No woman wants to suffer the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) – especially after undergoing the rigors of breast cancer treatment and successfully achieving survivor status. Yet GSM is an all-too-common side effect among breast cancer patients. It affects as many as 60% of postmenopausal survivors and 40% of premenopausal survivors.
Many women face the arrival of menopause with mixed feelings. On the plus side, you can say goodbye to monthly cramps and the inconvenience of dealing with your period, and you will no longer have to worry about getting pregnant. On the down side, women often experience hot flashes, mood swings and other uncomfortable consequences as they journey through menopause. Thankfully, these symptoms are only temporary.
This is Linda’s story. But if you’re sick and tired of vaginal itching and burning, it could be your story, too. It has the happiest of endings – permanent relief from these hateful symptoms. And – spoiler alert – the heroes are Dr. Elise Brown and Dr. Scott Brown and MonaLisa Touch® laser vaginal treatment.
Painful sex. Vaginal dryness. Itching. Burning. Discomfort when exercising. Repeated urinary tract infections. Urinary leakage or feelings or urgency. All of these problems can be symptoms of a condition called vaginal atrophy, something that affects more than half of post-menopausal women. But far too many women don’t recognize these as symptoms of some bigger problem, nor do they recognize that these symptoms might all be related to a common cause.
We all get the most out of life when we feel our best. Unfortunately, for women, vaginal discomfort can all too often get in the way. There are many reasons you can suffer from vaginal irritation or pain. These symptoms can affect the vaginal canal or external vulvar tissues or both. When you know what is causing your symptoms, you can take steps to alleviate them or, in some cases, eliminate the problem.
Menopause has its benefits – no more hassles or pain dealing with monthly periods, no more worries about unexpected pregnancy. But the onset of menopause can also bring a wide range of undesirable symptoms for women. And while most of these symptoms eventually go away, for many women vaginal and sexual side effects remain.
Modern women lead busy lives. There is so much you want to do, no matter your age. But, then there’s that little “bladder thing.” Occasional or frequent leakage can keep you from doing the things you want to do. But you don’t have to accept that, you can do something about it!
Any woman who has had even one bladder infection knows it’s no fun. Repeated infections? Even more frustrating. While there may be no permanent cure for recurrent bladder infections, there are treatment options that can at least provide some relief.
There’s no question that menopause is a life-changing milestone in every woman’s life. Things are different post-menopause. Some changes are good – for example, you don’t have to deal with periods anymore or worry about pregnancy. But you shouldn’t have to give up sex!
Ladies, there is more to vaginal atrophy than you may think. You may be well aware – painfully aware -- of common menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms such as dryness, irritation, discomfort or pain with intercourse, or urinary incontinence. These internal vaginal symptoms develop primarily because estrogen loss causes skin and underlying tissues to lose moisture and elasticity.
