After entering menopause, many women face various gynecological issues. However, due to embarrassment, some choose to endure in silence. Doctors remind that if women experience symptoms such as vaginal burning, frequent infections, or intermittent pain&mdashand especially stress urinary incontinence when laughing, coughing, or lifting heavy objects&mdashthey should seek medical attention promptly to improve both quality of life and mental well-being.

Physical Changes During Menopause

Dr. Chen Kuo-Hu, Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, explains that menopause refers to the period before and after a woman&rsquos final menstrual cycle, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age around 51. As ovarian function declines, the secretion of female hormones decreases, leading to changes in the menstrual cycle and hormonal imbalances. These changes can severely affect both physical and psychological health, resulting in &ldquomenopausal syndrome.&rdquo

Dr. Chen notes that menopausal symptoms may include irregular menstruation, reproductive and urinary tract issues, vasomotor disturbances, cardiovascular changes, nervous system problems, urinary issues, skeletal degeneration, and skin changes. Among these, changes in the reproductive and urinary systems are often overlooked, leading many women to endure discomfort in silence.Vaginal atrophy during menopause is linked to urinary incontinence. (Image/Heho Health)

The Link Between Vaginal Atrophy and Urinary Incontinence

The vaginal wall is composed of multiple tissue layers, including the mucosal, muscular, and connective layers. Estrogen helps maintain vaginal elasticity and a mildly acidic environment (pH ~3.6) to prevent infections. During menopause, declining ovarian function leads to reduced estrogen secretion, thinning of the vaginal mucosa, and a rise in vaginal pH (up to 5&ndash6 after menopause), making women prone to atrophic vaginitis, which causes burning sensations, recurrent infections, and pain during walking or sexual intercourse. Additionally, the weakening of urethral support structures may lead to stress urinary incontinence when laughing, coughing, or lifting heavy objects.

How to Treat Atrophic Vaginitis and Urinary Incontinence

To address these conditions, Dr. Chen emphasizes that many women only seek medical help when symptoms become unbearable. Multiple effective treatment options are available and can be completed quickly in outpatient clinics.

Treatment options include:

• Estrogen Gel: Daily application can improve vaginal mucosal thickness and elasticity, alleviating symptoms of vaginal atrophy.
• Vaginal Laser Therapy: Using a 360-degree or 90-degree probe, this treatment stimulates local blood circulation and cell metabolism, treating urinary incontinence, atrophic inflammation, promoting collagen production, and restoring the vaginal acidic environment.
  
  

Doctor's Advice

Menopausal women may face various physical and psychological challenges. If experiencing discomfort such as vaginal burning, frequent infections, or urinary incontinence, they should seek medical treatment promptly without fear or hesitation. Timely professional intervention can relieve symptoms and significantly enhance quality of life.Dr. Kuo-Hu Chen, Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital (Image/Heho Health)