Menopause: What is atrophic vaginitis?

Oestrogen helps to keep your vagina healthy (Q 22.1). During reproductive years, oestrogen encourages the vaginal epithelial (surface) cells to become rich in glycogen (a sort of sugar). When these cells are shed, lactobacilli (a group of bacteria) break down the glycogen to lactic acid. As a result, the fluid in your vagina is kept slightly acidic. This acidity reduces the chance of vaginal infection as most bacteria can thrive only in a less acidic environment. In the reduced oestrogen status associated with the menopause, the vaginal lining may become thin and inflamed atrophic vaginitis (Greek: atrophy - deprived of nourishment; Greek: itis - inflammation).

Q 26. 1 What will happen to me at my menopause?
Q 26. 2 Why does nature put women through the menopause?
Q 26. 3 Is life-expectancy changing?
Q 26. 4 What happens to my reproductive hormones at the menopause?
Q 26. 5 What non-hormonal changes occur at the menopause?
Q 26. 6 What problems might I have as a result of my menopause?
Q 26. 7 When am I likely to reach my menopause?
Q 26. 8 What is a premature menopause?
Q 26. 9 What are hot flushes and will HRT reduce them?
Q 26. 10 What causes hot flushes and night sweats?
Q 26. 11 Can my bladder problems be related to the menopause?
Q 26. 12 Can the menopause be associated with psychological problems.
Q 26. 13 How long can my menopausal (climacteric) symptoms last?
Q 26. 14 Is there a test that will accurately determine when my menopause has occurred?
Q 26. 15 Is it normal to experience heavy periods before the menopause?
Q 26. 16 How are heavy periods around the time of the menopause treated?
Q 26. 17 Is there a need to investigate vaginal bleeding after the menopause (postmenopausal bleeding)?
Q 26. 18 What could be the cause of vaginal bleeding after the menopause?
Q 26. 19 What is atrophic vaginitis?
Q 26. 20 What local genital symptoms can be associated with the menopause?
Q 26. 21 I have gone through the menopause and now have some bleeding (postmenopausal bleeding PMB). What will my gynaecologist wish to do?
Q 26. 22 Could I have any other long-term medical problems resulting from my menopause?
Q 26. 23 What is coronary heart disease?
Q 26. 24 What is osteoporosis?
Q 26. 25 Where else can I obtain further information?
Q 26. 26 Could I have some recommended menopause support groups.

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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London.

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