what is vaginal atrophy

Vaginal atrophy is a condition where the tissues of the vagina become thinner, drier, and more inflamed because estrogen levels drop, most often around menopause. It is also called genitourinary syndrome of menopause or atrophic vaginitis.

Common symptoms

Typical symptoms include:

• Vaginal dryness.
• Burning, itching, or irritation.
• Pain during sex.
• Sometimes urinary symptoms, like burning with urination or a stronger urge to pee.

Why it happens

Estrogen helps keep vaginal tissue healthy and lubricated. When estrogen falls, the tissue can become thinner and less elastic, which makes it more prone to discomfort and inflammation. This is common after menopause, but it can also happen after ovarian surgery, during breastfeeding, or with treatments that lower estrogen.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are:

• Nonhormonal vaginal moisturizers.
• Lubricants during sex.
• Low-dose vaginal estrogen, such as a cream, tablet, or ring, if needed.

When to get help

If symptoms are persistent, painful, or affecting sex or urination, it is worth talking to a clinician. Vaginal atrophy is common and treatable, and earlier treatment can help prevent symptoms from getting worse.

TL;DR: Vaginal atrophy is thinning and drying of vaginal tissue caused by low estrogen, usually after menopause, and it often improves with moisturizers, lubricants, or local estrogen treatment.