From symptoms to potential causes, we tell you more about vaginal atrophy


Vaginal atrophy is a common condition most often associated with the menopause, although there are other potential causes which we discuss in more detail below. Read on to find out more about the symptoms and ways to help ease them.


What is vaginal atrophy?


Vaginal atrophy (or atrophic vaginitis) is when the vaginal walls become thinner, drier and inflamed, which may happen during times when your body produces less oestrogen, such as around the time of menopause.


It’s also known by the term ‘genitourinary syndrome of menopause’ (GSM) because the condition causes both vaginal and urinary (organs that carry urine out of your body) symptoms.


What are the symptoms of vaginal atrophy?


Symptoms of vaginal atrophy differ on a case-by-case basis.


Vaginal symptoms may include:


• Thinning of the vaginal walls

• Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal

• Vaginal dryness

• Burning in the vagina (inflammation)

• Blood spotting after sex – if this occurs, see your GP

• A feeling of pain or discomfort during sex – having regular sex can help to keep your vaginal tissues healthy


Urinary symptoms may include:


• Pain or a burning sensation when you wee

• Having urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis, more often

• Urinary incontinence

• Needing to wee more frequently


Vaginal atrophy can increase your chance of getting a vaginal infection. This is because it changes the acidic environment of the vagina, making it easier for bacteria, yeast and other organisms to grow.


What causes vaginal atrophy?


The main cause of vaginal atrophy is a lack of oestrogen in the body, which makes the vaginal tissue thinner, drier and less elastic.


Most commonly, a lack of oestrogen happens around the time of menopause. Some people may experience vaginal atrophy during perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause), post-menopause (the years after menopause) or not at all.


Vaginal atrophy can also be caused by circumstances including:


• Pelvic radiotherapy

• Chemotherapy

• Hormonal cancer treatments (such as anti-oestrogen medications)

• Having both ovaries removed, which can cause surgical menopause

• Having an underlying condition such as diabetes or Sjogren’s syndrome

• Breastfeeding


You may be more at risk of vaginal atrophy if you:


• Have never given birth vaginally

• Smoke – this hinders blood circulation which can cause tissue in the vagina and other organs to become thinner


What are the treatments for vaginal atrophy?


Treatment for vaginal atrophy will depend on what caused it. Your GP will be able to diagnose vaginal atrophy and advise you on how to treat it based on your personal circumstances.


If your vaginal atrophy has been caused by menopause, your GP may recommend treatment options such as:


Topical vaginal oestrogen


This can include:


• Vaginal oestrogen creams – a cream you insert directly into the vagina, usually before bed

• Vaginal oestrogen tablets – a tablet you insert directly into the vagina with a disposable applicator


If you are postmenopausal, over the age of 50 and have not had a period for one year, you may want to consider Gina 10 Micrograms Vaginal Tablets.* These are available over the counter (or without prescription) and provide a low dose of oestrogen to help relieve vaginal symptoms after the menopause, such as dryness, soreness, burning, itching and painful intercourse.


You can also access Vaginal Dryness Treatment** from Boots Online Doctor to help relieve menopause-related vaginal dryness symptoms, provided it’s suitable for you.


HRT


Systemic HRT (hormone replacement therapy) is a type of treatment that helps to relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing the hormones that are at a lower level around the time of menopause. 


This may be recommended if topical vaginal oestrogen hasn’t helped, or if you have wider menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and brain fog.


There are many types of HRT including tablets, skin patches, sprays and gels. If you’d like to know more about HRT and its suitability for you, speak to your GP who can advise further.


Alternatively, you can also access Menopause & HRT Treatment ** through our Boots Online Doctor after a consultation with a clinician, provided its suitable for you. 


Are there non-hormonal ways to ease vaginal atrophy?


If hormonal treatments are not an option for you or you’d prefer not to take them, there are other ways to help ease some of the symptoms of vaginal atrophy such as intimate dryness products. Although these can’t treat the underlying cause, they can help to make the vagina feel more comfortable.


These include:


• Vaginal moisturisers – a moisturiser you insert directly into the vagina every few days to help restore moisture

• Water-based lubricants – a lubricant you apply to the vulva and vagina before sex to help reduce discomfort


It’s also advised to avoid:


• Using perfumed washes, soaps and douches in and around your vagina

• Putting creams or lotions with petroleum jelly inside your vagina (this can cause an infection)

• Using moisturisers that aren’t designed for your vagina


If you’re experiencing symptoms of vaginal atrophy that are impacting your daily life, or you’re experiencing associated conditions or concerns such as a vaginal infection, a UTI, unusual discharge or bleeding from your vagina, or bleeding after sex or in between your periods, speak to your GP for further advice.

RELATED ARTICLES

How the menopause can affect your mental health

There's more to it than just hot flushes & night sweats

What is HRT?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment used to relieve the symptoms of menopause. Learn more about the benefits of HRT & finding the right treatment for you

*Gina is for treatment and relief of vaginal symptoms post-menopause in women aged 50 years and older who have not had a period for at least one year. Contains estradiol. Always read the label. Supply is subject to pharmacist approval.

**Access to prescription only medicine is subject to a consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Charges apply.