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Menopause can affect your vagina.

Sometimes, menopause can bring about bothersome changes in and around the vagina, causing symptoms that might not be easy to talk about. This is totally normal—and more common than you might think. In fact, up to 57% of perimenopausal and menopausal women experience a condition known as vaginal atrophy. up to 57% of perimenopausal and menopausal women experience a condition known as vaginal atrophy.

Vaginal symptoms of menopause.

Menopause can occur in 2 ways: as a natural part of aging (women commonly experience it between the ages of 40 and 58) and also as a result of a complete hysterectomy. After menopause, a woman’s estrogen production declines. Lower estrogen levels can cause the vaginal walls to become thin and inflamed, causing uncomfortable symptoms of a condition health care providers call vaginal atrophy. These symptoms include:

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Pain and bleeding during intercourse
  • Vaginal irritation
  • Vaginal soreness
  • Itching in and around the vagina
  • Painful urination

Do any of these symptoms sound familiar?
Compare them with your own experience.

These changes can be treated.

If you’re experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, you owe it to yourself to talk with your health care provider. This is a chronic condition, but it’s treatable. There are several options to help you, including Vagifem® (estradiol vaginal inserts) 10 mcg, which helps replenish the vagina’s low estrogen, addressing the underlying cause of your symptoms. Here are some tips to help you have the conversation with your health care provider.

A woman talking to her doctor about the changes in the vagina.

Find out more about these vaginal symptoms, menopause, and treatment options by clicking on the resources below.