Plagued by Vaginal Dryness in Perimenopause? We Have Solutions

The transition to menopause, called perimenopause, can last between a few years for some women and 8-10 years for others. Most women start to experience common menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, during perimenopause. As you get closer to menopause, which occurs after you haven’t had a period for 12 months, your symptoms may ramp up.

One of the most common perimenopausal symptoms is vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness can lead to vaginal itching, discomfort, and painful intercourse. All of these symptoms can impact your quality of life, and no woman should have to live with them.

You can feel comfortable talking to board-certified gynecologist Dr. Jeffrey Hantes of Female Health Associates of North Texas, located in Fort Worth, about your vaginal concerns and issues. Dr. Hantes offers various treatments to reduce vaginal dryness so you can enjoy a healthy sex life again.

What causes vaginal dryness during perimenopause?

During perimenopause, your estrogen levels start to fluctuate, leading up to menopause when your hormone levels drop. Estrogen helps keep your vaginal wall elastic and lubricated. Around the time of menopause, the drop in estrogen can lead to thinning, dryness, and inflammation of your vaginal walls. This dryness can cause pain during intercourse and afterward. 

Some women experience a burning sensation while urinating, as well as the need to urinate more frequently. Fortunately, there are effective treatments to help you eliminate vaginal dryness. 

What are my treatment options for vaginal dryness?

Many women first try over-the-counter vaginal lubricants and moisturizers. While lubricants can help add moisture, they don’t address the thinning of the vaginal walls, so intercourse, for many, is still painful. 

Fortunately, Dr. Hantes offers several treatment options. He can help you determine the most effective options for your concerns and symptoms. These options include:

Hormone therapy

If you have vaginal dryness as well as other perimenopause symptoms, like hot flashes and sleep disturbances, hormone therapy can help address all of the above. There are several delivery methods, such as topical creams, pellets, and capsules. Dr. Hantes can help you select the option that’s best for your lifestyle, health, and symptoms.

MonaLisa Touch® intravaginal laser therapy

For some women, hormone therapy isn’t recommended because of their health history, or because they have minor or few perimenopause symptoms. Some women prefer not to take hormones at all. MonaLisa Touch® laser therapy is an effective nonhormonal, nonsurgical treatment that reduces vaginal dryness.

The MonaLisa Touch uses gentle CO2 laser energy to target the tissues of your vaginal wall, improving tissue strength and boosting blood supply in the area. The result is reduced vaginal dryness and irritation, and sex without pain.

The O-Shot®

The O-Shot®, also called the orgasm shot, is a natural way for women to boost vaginal lubrication and their sex life. The procedure uses PRP (platelet-rich plasma), derived from growth factors in your own blood. 

PRP is an innovative procedure gaining in popularity for treating various injuries, including damaged tissues, ligaments, and muscles. To reduce vaginal dryness, Dr. Hantes starts by numbing the injection site and injecting PRP into specific areas of your vagina. 

Benefits include increased lubrication and improved sexual arousal. Bonus: You may experience stronger orgasms. 

If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness and painful sex, call Dr. Hantes to schedule a consultation today or request one online. You don’t have to live with pain and discomfort.