Vaginal Atrophy: Symptoms and Treatment

Think you may have vaginal atrophy? Keep reading to better understand the symptoms and your treatment options.

Our vaginas are incredible, self-cleaning, pleasure-giving, human-birthing organs. But, as we ride the hormonal tides of womanhood, we can be left thinking “What the f*** is going on down there?!”

Vaginal atrophy is a common symptom encountered by many women, especially those who are transitioning through menopause. If you’re experiencing unusual symptoms down below, keep reading to find out exactly what vaginal atrophy is, what the symptoms are and how to treat it.

What is vaginal atrophy?

Vaginal atrophy,  now more commonly known as genito-urinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is when the walls of the vagina become dryer, thinner and less stretchy, and more likely to become inflamed. This is directly due to your body’s oestrogen levels dropping, causing loss of collagen and elastin, such as after childbirth, during peri-menopause and beyond.

Vaginal atrophy symptoms

Vaginal atrophy may make sex feel uncomfortable, but you may also notice discomfort when urinating. Other vaginal atrophy symptoms may include:

• Vaginal dryness

• Burning sensation in the vagina, especially when urinating

• Changes to vaginal discharge - discharge may become thin and watery and yellow or grey in colour with a different odour

• Itching sensation in your genitals

• Urgency when needing to pass urine or even incontinence

• More frequent urinary tract infections especially after sex

• Light bleeding present after sex

• Decreased vaginal lubrication during sexual intercourse

• Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse

• Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal and entrance

Vaginal Atrophy Treatment

There are several different options for vaginal atrophy treatment, which you can choose from, to suit your preferences and needs. 

While we believe that a lot can be achieved with natural treatments, we want all women to know their options. Information is power, and you may find a medical treatment that works for you. Speak to your doctor if you’d like to explore your options for medical treatment. 

Oestrogen Treatments

As vaginal atrophy is often a result of low oestrogen levels, there are a range of treatments which involve natural oestrogen to supplement your natural hormone levels, build back healthy levels of tissue collagen, elastin and restore a balanced vaginal pH. 

• Vaginal oestrogen pessaries, gel or cream, which you insert daily for a couple of weeks, then a few times per week for maintenance thereafter. Pessaries and gel are generally better tolerated by most women as cream can be messy and has more potentially irritant ingredients which can cause a reaction in this delicate area - speak to your doctor for advice.

• Vaginal oestrogen ring, designed to be comfortably inserted by you without medical intervention. This offers a consistent supply of oestrogen to your vagina. The ring needs replacing every three months. 

• DHEA pessaries are another form of hormone treatment which can be used vaginally - this key hormone can help supplement the role of oestrogen and support healthy muscle tissues in the vagina - again speak to your doctor or gynaecologist for advice.

An Alternative to Hormonal Treatments

Nutrition shouldn't be underestimated when it comes to treating symptoms. If for whatever reason, hormonal treatment isn't for you, or you'd like to enhance the impact of other treatment with nutrition, The Menopause Capsule has been created to help balance hormones, relieve intimate dryness and support libido. It also offers comprehensive daily support with other menopause symptoms, to keep you healthy now, and in the future.

Victory Oil

While these treatments can help soothe the internal discomfort caused by atrophy, you may also experience external dryness. This natural, fragrance free oil offers relief from itching or dryness down below. Formulated with nourishing oils like pomegranate, mango butter, and vitamin E, Victory Oil restores elasticity and deeply hydrates intimate skin affected by hormonal changes.

Apply daily, or as needed, when you need that moment of relief. Click here for more information on Victory Oil. For the best results, use it after cleansing with Victory Cleanse to lock in hydration and maintain comfort throughout the day. 

Having sex with vaginal atrophy

Lady, you deserve good sex, and vaginal atrophy doesn’t have to be an obstacle to a healthy sex life. If sex is becoming uncomfortable due to vaginal dryness, opt for a water-based lubricant which is free of chemical irritants to help your sexy time go more smoothly. Victory Glide, Naydaya’s 100% natural water-based lubricant and moisturiser, is specially formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Prebiotics to hydrate, protect, and enhance pleasure — all while being pH-balanced and safe to use with condoms.

Avoid petroleum jelly (uh hello, our vaginas aren’t engines) and oil-based lubricants if you’re using condoms, as these substances can compromise condoms’ efficiency. 

You should also let your partner know if anything is uncomfortable or not pleasurable - just because something once felt good, it doesn't mean it always will as your body evolves. Explore with an open mind while practicing self-kindness.

Can vaginal atrophy cause bleeding?

Bleeding can be a symptom of vaginal atrophy or GSM due to even gentle trauma when delicate tissues are vulnerable. There are several other causes of bleeding in post-menopausal women, including:

• cervical or womb polyps (growths that are usually non-cancerous)

• cervical erosion due to hormonal changes

• a thickened womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia) – this can be caused by hormone replacement therapy (HRT), hormone imbalances eg PCOS,  being overweight, and can lead to womb cancer if unchecked and untreated.

Much less commonly, postmenopausal bleeding is caused by cancer, such as ovarian and womb cancer.

If you are noticing unusual or unscheduled bleeding - however mild - you should see your doctor to find out exactly what's causing it.

Whether you’re managing dryness, irritation, or discomfort during intimacy, the Victory Range supports your intimate health at every stage.

• Cleanse gently with Victory Cleanse to protect your microbiome
  
  

• Care daily with Victory Oil for lasting hydration and elasticity
  
  

• Climax comfortably with Victory Glide for natural, friction-free pleasure
  
  

All hormone-free, dermatologist and gynaecologist approved, and safe through every life stage — from postpartum to menopause.