Vaginal Atrophy

Vaginal atrophy is the thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls that occurs when estrogen levels decrease. Estrogen keeps vaginal tissue thick, flexible, and lubricated. Without it, the tissue becomes thinner and less resilient, which can cause dryness, discomfort, and pain during both intercourse and everyday activities.

Vaginal atrophy is extremely common in postmenopausal women, as it affects more than half of them to some extent. Many women feel ashamed to speak about it, but it is a well-understood medical condition with which there are effective treatments. Low-dose vaginal estrogen is one of the most commonly recommended treatment options and is considered safe even for women who may not be candidates for systemic hormone therapy.