There is much talk about what the menopause does to a woman’s body temperature and her moods. There is, understandably but rather misleadingly, much less time given to what changes she is likely to experience in her vagina. The sharp drop in the levels of the hormone oestrogen can cause devastation as it plays a key part in the health of the vulvo-vaginal tract, including by producing glycogen which encourages the helpful bacteria that keeps infections at bay. The decrease in oestrogen also affects the glands at the neck of the womb that produce essential fluids and mucus that keep the vaginal skin and tissues supple and moist.
How is vaginal dryness treated?
When this change causes symptoms such as pain during sexual intercourse, doctors term it atrophic vaginitis. About half of women display some related symptoms after the menopause – likely more but they have been too embarrassed to talk to their doctor about it, choosing instead to put up with discomfort. Some women are put off by the idea of HRT, having seen too many negative stories in the press. Female gynaecologist Miss Amanda Tozer has helped many women navigate their way through myriad menopausal symptoms, looking at each case on an individual basis, and prescribing a wide range of treatments, including HRT and alternative therapies. During a consultation at her London menopause clinic, Miss Tozer will ask you which symptoms you find most debilitating and that will inform the approach.
Is there a side-effect-free alternative to HRT?
Miss Tozer is pleased to be able to offer her London patients an innovative new treatment for vaginal atrophy: the MonaLisa Touch – a safe, painless and minimally invasive procedure that utilises laser therapy to rejuvenate the vulvo-vaginal tract. Its aim is to restore the premenopausal structures to enable the natural production of the all-important vaginal mucosa.