V. Ways to manage vaginal symptoms of menopause and VMS

Vaginal symptoms of menopause and Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS) are extremely common in women and believed to result from a change in hormones during menopause. Those who experience VMS are more sensitive to subtle changes in temperature fluctuations that present as hot flashes or intense heat felt in the face or chest, and usually associated with redness, perspiration and palpitations. Most women will experience this during peri/menopause, yet the majority will not require significant intervention. Other symptoms include vaginal dryness, mood changes, sleep problems, weight gain or change in metabolism. If these symptoms are negatively impacting your quality of life, you should take action with the guidance of a health care provider. 

Here are V. (five) ways to help manage vaginal menopausal symptoms and VMS.

i. LIFESTYLE MODIFACTIONS

Understanding your body and recognizing menopausal symptoms is crucial when trying to establish lifestyle modifications and interventions. Self-care including regular exercise, a balanced diet and restful sleep habits are critical to staying healthy and managing certain symptoms. Avoiding substances such as spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol (especially red wine) can ease VMS in some women. Dressing and sleeping in breathable fabrics/layers can also help to manage temperature control issues. It is important to seek outside help from social, psychological and physical support teams if these simple lifestyle changes are not effective.

ii. VITAMINS + SUPPLEMENTS

Vitamins and supplements such as phytoestrogens, flax seed, soy products, black cohosh, and ginseng are some of the more natural products that can help ease certain VMS symptoms. While research is ongoing, many women have experienced positive results with these dietary supplements. Speak to your healthcare provider or an alternative/homeopathic specialist for more information regarding vitamins and supplements to ease, treat and manage menopause issues.

iii.  MEDICATION 

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are a class of drugs that are often used to help with anxiety and depression. These medications have been shown to help women who experience VMS associated with menopausal changes. SSRIs can be prescribed by your healthcare provider.

iv. LOCAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Local hormone therapy is usually a vaginal estrogen cream, tablet or suppository. Local estrogen can help with the vaginal changes during menopause that can make sex painful and alleviate other VMS symptoms as well.

 v. SYSTEMIC HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can include estrogen, progesterone and sometimes testosterone. Women who have a uterus (i.e. have not had their uterus removed) must take progesterone if they are receiving systemic estrogen therapy. These medications can be administered orally, as a patch, topical cream or injection. Women who use systemic HRT should be supervised by a healthcare provider. If you have had a personal history of breast cancer, blood clots or abnormal uterine bleeding, you should not use this method to treat symptoms.

 Verbena does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not a medical provider. Discuss menopause symptoms, issues, questions or concerns with your personal doctor.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.