Is menopause causing uncomfortable symptoms like vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence? Stop suffering and get treatments that really work at Forum Health.
As a woman you know menopause is something you’ll have to go through. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence with dozens of physical, sexual, emotional and mental health symptoms.
One of the most prevalent symptoms of menopause is changes in vaginal health, particularly vaginal dryness and incontinence. Many women silently endure these conditions, not realizing there are effective treatments available to alleviate their discomfort.
Vaginal Dryness During Menopause
Vaginal dryness is caused by drops in estrogen levels during menopause, which leads to a decrease in vaginal lubrication.
Vaginal dryness symptoms
Symptoms of vaginal dryness may include:
- Itching
- Burning
- Pain during intercourse
- Urinary symptoms
While experiencing vaginal dryness may feel isolating and frustrating, it’s important to remember you’re not alone and there are solutions available to help you regain comfort and confidence.
Incontinence During Menopause
There are several types of incontinence experienced by women. Stress incontinence occurs as hormone levels fluctuate, particularly estrogen, which affects the strength and elasticity of the pelvic floor muscles and tissues in the urinary tract.
Urge incontinence is caused by a minor condition, such as an infection, or a more severe condition such as a neurologic disorder or diabetes.
Incontinence Symptoms
- Barely making it to the bathroom in time
- Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze or jump
- Feeling the urge to urinate often, especially while sleeping at night.
- Feeling a strong, sudden urge to urinate, even when no urine comes out.
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
While experiencing vaginal dryness and incontinence may feel isolating and frustrating, it’s important to remember you’re not alone and there are solutions available to help you regain comfort and confidence.
Explore Functional Medicine Treatments for Vaginal Dryness and Incontinence
Functional and integrative medicine offers a variety of treatments, including to empower you with knowledge and provide a better quality of life.
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): BHRT uses hormones that are molecularly identical to those naturally produced by your body. This treatment option aims to restore hormonal balance and alleviate vaginal dryness and other menopause symptoms. By replenishing estrogen levels, BHRT can improve lubrication and overall vaginal health and helps to keep the pelvic floor and muscles strong and stretchy for better bladder control. Forum Health’s providers are experienced in hormone therapy and can discuss the benefits and potential risks associated with BHRT to determine if it’s right for you.
- Shockwave Therapy: Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment for vaginal dryness and incontinence that uses acoustic waves to stimulate blood flow and regenerate tissue. Used to treat a variety of conditions, it has shown promising results in improving vaginal dryness and incontinence symptoms. This therapy can enhance vaginal tissue elasticity, increase lubrication, reduce discomfort and bladder leakage, decrease frequency and urgency, improves pelvic floor and regenerates bladder wall tissue.
- Vaginal Rejuvenation Shots: Vaginal rejuvenation shots involve injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the vaginal tissue. PRP contains growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration and improve blood flow. This procedure can promote the production of collagen and elastin, enhancing vaginal lubrication and overall tissue health.
Vaginal Dryness and incontinence treatments vary by clinic, contact your local Forum Health provider for a comprehensive list of options.
Additional advanced treatments are available for vaginal dryness, including laser therapy, vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, topical estrogen creams, and vaginal dilators.
Together with your Forum Health functional medicine provider you can develop a personalized plan that may incorporate a variety of these treatments to best support you through menopause.
Menopause can be challenging to navigate; however, it is important to remember that effective treatments exist, providing relief and improving your overall well-being. By exploring functional medicine advanced treatments for vaginal dryness, incontinence and other menopause symptoms, you can regain control over your body and live a more comfortable life.
Schedule a consultation with one of our Forum Health providers who specializes in menopause and vaginal health to discuss your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan.
You don’t have to suffer in silence – there is hope and support available for you!
