VAGIFEM^® estradiol/norethindrone acetate tablets

+ About menopause

+ About atrophic vaginitis

+ How VAGIFEM^® can help

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+ FAQs

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Glossary terms on this page

Atrophic vaginitis
Thinning of vaginal tissues with irritation, pain and inflammation; due to loss of estrogen at menopause.
Estrogen
Hormone secreted by the ovaries that influences a woman's sexual development and menstrual cycle.
Hormones
Chemical substances made by the body that control various body functions.
Hot flashes or hot flushes
"Heat waves" that flush the upper body and face; caused by declining levels of estrogen during perimenopause.
Menopause
The cessation of menstrual periods; occurs at the time of a woman's final menstrual period, but is determined following 12 months without a period. Average age among women is 51 years.
Menstrual
Relating to menstruation, the monthly shedding of the lining of the uterus in women of childbearing age.
Perimenopause
A transition period that includes up to six years before menopause (the time of a woman’s final menstrual period). During perimenopause, production of estrogen decreases and other physical changes begin to take place.
Symptom
Any complaint believed to be an indicator of disease. For example, vaginal dryness or irritation can be symptoms of atrophic vaginitis.
Urethra
The channel through which urine passes out of the body.
Urination
Emptying of the bladder.
Vagina
Lower part of the birth canal; receives semen from the penis and allows menstrual flow to exit.

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+ Home + About menopause + Symptoms

Signs & symptoms of menopause

There are many physical effects that accompany the drop in hormone levels during perimenopause. The most common symptoms are described below.

Irregular menstrual cycles

Most women experience irregular menstrual cycles during perimenopause. The frequency of your periods may change, and they may be longer or shorter than usual. You may experience episodes of heavy bleeding during a period. Be sure to check with your healthcare professional if any of these irregularities concern you.

Hot flashes

The hallmark symptom of menopause and perimenopause is hot flashes, sometimes called hot flushes. A hot flash begins with a feeling of warmth in the face and upper body. Next redness, or flushing, develops and may be accompanied by heavy sweating. Hot flashes that occur during sleep are called night sweats.

Atrophic vaginitis

When estrogen levels drop during menopause, the lining of the vagina can become thin, dry, and prone to inflammation and infections. This condition is known as atrophic vaginitis, which can cause vaginal irritation, pain, and discomfort. Atrophic vaginitis can interfere with sexual intimacy by making intercourse uncomfortable.

Urinary tract changes

The lining of the urethra thins as estrogen levels decrease during menopause. This thinning, combined with weakening of surrounding pelvic muscles, can lead to more frequent urination, the sudden urge to urinate, and bladder leakage. Following menopause, women are more susceptible to bladder infections than before.

Loss of interest in sex

Another symptom of menopause may include decreased sexual interest and desire. After menopause, the ovaries no longer produce testosterone—the hormone responsible for sex drive in both women and men. Your sexual response may be slower and less intense than in the past. The thinning of vaginal tissue and less lubrication can make sex uncomfortable, which may in turn decrease sexual desire.

Emotional changes

Some menopausal women experience depression, mood swings, and irritability. No one knows if changes in the body’s production of estrogen causes these symptoms, but we do know that taking estrogen can diminish some of the symptoms.

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