I have specialized in hormone health and menopause for over 25 years. There is a laundry list of challenges women face in menopause. One that comes up again and again is vaginal dryness. While It’s a common symptom, women often brush it aside due to embarrassment.
Ignoring vaginal dryness can do more than impact your overall comfort; it can take a toll on your confidence. But here’s the truth: vaginal dryness doesn’t have to be your new normal.
There are effective solutions that address the root cause of vaginal dryness, not just the discomfort.
Let’s delve into the harsh realities of vaginal dryness during menopause and explore the options that can empower you to reclaim your well-being.
The Why: The Link Between Estrogen and Vaginal Health
Estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining vaginal health. It keeps the vaginal lining thick, elastic and well-lubricated. During menopause, estrogen levels naturally decline. This decline leads to a condition called genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), previously known as vaginal atrophy. GSM causes the vaginal tissues to become thin, dry, and inflamed, resulting in a range of unpleasant symptoms, including:
- Painful intercourse
- Discomfort during urination
- Burning sensation
- Itching
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
These symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting sexual intimacy and overall well-being.
Beyond Lubricants: A Functional Medicine Approach
While lubricants can offer temporary relief, functional medicine seeks to address the underlying cause – the hormonal imbalance. Integrative health takes a comprehensive approach, considering not just estrogen levels but also other factors that contribute to vaginal health. Here’s what a functional medicine approach to vaginal dryness might look like:
- Detailed History and Evaluation: We’ll start with a thorough conversation about your medical history, lifestyle habits, and current symptoms. This helps identify any potential contributing factors, such as stress, medications, or underlying health conditions like thyroid dysfunction or diabetes.
- Advanced Diagnostic Testing: The testing conducted in functional medicine is more comprehensive than what you get at your standard primary care doctor. These advanced tests can assess your estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels. This information guides our personalized treatment plan.
- Nutritional Guidance: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats provides essential nutrients that support vaginal health. Functional nutrition evaluation and counseling may recommend specific foods rich in phytoestrogens and plant-based compounds with mild estrogen-like effects.
- Supplements: Certain supplements like vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics can enhance vaginal health and address specific deficiencies.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): A Tailored Approach
In most cases, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can be a powerful tool for managing vaginal dryness. BHRT uses hormones that are structurally identical to those your body naturally produces. Unlike traditional HRT medications, BHRT allows for a more customized approach, tailoring dosages and delivery methods (creams, pellets, or patches) to your specific needs.
Safety is a natural concern when it comes to hormone therapy. Any provider you choose should be able to address your specific health history and explain the risks and benefits of BHRT in detail. Importantly, BHRT allows for lower doses than traditional HRT, potentially minimizing side effects. Additionally, continuous monitoring allows for adjustments as needed.
Remember, You’re Not Alone
Vaginal dryness doesn’t have to be a silent struggle. By seeking support from a functional medicine practitioner who understands the complexities of menopause, you can find solutions that restore your well-being and sexual health. Here are some additional tips to empower you:
- Be Open with Your Doctor: Don’t hesitate to discuss vaginal dryness with your doctor. The more open you are, the better they can understand and address your concerns.
- Explore Resources: Several organizations offer valuable information and support for women experiencing menopause and GSM.
- Join the Conversation: Talking to other women about their experiences can be empowering. There are online communities and support groups dedicated to menopause.
Embrace a Vibrant Menopause
Vaginal dryness is a common symptom of menopause, but it doesn’t have to define your experience. With the right approach, you can manage your symptoms and reclaim your sexual health and well-being. By taking a holistic approach through functional medicine, you can navigate menopause with confidence and embrace a vibrant new chapter in your life.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your specific needs and treatment options.
As our Associate Medical Director, Dr. Angela De Rosa is integral to the continued education and innovation here at Nava Health. Dr. Angela DeRosa, DO, MBA, CPE, is a dynamic professional on a mission to change the face of women’s health and wellness. As a respected, internationally recognized authority on women’s hormonal health, Dr. DeRosa understands the range of health issues women face leading up to and during menopause, as she was in full-blown menopause by age 35. Dr. DeRosa has more than 25 years of experience in the medical field, both on the pharmaceutical side and in clinical practice.
Dr. DeRosa’s enthusiasm for educating patients on the realities of menopause and the risk factors of hormonal health imbalances has never waned. It was the driving force behind her first bestselling book, A Woman’s Health Survival Guide: How to Prevent Your Doctor From Slowly Killing You. Her book and its controversial title caught the attention of the public, media, and the medical community.
Dr. DeRosa is on the advisory board for the European Menopause and Andropause Society, a member of the International Menopause Society International Society of the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, and a researcher on women’s health issues. Dr. DeRosa is a Midwestern University Clinical Assistant Professor and a Past Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association President.