estrogen can lead to changes in the vaginal tissue. 2. **Vaginal dryness:** Due to the decrease in estrogen, vaginal moisture decreases. This issue can lead to vaginal dryness, stretching and pain during intercourse. 3. **Narrowing of the vagina:** During menopause, the tissues of the vagina may become a little tighter. This condition is commonly known as "vaginal atrophy" and can cause complications such as pain during intercourse, vaginal dryness and inflammation in this area. 4. **Decreasing flexibility of vaginal walls:** During menopause, vaginal walls become less flexible. This can lead to a decrease in the contractility of the vagina and, as a result, a decrease in sexual pleasure. 5. **Reduction of vaginal secretions:** During menopause, vaginal secretions decrease and may stop completely in some women. This issue can reduce vaginal moisture and increase the risk of vaginal infections. 6. Urinary incontinence: relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles can cause urinary incontinence. Performing pelvic floor exercises as well as surgery to strengthen the pelvic floor can be a good solution. To deal with these changes and reduce their complications, you can consult your doctor. In some cases, combined hormonal medications, vaginal moisturizing products, and pelvic floor exercises can help improve the condition. Strategies for managing vaginal changes during menopause - Vaginal dryness: use of vaginal lubricants. Formulations with hyaluronic acid can also be prescribed. - Vaginal infections: taking vaginal probiotics such as lactobacillus rhamnosus, using appropriate antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin and observing vaginal hygiene. - Urinary incontinence: performing pelvic floor exercises such as Kegel exercises and pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises. If there is no improvement, pelvic floor surgery can be used. - Cervical dryness: using creams or lubricants that contain estrogen. Kegel exercises are also useful for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. - Decreased libido: hormone treatments can be used to increase estrogen levels. Also, sexual counseling and changes in sexual habits can help.