Vaginal Woes

Vaginal burning, itching, dryness, and discomfort are usually the ways that women describe the pain they feel with this menopause menace.  Hot flashes are the most talked about menopause symptom, but almost 50% of menopausal women experience atrophic vaginitis.  Remember when I say  menopause, I'm talking surgically induced (hysterectomy) and natural (normal aging). The decline in estrogen basically causes thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls.  Over time and left untreated, this nuisance can lead to other things like discomfort during intercourse, recurrent urinary tract infections, and incontinence.

 So how do you treat it?  Often Estrogen therapy applied vaginally 2-3 times weekly can give resolution.  I customize a therapy all the time for this one problem alone.  It's become a go-to formulation for prescribers looking for an answer to their patient's discomfort.

Today I consulted with a patient who has a condition called vulvar lichen planus.  This goes even further beyond the vaginitis and REALLY affects skin integrity.  These women deal with cracking skin, itchy patches, sores, and other painful matters. For them, the treatment plan often includes a multi-ingredient customized medicine to treat multiple aspects of the pain.

Not long after, I got an email from a prescriber asking for help with a young patient who recently had a baby.  The young mom complained of stabbing pains and constant hurting in the vagina since having the baby.  The approach was much the same with her.  I interviewed her and got a better understanding of what the pain intensity was, when it happened the most, etc. etc.  We were able to go to the lab and make a customized pain formula for her.  Hoorah!!

Very real stuff.  Very treatable.  When I visit with patients one on one, it's amazing to hear the 'hidden' problems they experience.  It doesn't have to be hidden.  Seek help.  Now that's good advice.


~DrSonja