The Relationship Between Estrogen Levels and Vaginal Dryness

The hormonal balance plays a significant role in women’s lives. Estrogen, as the most important female sex hormone, begins its activity during puberty and regulates numerous physiological processes. The hormone plays a key role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics, maintaining fertility, and regulating the menstrual cycle. Throughout a woman’s life, estrogen levels fluctuate, and towards the end of the fertile period, before menopause, hormone production gradually decreases.

The Effects of Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes not only affect the reproductive system but also have an impact on other areas of the body. Estrogen contributes to the health of bones and the cardiovascular system, as well as stabilizing mood. However, the decrease in hormone levels, especially during menopause, can cause numerous unpleasant symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, which is often an overlooked issue among women. As the condition of the vagina deteriorates, the risk of discomfort and infections increases, which can significantly affect women’s quality of life.

Causes of Decreased Estrogen Levels

The hormonal changes occur naturally in connection with menopause. At the end of the female life cycle, the number of viable eggs in the ovaries decreases, leading to a reduction in hormone production. Consequently, the menstrual cycle becomes irregular, and the period of menopause arrives. Menopause is defined as the last menstrual bleeding, which is not followed by another bleeding for a year. The decrease in hormone levels can be associated with various symptoms, such as hot flashes, depression, urinary problems, and vaginal dryness.

Menopause typically occurs in the middle stage of a woman’s life, but early ovarian insufficiency can also occur, leading to early menopause. There are other causes of decreased hormone production, such as severe dieting, the effects of medications, or hormonal imbalances. Medications like contraceptives, androgens, or other hormonal preparations can also influence estrogen levels. It is important for women to pay attention to the signals from their bodies and seek medical help if necessary.

Treatment of Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness can complicate many women’s lives, especially during periods of hormonal changes. Vaginal atrophy, which is associated with thinning of the vaginal walls and a decrease in the number of Lactobacillus bacteria, can cause severe symptoms. To reduce dryness, irritation, and the risk of infections, it is important for women to seek medical help in a timely manner. The treatment of vaginal dryness can be achieved not only through hormone replacement therapy but also with local, vaginally applied treatments.

Hormone replacement therapy, which can be in local or systemic form, can help alleviate symptoms. The combined use of vaginal moisturizers, preparations that support normal vaginal flora, and anti-inflammatory creams can be an effective solution. It is important to highlight that in certain cases, such as patients treated for breast cancer, hormone-free solutions should be relied upon to avoid the risks associated with hormonal preparations.

The treatment of vaginal dryness is a complex process that can be successfully managed with appropriate medical guidance and the use of suitable preparations. Women need to consciously pay attention to changes in their bodies and, if necessary, seek medical help to ensure that unpleasant symptoms do not diminish their quality of life. In order to restore hormonal balance, involving specialists is essential, especially if the complaints persist.