Menopause is the last period in a woman's life. But the changes in the body that precede this point appear a few years earlier. Many of us then begin to feel the increasing discomfort in the intimate sphere of life. It is closely related to the change in blood hormone levels.

Menopauseis the confusion that runs along the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovaries axis. The concentration ofhormones secreted by the pituitary gland - follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) - which regulate the function of the ovaries, rises. Lowering the efficiency of the ovaries, in turn, leads to a significant reduction in the production of estrogens and progesterone. This, in turn, has a significant impact not only on a woman's psyche (e.g. changing moods), but also on the physical changes taking place in the body.

Menopause is a nagging shortage of estrogen

The most acute deficiency is estrogen, which determines the functioning of many organs. Adverse changes occur in the breasts, bones, heart, blood vessels, brain, skin, hair, mucous membranes. Of course, the effects of the deficiency of sex hormones also affect the genitourinary system. Estrogen deficiency reduces the number of cells that make up the vaginal mucosa. Its walls become thinner and excessively dry. This condition is called vaginitis atrophy or atrophy.

Menopause: Vaginal dryness is troublesome

The most distressing symptom is vaginal dryness. This is due to the lack of glycogen, which is produced in the cells of the vaginal walls under the influence of estrogens. If the concentration of estrogens in the body is too low, the already small amounts of glycogen produced are additionally destroyed by the bacteria in the vagina. Therefore, they cannot turn into lactic acid, which is beneficial for the vaginal mucosa. Lack of adequate hydration is the main cause of painful intercourse and significantly increased susceptibility to infections of the genital tract and urinary tract. To improve the comfort of intercourse, it is worth using special over-the-counter moisturizing gels. The weakening of the muscles supporting all organs of the reproductive and urinary system can cause the uterus, bladder and urethra, and even the rectum to move into the vaginal canal.

Organ shiftinternal

Symptoms of internal organs moving towards or into the vagina are usually pain, difficulty urinating, discomfort during intercourse. Along with this comes stress urinary incontinence. The descent of the bladder may result in the development of a tilted bladder. It is a distended, overstretched part of the bladder that is pressed into the vagina. There is urine in the recess, which causes the development of infection, but also a strong pressure and burning when passing it. On the other hand, anal recess causes a strong and uninterrupted pressure on the stool and difficulties in passing it. Both ailments are treated surgically through the vagina. If organ depression is minimal but causes urinary incontinence, pelvic floor muscle training or Kegel exercises and, if possible, hormone therapy are helpful.

Menopause: Hormones going crazy

  • Lower levels of estrogen make a woman more susceptible to urinary tract infections and genital infections.
  • Bartholin's gland inflammation - the culprit is bacteria around the anus. The symptom is swelling and redness of the labia. Usually, a very painful, warm lump forms on one side. To get rid of the problem, you need to use an antibiotic (topical or oral). Sometimes it is necessary to incision and clean the abscess. The disease likes to recur, especially if the lump has not been thoroughly cleaned.
  • Vulvitis and vaginitis - caused by bacteria, trichomoniasis, fungi, genital herpes and human papillomaviruses, which penetrate more easily into the walls of organs weakened by the lack of estrogens. The symptom of inflammation is vaginal discharge with an unpleasant fishy smell. A white-gray, cheesy discharge is a sign that fungi have attacked, and a yellow, foamy discharge is a result of a trichomoniasis.
  • Inflammation is accompanied by a strong feeling of vaginal dryness, burning, itching, and swelling. If the symptoms indicate infection with bacteria or fungi, washing with chamomile infusion, good intimate hygiene fluids, oak bark infusion may help. With mycosis, it is worth using Clotrimazolum cream. When there is no improvement after 3-4 days, see your doctor to prescribe oral or vaginal antibiotics and topical medications.
  • Cervicitis - the culprit is anaerobic bacteria, chlamydia, gonorrhea or HPV. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse and spotting. In the case of chlamydiosis and gonorrhea, antibiotics are used, and in the case of the HPV virus - drugs that increase immunity and vitamins.
  • Adnexitis - the symptoms of this infection vary widely. Usually thoughinflammation of the appendages is accompanied by increased body temperature, sudden pain in the lower abdomen, nausea, pain during a gynecological examination. Treatment consists primarily of antibiotics - applied vaginally and orally. Sometimes painkillers and diastolic medications are also given.

Menopause: problems urinating

Mucosal atrophy causes the vagina to shorten, narrow, and lose its former elasticity. As a result, there is a strong pressure on the bladder, painful urination and stress incontinence. When estrogen is lacking, the epithelium lining the urinary tract becomes thinner (doctors sometimes say it is "going bald"), and this reduces the tension in the muscles around the urethra. The bladder is located right in front of the vagina and therefore a woman may feel an increased urge to urinate during intercourse. Sometimes she simply cannot hold urine, which is a reason for avoiding intercourse. Weak muscles also cause urinary incontinence during exercise or sneezing. Pelvic floor muscle training and Kegel exercises help.

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Female diseases