Menopause 10 Unexpected Common Vaginal Changes What Can Help

12 Unexpected Common Vaginal Changes What Can Help

Menopause 10 Unexpected Common Vaginal Changes What Can Help

Understanding your vagina

Let’s start with some general knowledge about your vagina:
The vagina is a big muscular tube more commonly referred to as the birth canal, the skin of which is very thin, yet elastic and robust.
The vagina is normally 5 to 10 cm long and the sides gently touch together.
During intercourse, the vagina can stretch another couple of centimeters.

The vagina has a very special environment.
Before you start approaching menopause, estrogen will trigger the cervix into producing mucus.
This mucus is slightly acidic which is important as it helps restrain any bad bacteria or fungi that may actually inadvertently appear in the vagina.
This slightly acidic mucus also houses a colony of friendly bacteria.
The friendly bacteria in the vagina are very different from the combinations of friendly bacteria that you find in your digestive system.
Estrogen levels decrease during menopause, thus affecting the production of mucus in the vagina, which can impact all areas of your vaginal health.

10 Unexpected Common Vaginal Changes What Can Help

1.Candida & thrush

If the mucus in the vagina decreases, it will cause the level of acidity to decrease as well.
This means that it allows other bacteria to get in, which can lead to thrush and candida.

Treatment of candida & thrush

Very often you will be prescribed an anti-fungal medication.
The problem is that this can affect the pH levels and if the pH is reduced, it will kill off more of the friendly bacteria and you can end up with repeat thrush infections.

A vaginal probiotic can benefit greatly
Ordinary digestive probiotics will not help you
Remember the combination of healthy bacteria in the vagina are different from the bacteria in your gut
Additionally, thrush and candida, love sugar
If you are prone to thrush or candida, drastically cut your sugar consumption

Sources:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – candida infections
webmd.com – candidiasis infections

2. UTI’s -repeat bladder infections

Why are urinary tract infections so common during menopause?

Menopause affects the production of mucus in the vagina, which helps to sustain your friendly bacteria.
These are different to the friendly bacteria that live in your digestive tract.

One of the functions of the friendly bacteria in the vagina is that they police the whole vaginal area and that includes the opening of the urethra which is the tube that leads up to the bladder.

If the production of mucus in the vagina decreases, this can have a marked negative impact on the level of friendly bacteria in the vagina, leaving you much more vulnerable to picking up bladder infections.

Doctors normally prescribe antibiotics to treat UTI’s.
However, the main problem with antibiotics is that they often kill off the friendly bacteria, resulting in a decreased level of the friendly bacteria in the vagina.
This can leave you even more vulnerable to repeat infections.

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that occurs somewhere in the urinary tract.
The kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra are all part of the tract.
A UTI happens when bacteria gets into the urethral opening and then travels up into the bladder.
This causes problems like infection and inflammation and as a result, urine can leak out.

Lower tract UTIs are the most common and involve the urethra and bladder.
Upper tract UITs are rarer and involve the ureters and kidneys.
UTI’s are more common in women because of their anatomy, specifically the short distance from the anus to the opening of the urethra and bladder.
This makes it easier for the bacteria from the digestive tract to reach the urinary system.

Other causes of UTIs

Sexual contact may introduce bacteria into the urinary system
Certain applications of birth control such as diaphragms or spermicidal agents
Hormonal deficiency during menopause

Symptoms of urinary tract infections

Burning sensation when urinating
Cloudy discharge
A bladder infection from cystitis may result in pelvic pain, frequent painful urination and blood in the urine
A kidney infection may cause back pain possibly only on one side, high fever, chills and nausea

Treatment for urinary tract infections

Infections limited to the bladder can be easily treated with antibiotics.
However, if left untreated a lower UTI may spread up to the kidneys where it becomes more dangerous and can result in a kidney infection causing permanent kidney damage.
Lower tract UTIs are the most common and involve the urethra and bladder.
Upper tract UITs are rarer and involve the ureters and kidneys.

Tips that can help prevent UTIs

Don’t let your bladder get overly full and do not hold on
Try to go as soon as you feel the need to go.
This will keep the bladder free of any kind of acidic urine.
Also, emptying the bladder after intercourse will help flush out bacteria.

Avoid feminine products
Vaginal smell can get stronger during menopause and women tend to use gels or deodorants to combat this.
Do not use harsh soaps and shower washes that are full of chemicals as they will dry out and irritate the opening to the bladder even further.
The weaker it becomes, the more likely the bacteria will be able to get into the bladder.

Avoid diaphragms with spermicides
The use of spermicides during intercourse may increase your risk of UTI infection as they can have a toxic effect on the vaginal flora.

Use milder detergent and fabric conditioners
Pay attention to the kind of soaps and fabric conditioners that are you using on your underwear.
This again, can irritate the whole vaginal area and make things more prone to bacterial infections.

Don’t wear thongs
If you are wearing thongs, the strip part is held right up tight between your back passage, the vagina and the opening to the bladder.
Bacteria can use that part of the thong to travel all the way down and can be a contributing factor for bladder infections.

Wipe from front to back
That way you do not get any bad bacteria ending up in the vagina or in the bladder.

Drink plenty of water
One of the other symptoms of menopause is that the bladder’s mucous membranes start to dry out.
The lining of the bladder can end up becoming thinner and therefore more sensitive to the type of urine that is being stored in the bladder.
If you are dehydrated and your bladder is starting to become more sensitive, then your urine will become more acidic and concentrated and that will irritate your bladder even further.

Take a menopause support supplement
This can help and get your estrogen levels up gently, which in turn can support the friendly bacteria in the vagina and also help to keep your bladder nice and healthy.

Do pelvic floor exercises
These can be great for strengthening the bladder and keeping it in tip top condition.

Drink unsweetened cranberry juice
This helps to flush out the nasty bacteria in the bladder.
However, make sure it has not been sweetened, because sugary drinks and foods can help to feed those bad bacteria.

Cut down on sugar
Cutting back on sugar in your diet, can help to lessen the likelihood of bladder infections.

Use a vaginal probiotic
It is important to go with one specifically for the vagina, because the friendly bacteria in the vagina are quite different to the digestive ones living in your gut.

When do you need to see your doctor?

If you are getting pain
If there is blood in your urine
If you have a fever
If the pain becomes too intense

It is important to have a check-up with your doctor, who might prescribe a course of antibiotics.
Antibiotics can be part of the problem but sometimes you need the antibiotics to get rid of the first infection, after which you need to ensure that you sustain the friendly bacteria in the vagina and hopefully avoid this becoming a vicious cycle.

3.Vaginal dryness

One of the major symptoms of menopause is vaginal dryness.
If mucus production is reduced, it will affect the friendly bacteria as well as reducing the mucosity of the vagina even further.
The lining of the vagina is very thin yet very elastic.
If that thinness and flexibility is affected by the loss of mucus, the inside walls of the vagina become brittle and lose their elasticity.

Many women find vaginal dryness to be really uncomfortable.
It can have a big impact on your sex life as well.
Not only is there dryness, but if the vaginal lining is not that flexible anymore, it can cause a great deal of pain.
Many women find after intercourse there can be a little bit of bleeding or spotting
Very often this is due to the lining of the vagina having been torn or irritated or scraped during intercourse.

What can help to ease vaginal dryness

Taking a vaginal probiotic, is a good idea as well as making sure you are drinking enough water
Phytoestrogen can also help to raise your estrogen levels
Menopause support products can aid in alleviating vaginal dryness
Aloe Vera gel can help reduce itchiness and inflammation
It has wonderful cooling and soothing, but make sure that it is additive-free, 100% pure

Source:
webmd.com – vaginal dryness causes

4.Vaginal atrophy

Postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis, or vaginal atrophy, is the thinning of the walls of the vagina caused by a decrease in estrogen levels.
Some women can experience symptoms during perimenopause or the years leading up to menopause.
In other women, symptoms may not manifest themselves until years later.
With less estrogen, the body naturally produces less lubricant in the cervix and the vaginal tissues become thinner, drier and less elastic, and more easily injured.

Other factors that may cause a decrease in estrogen levels include:

Breastfeeding
Surgery to remove the ovaries
Radiation therapy or chemotherapy
Hormonal therapy to treat breast cancer

Risk factors for vaginal atrophy

Women who have never given birth naturally are more prone to vaginal atrophy than women who delivered their babies vaginally
Smoking has an effect on blood circulation, depriving the vagina and other tissues of oxygen
When blood flow is decreased or restricted, tissue thinning occurs
No sexual activity can also lead to an increased risk of vaginal atrophy
Source: healthline.com – risk of vaginal atrophy

Symptoms of vaginal atrophy

Vaginal burning
Vaginal dryness
Burning with urination
Discomfort or pain with intercourse
Light bleeding after intercourse
More frequent urinary tract infections
Urinary incontinence
Thinning of the vaginal walls shortening
Tightening of the vaginal canal

Women with vaginal atrophy are more prone to chronic vaginal infections and urinary function problems, which can also result in painful intercourse.

Treatment of vaginal atrophy

Over-the-counter moisturizers or water-based lubricants can help treat dryness and reduce discomfort during sex and are compatible with condoms.
Be aware that some of the lubricants on the market can contain glycerin.
If you are very sensitive in the vaginal area, you should avoid these as they can be irritating and can be conducive to the overgrowth of yeast.

Warming or flavored lubricants should also be avoided.
They can be very irritating and can actually alter the pH of your vaginal mucosa and put you at risk for yeast infections and other pesky infections.
If symptoms are severe and too much to bear, your doctor may recommend estrogen replacement therapy.
Estrogen improves vaginal elasticity and natural moisture and is usually effective in just a few weeks of continuous use.
Estrogen can be taken orally or applied topically as a cream.
Source: healthline.com – treatment of vaginal atrophy

5.Change of smell

A change of smell is very often due to a change in the levels of bacteria in the vagina.
This can be easily solved by taking a vaginal probiotic.
Beware of vaginal deodorants that are widely advertised as many of them contain chemicals, that can possibly affect the friendly bacteria even more.
Look for one that does not contain any additives.
These are usually gentle enough for sensitive areas and won’t interfere with your friendly bacteria and can help to get rid of the not so helpful bacteria.

Change of smell often goes hand in hand with a change of the mucus levels.
You might find that your vaginal mucus or discharge gets stickier and there might be a change in color.
This often is due to a change in hormone levels and is very common during peri-menopause where your estrogen and progesterone levels are still in a bit of a cycle.
If your estrogen levels start to rise, this will trigger the cervix to produce mucus, as such the cervix will be over-stimulated, producing a lot of mucus.
Source:
webmd.com – what to know about changing vaginal smell

6.Pelvic pain

A lot of women can experience pelvic pain and it can be due to a prolapse.
The muscles that hold up all the pelvic organs such as the bladder, the bowel, and the uterus weaken and when this happens, the bladder or the bowel or the womb itself can shift position resulting in pressure being put on the vagina.

7.Bleeding after intercourse

Because of a drop in estrogen levels your vaginal walls are less elastic, they become really thin and your mucus production decreases.
The friction that occurs during intercourse can be enough to irritate, damage, and possibly tear parts of the vaginal wall.
This will often trigger some bleeding and in most cases is just a few spots of blood.
If, however, there is a lot of bleeding, it would be best to consult your gynaecologist for advice.

8.Vulvodynia

Your entire vaginal area is jam-packed with nerves and if you suffer from vulvodynia these nerves can be affected, causing a lot of pain.
The nerves become ultra-sensitive and just about anything can affect them.
You might feel a burning sensation, or it might just be painful.
Unfortunately, there is no known real cause.
It is just something that seems to happen a lot during perimenopause and menopause.

What can help?

Find out what could aggravate your symptoms, look at anything that comes in touch with the vulva, the lips of the vagina, or anything in that particular area.

What toilet paper are you using?
Some can contain irritating bleaching agents
Are you wearing cotton underwear?
What kind of washing powder and fabric softener do you use?
Could your towels be the irritant?
How chemically free is your water?
Monitor your caffeine and sugar intake, as these can upset the nerves in this area
Do you empty your bladder regularly?
Holding it in, adds additional pressure and holding your urine will make it more acidic which will act as an irritant
Are you drinking enough water? This will also help your urine not being too acidic
Organic Aloe Vera gel

9.Skin changes in the vaginal area

There are a few skin changes that can occur in the vaginal area due to menopause.

The appearance of the skin of the vagina can become lighter in colour and almost paler
The reason for this, is due to the hormone changes that come with menopause
You have less estrogen and less blood flowing to the skin and mucosa of the vagina
The pubic hair changes as well during menopause
You may have grey hair in the pubic area but a potentially welcome change that you might observe, is that the pubic hair becomes sparse

10.Vaginal itching

People may notice vaginal itching more often during menopause and it often goes hand in hand with vaginal dryness, which is another common symptom of menopause.
Low levels of estrogen can make the vaginal tissues drier and thinner than usual, which can make the vagina or vulva feel itchy and painful.

Home remedies that can alleviate itchiness

Use a cool compress
Apply a cool, wet compress to itchy areas to help soothe irritation.
You can also cover the itchy area with a damp towel overnight if the itching disturbs sleep.

Take an oatmeal bath
To help alleviate itchy skin, it can help to bathe in colloidal oatmeal, which is oatmeal that is in a fine powder form.
When added to water, it enables the skin to absorb the cellulose and fiber contained within the oats easily, softening and soothing the skin.

Moisturize regularly
Alleviate dryness and itchiness by moisturizing the skin after a bath or shower, to help lock in moisture into the outermost layer of the skin.

Prevention of itchiness during menopause

Avoid hot baths or showers
As these can strip your skin of essential oils.
Lukewarm water is better for irritable skin.

Pat yourself dry after bathing
Patting skin lightly instead of rubbing after a bath or shower can help to prevent sore or itchy skin.

Avoid scratching
Scratching can tear and damage the skin, especially if it is already sensitive or inflamed. Instead, try to pat the area to alleviate the itchiness.
Apply a cold compress if itchiness does not want to subside.

Use scent-free skincare
Scented soaps often contain harsh chemicals that can further irritate the skin.
Choose instead perfume-free soaps.

Wear soft, loose fabrics
Go for natural fibers such as cotton that are less likely to irritate skin than synthetic fibers which can also cling to the skin.

Stay hydrated
Water is super important for keeping the skin healthy and preventing dull, itchy skin.

Source:
medicalnewstoday.com – can menopause cause itching
medicinenet.com – vaginal itching symptoms signs causes treatment

Prevention & treatment options for a healthy vagina

There are things you can do to look after your vagina.
If you are approaching menopause, or are already in peri-menopause, the time to work on your vagina is now
The more work you do before your estrogen levels start to drop, the less likely you will have problems.

Topical estrogen
Taking estrogen through the skin will limit estrogen from getting into the bloodstream.
Topical estrogen treatments do not increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
However, call your doctor if you experience any unusual vaginal bleeding after using topical estrogen.

Oral estrogen
Oral estrogen is often used to treat hot flashes and vaginal dryness, however, prolonged use can heighten the risk of certain cancers.

Phytoestrogen products
Phytoestrogen supplements reduce menopausal symptoms, promote cardiovascular health, promote bone health and increase breast health.

Remember the water
Dehydration affects the vagina as well, so remember to drink enough water on a regular basis.

Do Kegel exercises
Kegel exercises help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the small intestine, bladder, uterus, bladder, and rectum.
Once you know how to do Kegel exercises, you can do them at any time.

How to do Kegel exercises:
Find the right muscles
To identify which are your pelvic floor muscles, stop urination in midstream.
Once you know how to identify your pelvic floor muscles, you can do the exercises in any position, although you might find it easiest to do them lying down at first.

Improve the technique and imagine you are sitting on a marble and tightening your pelvic muscles as if you’re lifting the marble.
Hold for 3 seconds at a time, then relax for a count of 3.
Maintain your focus by only tightening your pelvic floor muscles.
Do not tilt the muscles in your abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, and avoid holding your breath.

Repeat 3 x times a day and aim for at least 3 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions a day.
Don’t do Kegel exercises to start and stop your urine stream as this can lead to incomplete emptying of the bladder and increase the risk of a urinary tract infection.
Source: mayoclinic.org – Kegel exercises

Check your underwear & personal care products
Wear cotton underwear. This will help to keep the air circulating, keeping everything as fresh as possible.
Do not use any over-the-counter vaginal deodorants and be aware of the kind of soap and shower gel you are using.

Stay sexually active
Staying sexually active enhances blood circulation in the vagina and stimulates natural moisture and keeps your sexual organs healthier for longer.

Menopause and Your Libido

As you go through menopause, you might notice that your sex drive or libido changes.
Most women will experience a decrease, while some women may experience an increase in libido.
In most cases, a lower sex drive during menopause is caused by a decrease in hormone levels.
Menopause can negatively affect libido in a few ways.

Sexual arousal
During menopause, both your testosterone and estrogen levels decrease, which makes it more difficult for you to get aroused.
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal lubrication decreases, due to lower estrogen levels, which negatively affects blood supply in the vagina, making intercourse painful.
Vaginal atrophy
Lower levels of estrogen can also lead to thinning of the vaginal wall, known as vaginal atrophy.
Vaginal atrophy often leads to discomfort during sex.

Weight gain
You might gain weight during menopause.
Unfortunately, this can make you feel uncomfortable with your new body, leading to a decrease in sexual desire.
Hot flushes and night sweats
These are also common symptoms and can leave you feeling too tired for sex.
Mood symptoms
Such as depression and irritability, go hand in hand with menopause and leave you in no mood for feeling sexual

Here are some steps that can help

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
HRT therapy can help to reduce vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy by replacing the hormones your body is no longer making.
However, there are potential risks for estrogen therapy, including blood clots, heart attacks, and breast cancer.

Estrogen cream or vaginal ring
If you only have vaginal symptoms, an estrogen cream or vaginal ring might be a better choice for you.

Testosterone therapy
This may help you going through menopause by increasing your libido.
It does however pose potential negative side effects, including a risk for higher cholesterol and increased hair growth and acne.

Lubricant
A lubricant can ease vaginal dryness and help to make sex more comfortable.
This in turn reduces the stress associated with painful sex and helps to increase your libido.

Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins, reducing stress and helping to boost your mood.
The added bonus is that it helps combat weight gain.
Find an activity that you enjoy and know you will be able to stick with.

Stay sexually active
During menopause it is important to be intimate on a regular basis, to boost your self-confidence that you can still be sexually active.

Communication is key
Communicate with your partner, talk about your feelings, both physically and emotionally.
A marital or sex therapist can also play an important role in current and future sexual happiness.

Kegel exercises
These can help to enhance the sensation of sex and help to tighten your pelvic muscles.

Sources
mayoclinic.org – low sex drive in women
menopause.org – decreased desire
mayoclinic.org – vaginal atrophy
clevelandclinic.org – Kegel exercises

Breast Tenderness During Menopause

Sore breasts are due to hormonal changes, causing fluid to build up in the breasts, making them feel swollen and tender.
During perimenopause it is also common for breasts to change in shape, either getting bigger or smaller.
Breast tenderness in the phase leading up to menopause may feel more like a burning or throbbing pain.
Breast pain should go away after your periods stop and you enter menopause.
One thing to note, is that having HRT can increase the risk of continued breast pain.

Nipple pain

Your nipples can get so sore and tender that you can’t bear to wear a bra or have clothing touching them.
It usually occurs during perimenopause, when your hormones are fluctuating quite a lot and is often triggered when your estrogen has a sudden spike.

What can help reduce nipple tenderness?

Using St. John’s Wort Oil helps to reduce nerve pain.
It can be applied sparingly three or four times a day, massaging it very gently into the nipples.

Change in size and shape
As your estrogen levels drop your milk system will stop producing, causing your glandular tissue to shrink.
Your breasts will become less compact and fattier , leading to sagginess.

What can you do to help yourself?

Exercise can help to tone and develop muscles underneath.
Try including some push-up exercises or lifting weights.
You may also want to invest in a push-up or underwire bra to give you additional support and a much-needed feel-good boost.

Sources
webmd.com – how menopause affects your breasts
medicalnewstoday.com – menopause and sore breasts

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