Hot flashes, night sweats and heart palpitations are well-known symptoms of menopause but vaginal dryness, burning and itching are also common symptoms of vaginal atrophy that are rarely discussed.
A woman might wonder why this is happening to her at this stage of life. Estrogen is the hormone regulator of the vagina and before menopause it is responsible for keeping a woman’s vaginal tissues plump, bright red and moist. During and after menopause, the estrogen levels drop in the vagina hence the health of the vagina may deteriorate for many women. The result? Dryness, burning and itching. Additionally, the tissues of the vagina may become pale, thin with lower elasticity.
Vaginal dryness and a decrease in elasticity may lead to low sexual desire in women in part because the vaginal dryness is commonly associated with painful sex. Only 1 in 4 women seek treatment for vaginal dryness, burning and itching. Women are embarrassed about this condition and even if they have the courage to speak to their doctor about it, their doctor may not be well-informed on this women’s health issue.
A fifty-year-old patient of mine said when she told her doctor about her vaginal dryness and the impact on her intimate relations with her husband, her doctor told her she must not be communicating with her husband adequately. Another patient told me that her doctor prescribed cortisone cream which would only further thin her vaginal tissues and compound the problem. Many women tell me their doctor prescribes lidocaine gel which will decrease sensation for a woman during intercourse.
Upwards of 75% of postmenopausal women experience these symptoms. Women needn’t suffer with this very common issue just because we as a society are uncomfortable talking about the vagina. There are treatments and many like Gynatrof gel are hormone-free. Gynatrof contains hyaluronic acid which helps to repair vaginal tissues. It’s a common ingredient in facial moisturizers. Gynatrof also contains Vitamin E which helps to keep tissues youthful.
A healthy vagina is important for women at every stage of life. Gynatrof does not require a prescription from your doctor because it is all natural and hormone-free. So take the step ladies to truly empower yourselves. Start treatment for vaginal symptoms today. Gynatrof is available at London Drugs, Shopper’s Drug Mart and other stores across Canada.
Maureen McGrath is a Registered Nurse host of the Sunday Night Sex Show on News Talk 980 CKNW, feminist, women’s health expert and a 2016 TED speaker on the Sexless Marriage. Her book is available on Amazon.ca : Sex & Health: Why One Can’t Come Without The Other. She is recipient of the Vancouver Board of Trade Community Catalyst Award 2016 and a finalist for YWCA Women of Distinction.
