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Vaginal atrophy, also known as atrophic vaginitis, is a common condition that affects women in perimenopause and postmenopause.
It occurs due to a decline in estrogen levels, leading to thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls.
These changes often result in symptoms such as vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections, and pain during sexual intercourse.
In this blog post, we will explain how declining hormone levels affect vaginal health and explore two treatment options: Hormone replacement therapy and shockwave therapy.
Understanding The Effects of Declining Hormone Levels
Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of the vaginal tissues.
During perimenopause, estrogen levels decline significantly, causing changes in the vagina’s pH balance, blood flow, and lubrication.
This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as dryness, itching, burning, and pain during sexual activity.
Without enough estrogen present, the vaginal walls become thinner and less elastic, making them more susceptible to injury or infection.
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Vaginal Atrophy
One treatment option for vaginal atrophy is hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
This involves taking estrogen and, in some cases, progesterone to supplement the body’s declining hormone levels.
Another form of HRT is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones naturally produced by the body and may be more favorable for some women.
Both options effectively restore hormone levels, helping to alleviate symptoms and improve vaginal health.
Hormone replacement therapy effectively relieves many perimenopause symptoms such as:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
- Depression and anxiety
- Insomnia
- Joint pain
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Low sex drive
Shockwave Therapy for Vaginal Atrophy
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-intensity sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
While primarily used for treating musculoskeletal conditions, shockwave therapy has recently gained attention as an effective treatment for vaginal atrophy.
Studies have shown that shockwave therapy can improve symptoms of vaginal atrophy by increasing blood flow, promoting tissue regeneration, and reducing inflammation.
This can lead to improved lubrication, reduced pain during intercourse, and an overall improvement in vaginal health.
Procedure Details
Vaginal rejuvenation shockwave therapy is a painless and quick procedure that can be done in-office.
The shockwave device emits sound waves that penetrate the tissue and stimulate new collagen growth.
Each session takes about 20 minutes, and most women require between 4–6 sessions for optimal results.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Apart from improving symptoms of vaginal atrophy, shockwave therapy offers other benefits such as:
- Non-invasive and pain-free
- No downtime or recovery period
- Improved blood circulation
- Reduced inflammation
- Better sexual pleasure and sensation
Book an Appointment Today
If you are struggling with the uncomfortable symptoms of vaginal atrophy, our team at Pure Body Health is here to help.
Our experienced provider, Dr. Sarah Stone, ND, offers both hormone replacement therapy and shockwave therapy to improve vaginal health and restore comfort and confidence.
To book an appointment at our wellness clinic in Tempe, AZ, call (480) 427-0442 or complete the online inquiry form.