What’s the #1 most common symptom of menopause that’s also the most treatable?
Dr. Margaret Nachtigall, a board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist at NYU Langone Health is also the Medical Director of Menopause Cheat Sheet. In the newest issue of GRUFFtalk: How to Age Better Podcast, she answers a reader’s question about vaginal dryness.
Here are some notes from the episode.
What should I do about vaginal dryness?
This is an important topic. It impacts women as we age because our estrogen levels decrease. It impacts the elasticity and Ph of our skin. Less moisture leads to dryness, and possibly pain and in some circumstances infections.
There are prescription options including vaginal estrogen. This is not the same as a pill or patch. It’s local to the vagina, and not systemic. Everyone can take this except for those with an estrogen-sensitive tumor.
Other options include vaginal moisturizers and lubricants. Dr. Margaret recommends hyaluronic acid products. It is a natural substance found in the fluids in the eyes and joints and can act as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues.
Natural oils like coconut oil can help as well. She outlines the other products that can work including over the counter brands that are easy to find.
She recommends thinking about multiple options to see what works best for you. No two people are the same, and it may be a combination of options that give you the best results.
Don’t be afraid to discuss with your healthcare provider, and ask for options and recommendations.
We also talked about the uptick in sexually transmitted diseases.
What you need to know about STD’s.
Recent reports have shown rapid growth in STD’s for men and women in midlife.
It’s important to take precautions and continue to practice safe sex. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor and if you aren’t sure, ask to be screened.
If you have a question you’d like us to cover in a future episode, reach out on Instagram and let me know. This is a resource for all of us to age better!
Quotes:
This is going to affect everyone, and there’s no reason to suffer. – Dr. Nachtigall
Personalized medicine is so critical for getting the right treatment. – Barbara Hannah Grufferman
Resources:
North American Menopause Society – Resources
Get the Menopause Cheat Sheet Here
Love Your Age: The Small-Step Solution to a Better, Longer, Happier Life
Barbara Hannah Grufferman website
Instagram @Barbara Hannah Grufferman
Facebook @BarbaraHannahGruffermanAuthor
