Category: News

Women routinely have Pap smears during their well-woman appointments typically every three years until they are age 65 and older. Once results have been reviewed, if there is anything out of the ordinary, Dr. Sharma may call to inform you the test was abnormal and discuss next steps. No need to fret, let’s go through some common causes of an abnormal Pap smear.

Purpose of a Pap Smear

Pap smears are a screening tool used to detect abnormal cells in the cervix which can lead to cervical cancer. Women should begin having a regular Pap smear at age 21. Once age 30 is reached, women should also be tested for the human papillomavirus (HPV), as it can lead to cervical cancer. It is recommended for women ages 21-65 to get a Pap test at least every three years.

Causes of an Abnormal Pap Smear

Let’s begin by assuring you that an abnormal result is nothing for concern. Don’t panic, but definitely follow up.

Abnormal cervical cells are the main cause for a positive or abnormal result.

Some of those include:

• Unusual cellular changes in the cervix
• Cells containing HPV
• Signs of a sexually transmitted infection like gonorrhea or sexually transmitted disease like herpes
• A bacterial or yeast infection
• Cellular changes due to age
• Pre-cancerous changes, which usually go away on their own
• Inflammation in the pelvic area

If an abnormal test occurs, Dr. Sharma can do a follow up test called a colposcopy. During this in-office test the cervix is examined with a lighted lens. If there is concern, some cells may be taken for a biopsy.

Accurate Results Are Critical

Of course tests can be faulty, so it’s important you do what you can to get the best and most accurate results of a Pap smear. False positives can be unnerving.

For the two days prior to a Pap smear avoid using tampons, do not have sexual intercourse, or use vaginal creams, sprays or powders.

Contact Dr. Rita Sharma at (770) 723-1545 to set up a Pap smear at our office in Atlanta, GA if you are due for one, especially if it’s been more than three years.

Sources:

• What Comes after an Abnormal Pap Smear?: Physicians for Women – Melius & Schurr
• Abnormal Pap Smear Results? Here’s What To Do Next (webmd.com)
• Pap smear – Mayo Clinic

Menopause is a natural part of life, but the hormonal changes that come with it can bring some unexpected challenges—particularly when it comes to vaginal health. As your body adjusts to lower levels of estrogen, you may notice changes in your vaginal health that can affect your comfort, intimacy, and overall quality of life.

The good news? There are solutions to help you manage these changes and feel like yourself again! Let’s take a closer look at some common vaginal health issues after menopause and how to address them.

Hormonal Changes and Vaginal Health

During menopause, your body produces less estrogen, which plays a key role in maintaining vaginal moisture and elasticity. As estrogen levels drop, the tissues in the vaginal area can become thinner, drier, and less flexible. This condition is often referred to as vaginal atrophy or genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). These changes can lead to discomfort, especially during sexual activity, but they can also impact your day-to-day life.

Common Vaginal Health Issues After Menopause

• Vaginal dryness: One of the most common issues, vaginal dryness, can make everyday activities, like sitting or walking, uncomfortable, as well as cause pain during sex.
• Vaginal itching or burning: Thinner, more fragile vaginal tissues are prone to irritation, leading to itching or burning sensations.
• Pain during intercourse: As the vaginal walls become thinner and less lubricated, sex may become painful or less enjoyable.
• Urinary symptoms: Many women experience more frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or urinary incontinence after menopause due to these changes in the vaginal and urinary tissues.

How Symptoms Impact Quality of Life

The symptoms of vaginal atrophy or GSM can vary in severity, but they all have the potential to impact your quality of life. Discomfort during everyday activities, along with the emotional toll of changes in your intimate life, can lead to anxiety, avoidance of physical intimacy, and even relationship strain.

Additionally, recurring UTIs or urinary issues can make some women feel like they’re constantly battling health problems, which can be frustrating and exhausting.

How Are Vaginal Issues Diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing vaginal health issues after menopause, it’s important to speak with an experienced physician like Dr. Rita Sharma in Atlanta, GA.

Diagnosis typically starts with a discussion of your symptoms and a physical exam. Your doctor may also ask about your medical history and conduct a pelvic exam to assess the health of your vaginal tissues. In some cases, additional tests may be needed to rule out infections or other conditions.

What Are Treatments for Vaginal Issues After Menopause?

Fortunately, there are several effective treatments available to help manage vaginal health issues after menopause. These include:

• Topical estrogen therapy: Applying estrogen directly to the vaginal area can help restore moisture and improve tissue health without the risks associated with systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
• Over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers: These can help relieve dryness and make intercourse more comfortable. Look for products that are specifically formulated for vaginal health and are free from irritants.
• Oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT): If vaginal symptoms are severe and other treatments aren’t effective, your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy to address the underlying hormonal imbalance.

Recent advancements in treatments for vaginal health after menopause include laser therapy, which uses targeted energy to stimulate collagen production and improve tissue elasticity.

Additionally, newer non-hormonal treatments, like vaginal DHEA suppositories, are showing promise for women who can’t or prefer not to use estrogen-based treatments.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle changes can help improve vaginal health after menopause:

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your entire body, including your vaginal tissues, hydrated.
• Maintain a healthy diet: Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and flaxseeds, can support overall tissue health.
• Regular physical activity: Exercise, especially pelvic floor exercises, can improve blood flow to the vaginal area and help maintain tissue health.

Vaginal Health Post-Menopause

Vaginal health after menopause is an important part of your well-being, and hormonal changes don’t have to mean constant discomfort or diminished quality of life! By understanding the common issues and exploring treatment options, you can manage these changes and maintain a healthy, comfortable lifestyle.

If you’re dealing with symptoms, remember that what you’re experiencing is natural, and you’re not alone! There are many successful treatment options available, and they make a big difference for women dealing with post-menopause challenges.

Contact Dr. Rita Sharma in Atlanta, GA at (770) 723-1545 to schedule an appointment for diagnosis and treatment.

Sources:

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15500-vaginal-atrophy
• https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/dont-ignore-vaginal-dryness-and-pain
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17761-energy-based-treatments-and-vaginal-rejuvenation

Vaginal atrophy is one of the side effects of menopause. When a woman has adequate estrogen, all is well, but as soon as estrogen begins to decline, many negative consequences ensue. Vaginal atrophy is one of them. What does vaginal atrophy feel like?

Lack of Estrogen Causes Changes to the Vagina

The inside of a healthy vagina has moisture and a thick lining. Sexual intercourse is easy and pleasurable. During perimenopause and menopause, women begin to have less of the hormone estrogen which can affect many normal functions including those of the vagina. Women can also have the same issues when undergoing cancer treatments or having their ovaries removed.

As estrogen declines, the lining of the vagina becomes thinner, and there is a lack of moisture and blood flow. This makes sexual intercourse at best, difficult, and at worst, impossible and painful. Talk with Dr. Rita Sharma in Atlanta, GA for some solutions and treatments before it gets worse.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

Recently vaginal atrophy has been replaced by a new name, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, or GSM. This is to account for the urinary side effects that accompany menopause and vaginal atrophy due to the decline in estrogen.

What Are the Common Symptoms of GSM?

The unpleasant symptoms of GSM and less estrogen include the following:

• Vaginal dryness
• Vaginal burning
• Vaginal itching
• Burning sensation with urination
• Urinary urgency
• Frequent urination
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Light bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Discomfort or pain with intercourse
• Decreased lubrication during intercourse
• Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal

Of course, all these symptoms are troubling. They all add up to pain, irritation, and a lack of enjoyment during sexual activity. The itching and burning can occur at any time and the urinary issues can cause additional embarrassing situations.

Due to vaginal dryness, it becomes more difficult to initiate sexual intercourse and to reach orgasm. This can become a real problem between couples.

When you have vaginal atrophy (GSM) it feels like you have traded bodies with an old woman.

A thin, dry, and inflamed vagina is no picnic, but you don’t have to live the rest of your life with these limitations and discomforts.

Contact our board-certified urogynecologist, Dr. Rita Sharma at (770) 723-1545 for options to improve the unpleasant symptoms of vaginal atrophy.

Sources:

• Vulvovaginal Atrophy – PMC (nih.gov)
• Vaginal atrophy – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
• 5 Signs of Vaginal Atrophy: Women’s Healthcare of Princeton

Maybe you thought aging was causing your fatigue, decreased libido, and inability to lose weight. In fact, it may be all about hormonal imbalances, especially estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Those three hormones do decrease and fluctuate as we get older. The good news is you don’t have to live with all the effects of hormone imbalance. Hormone replacement therapy has been widely prescribed for decades, however, now you can choose bioidentical hormones. Let us help you understand what you can expect after beginning bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?

BHRT is a plant-based hormone therapy that mimics the body’s natural hormones. It’s an option for those seeking a more natural treatment, and in addition, bioidentical hormones are more easily absorbed by the body. The result is a more consistent and rapid relief from unwanted symptoms.

The conventional hormones used in HRT are synthetic hormones. Many people prefer bioidentical hormones.

Typical Unwanted Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance

Both men and women can suffer from hormone imbalances due to menopause and andropause. Some of the worst complaints include:

• fatigue
• depression
• anxiety
• lack of energy
• sexual dysfunction and low libido
• thinning hair
• hot flashes
• trouble sleeping
• loss of bone density in women
• vaginal dryness
• headaches and migraines
• memory problems
• weight gain

You can expect to see improvement within one month, but it can take 3 to 4 months for some people. Some people even feel a difference within one week.

Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are the most commonly used bioidentical hormones.

Expect Various Delivery Options for BHRT

The FDA-approved bioidentical hormone therapy come in many forms:

• Pill
• Gel
• Sprays
• Cream
• Shots
• Implanted pellets
• Patches

You and Dr. Rita Sharma can make a decision about which application is best for you during a consultation at our office in Atlanta, GA. The goal of any hormone treatment is to use the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time.

Compounded bioidentical hormone therapy has not been studied or approved by the FDA although many people use these hormones. Again, you and your physician can make that decision.

Risks and Side Effects of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Not everyone should take BHRT. Sometimes the risks outweigh the benefits. It increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, and gallbladder disease. If you are at high risk for cardiovascular disease or breast cancer, hormone therapy may not be safe for you.

Possible side effects include weight gain, acne, and bloating which may occur in the beginning of treatment, but this is typically when your body is adjusting to the hormones.

The Bottom Line

If you are taking BHRT for at least a month expect to feel happier, have increased energy, your sleep will improve both in quality and quantity, experience reduced hot flashes, and an improvement in libido.

Working closely with your physician you can have a safe and effective way to balance out hormones and enjoy life at any age.

Contact our board-certified urogynecologist, Dr. Rita Sharma at (770) 723-1545 if you are interested in learning more about bioidentical hormone therapy and if it’s right for you.

Sources:

• What to Expect During Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (mirabilemd.com)
• Bioidentical Hormones: Therapy, Uses, Safety & Side Effects (clevelandclinic.org)
• What Kind Of Changes Should I Expect With Bioidentical Hormones? (bodybarmd.com)