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What Causes Vaginal Dryness?
Question: I am a 55 y.o. white female who is experiencing hot flashes and the beginning of menopause. (had a hysterectomy but left the ovaries at 47)
I suffer from a some type of auto-immune issue, went to the Mayo Clinic, (2012) where one of the things they uncovered was esophageal candidates. I had been experiencing vaginal yeast infections several times a year for the first time in my life for the 3-4 years prior. No diabetes, negative for AIDs.
4-5 days ago, I had significant dryness and itching of my vagina, and self treated with OTC anti-fungal medication. The itching stopped, but the dryness remains, and my vulva and vagina feel kind of heavy and swollen. Are these symptoms a part of the process of menopause?
I suffer from a some type of auto-immune issue, went to the Mayo Clinic, (2012) where one of the things they uncovered was esophageal candidates. I had been experiencing vaginal yeast infections several times a year for the first time in my life for the 3-4 years prior. No diabetes, negative for AIDs.
4-5 days ago, I had significant dryness and itching of my vagina, and self treated with OTC anti-fungal medication. The itching stopped, but the dryness remains, and my vulva and vagina feel kind of heavy and swollen. Are these symptoms a part of the process of menopause?
Brief Answer:
Yes
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I read your query and I understand your concerns.
Following is my reply
1. You are right. These are menopause symptoms.
2. The vaginal dryness is due to estrogen hormone deficiency.
3. This estrogen hormone helps keep vagina from dryness and fungal infection.
4. If its dry and itchy use estrogen cream / gel available OTC.
5. If hot flush also exists you might need HRT yo overcome these symptoms temporarily.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards
Dr. Mahesh Koregol
Yes
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I read your query and I understand your concerns.
Following is my reply
1. You are right. These are menopause symptoms.
2. The vaginal dryness is due to estrogen hormone deficiency.
3. This estrogen hormone helps keep vagina from dryness and fungal infection.
4. If its dry and itchy use estrogen cream / gel available OTC.
5. If hot flush also exists you might need HRT yo overcome these symptoms temporarily.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards
Dr. Mahesh Koregol
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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