A woman’s menopause, which signifies the end of her reproductive years, is an important stage in her life. Despite being a normal biological process, it frequently causes a variety of symptoms that can affect a woman’s physical and mental health. Although they can be upsetting, symptoms like vaginal dryness and hot flashes can be controlled with the correct care. Advanced therapies for menopausal symptoms are available from cosmetic gynecologist and PCOS specialist Dr. Shraddha Goel, who helps women more easily accept this time of life.
This October, as we observe Menopause Awareness Month, it’s crucial to spread awareness about the importance of managing menopausal symptoms effectively. Early intervention and proper care can make this natural transition smoother and more comfortable for women.
What is Menopause?
According to official definitions, menopause occurs when a woman has not had her period for 12 consecutive months. Although some women may experience it earlier or later, it usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. Declining levels of progesterone and estrogen, two essential hormones in the female reproductive system, are the cause of menopausal symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Menopause
Although each woman’s menopausal experience is different, most cases share several symptoms. These consist of:
- Hot flushes: Sudden sensations of warmth, frequently accompanied by redness and perspiration.
- Vaginal dryness: A reduction in the vaginal walls’ moisture content, which causes discomfort.
- Burning and itching in the vagina: Feelings of irritation that can make routine tasks uncomfortable.
- Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM): A collection of symptoms affecting the urine and genital systems.
- Urge incontinence and stress urinary incontinence (SUI): Urine leakage that occurs involuntarily as a result of weak pelvic floor muscles.
- Vaginal laxity: A weakening of the vaginal tissues, frequently brought on by aging and hormonal changes, can cause a loose feeling.
- Face wrinkles and sagging: Reduced collagen synthesis causes facial drooping, crow’s feet, and fine wrinkles.
Let’s examine each of these symptoms in more detail, along with the most latest treatments.
Hot Flushes
What Are Hot Flushes?
One of the most prevalent and well-known signs of menopause is hot flashes. They are characterized by abrupt heat waves that go throughout the body, frequently followed by perspiration and occasionally cold. Sleep and general quality of life might be negatively impacted by hot flashes that can happen during the day or at night (night sweats).
Treatment for Hot Flushes
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which helps regulate hormone levels and lessens the severity of hot flushes, is the main treatment for hot flashes. For women who have moderate to severe hot flashes, HRT works especially well. To choose the optimal course of action, it is crucial to speak with an expert like Dr. Shraddha Goel because not all women are good candidates for HRT.
Additional non-hormonal therapies consist of:
- Lifestyle modifications: Reducing the frequency of hot flashes can be achieved by avoiding triggers such as stress, spicy meals, alcohol, and caffeine.
- Herbal remedies: Herbal supplements such as evening primrose oil or black cohosh can help some women, but they should only be used after speaking with a healthcare provider.
Vaginal Dryness
What Causes Vaginal Dryness?
The decrease in estrogen during menopause causes the vaginal walls to weaken and dry out. Itching, discomfort during intercourse, and even a higher risk of infection might result from this. One of the main elements of the larger genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is vaginal dryness.
Treatment for Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness can be effectively treated in a number of ways:
- Topical Estrogen: Direct application of estrogen to the vaginal region aids in tissue elasticity restoration and moisture replenishment without appreciably altering total hormone levels. Women who are unable to take systemic HRT can benefit from this.
- Moisturizers and Lubricants: Immediate relief can be obtained using over-the-counter medicines made especially for vaginal dryness. These consist of longer-lasting vaginal moisturizers and lubricants that are based on water.
- Laser Therapy and Mesotherapy: Mesotherapy and laser treatments have become innovative therapies for increasingly chronic conditions. Fractional CO2 lasers are used in laser therapy to promote collagen synthesis and enhance vaginal tissue health. Mesotherapy promotes hydration and renewal by directly injecting nutritious chemicals into the vaginal tissue.
We give laser therapy, mesotherapy, and even a high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) chair at Rajasthan’s first specialist Menopause Clinic to help strengthen the pelvic muscles and lessen the symptoms of vaginal laxity and urine incontinence.
Urge Incontinence, SUI, and Vaginal Laxity
Understanding Incontinence and Vaginal Laxity
Urge and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are two types of urine incontinence that many women experience when their estrogen levels fall. These disorders are frequently brought on by a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, which can also result in vaginal laxity, which lowers comfort levels and sexual satisfaction.
Treatment for Urinary Incontinence and Vaginal Laxity
We provide a number of advanced treatments for these conditions at our Menopause Clinic:
- CO2 Laser and HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound): Through stimulating the creation of collagen, these non-surgical methods help in tightening the vaginal walls and regaining their firmness and functionality.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises with HIFEM Chair: By strengthening the pelvic floor muscles with electromagnetic pulses, this method improves vaginal tone and addresses incontinence without the need for surgery.
- Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation: Surgery can be used to restore both form and function in more severe cases of vaginal laxity.
Burning and Itching in the Vagina
Understanding the Discomfort
Vaginal dryness and GSM are frequently linked to the burning and itching feelings that many women have throughout menopause. Because the vaginal tissues are thinner, they are more prone to irritation, which can cause discomfort when doing daily tasks like working out or even just sitting for extended periods of time.
Treatment Options
- Topical Estrogen: Topical estrogen creams can greatly lessen discomfort and bring comfort back, just like they can with vaginal dryness.
- Laser Therapy: Menopause-related burning and itching can be lessened with laser treatment, which revitalizes the vaginal tissues.
- Good Hygiene Practices: Simple yet efficient methods to reduce irritation include avoiding harsh cleansers, wearing breathable cotton underwear, and drinking enough of water.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
What is GSM?
The term “GSM” refers to the set of symptoms that menopausal women experience that impact both their genital and urinary systems. Vaginal dryness, burning, itching, pain during sexual activity, and urinary problems such as incontinence or recurrent UTIs are some of these symptoms.
Treatment for GSM
A comprehensive strategy that addresses both vaginal and urinary symptoms is necessary for the treatment of GSM:
- Hormonal Therapy: By giving the vaginal walls back their suppleness and moisture, systemic or topical estrogen therapy helps reduce a number of GSM symptoms.
- Laser Therapy and Mesotherapy: For women with GSM, these advanced treatments provide a long-term solution by assisting in the restoration of tissue function and comfort.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: Using exercises like Kegels to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles can assist treat GSM-related urine problems.
Latest Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
Hormonal Therapy (HRT)
Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and GSM are just a few of the many menopausal symptoms that HRT is still one of the best ways to manage. HRT lessens the intensity of these symptoms by restoring estrogen levels. To determine whether HRT is appropriate for you depending on your medical history, it is imperative that you speak with a gynecologist like Dr. Shraddha Goel.
Lifestyle Modifications
Menopausal symptoms can also be effectively managed with simple lifestyle adjustments:
- Regular Exercise: Walking, yoga, and swimming are examples of physical activities that might enhance mood, increase vitality, and lessen hot flashes.
- Healthy Diet: During menopause, a well-balanced diet high in calcium, vitamin D, and antioxidants supports bone health and general wellbeing.
- Stress Management: Stress can be decreased by exercising mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques. Stress frequently makes menopausal symptoms better.
Laser and Mesotherapy for Vaginal Dryness and GSM
Laser therapy and mesotherapy are innovative therapies that provide long-term relief from vaginal dryness and GSM for women who do not react to hormone medications or who prefer non-hormonal alternatives. By promoting the vaginal tissues’ natural healing processes, these therapies provide comfort, suppleness, and moisture.
- Laser Therapy: A non-invasive technique that increases the flexibility and strength of vaginal tissue by promoting the creation of collagen.
- Mesotherapy: A procedure that encourages renewal by directly delivering moisturizing and nourishing ingredients into the vaginal tissues.
Conclusion
Menopause doesn’t have to be difficult, even if it’s a natural phase. Women can get relief from conditions including vaginal dryness, urine incontinence, and face aging with the use of the latest treatments, such as laser therapy, mesotherapy, and the HIFEM chair. At the Menopause Clinic in Rajasthan, Dr. Shraddha Goel and her team provide comprehensive care that includes lifestyle changes, emotional support, and advanced therapies to help women go through menopause comfortably and confidently.
Whether you suffer from vaginal dryness, hot flashes, or urine incontinence, getting the help you need to manage your symptoms and enhance your quality of life might be important.