Dr.
Goldstein is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York University
School of Medicine, Director of Gynecologic Ultrasound at NYU Langone Medical
Center and the author of over seven books on Gynecology. He is regarded as one
of the best Gynecologists in the US.
He is also
a Certified Menopause Practitioner, North American Medical Society and a Past
President of the North American Menopause Society. He is an expert on Female
Hormone Replacement Therapy and co-author of the book “The Estrogen
Alternative”. Dr. Goldstein has this to say about vaginal health.
There are two places
where estrogen indefinitely is a good thing. And I find myself having to
address these arenas separately. They are bone health and vaginal health. This
article addresses vaginal health. There are very few species, like us, that outlive
their reproductive capability. Estrogen deficiency of menopause results in
vaginal atrophy and without treatment this simply gets worse over time.
There is a reduction
in blood flow, elasticity, as well as PH change. Atrophy in the vagina can
result in dryness, burning, painful intercourse, itching, as well as urinary
issues like frequency, urgency, and a predisposition to urinary tract
infection.
These symptoms as
well as these changes can be significantly prevented or reversed with the use
of local vaginal estrogens. There are currently three delivery systems -
vaginal creams, small vaginal tablets of bio-identical estrogen, and an inert
vaginal ring.
So if you are
menopausal, and on no hormones, ask me about vaginal health at your next visit.