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Vaginal Atrophy Diagnosis and Treatment in London

Vaginal atrophy, also known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), is the thinning, dryness, and inflammation of the vaginal tissues due to reduced oestrogen levels. It commonly affects women during and after menopause and may cause discomfort, dryness, recurrent infections, and painful intercourse. At Skinhorizon Clinic London, we provide evidence-based treatments to improve comfort, restore vaginal health, and enhance quality of life.

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Vaginal Atrophy at a Glance

What is vaginal atrophy?	A condition where the vaginal lining becomes thin, dry, and inflamed due to declining oestrogen.
What causes Vaginal Atrophy?	Menopause, perimenopause, post-surgical menopause, or treatments that lower oestrogen (e.g., chemotherapy).
Who gets Vaginal Atrophy?	Mainly postmenopausal women, but it can also affect younger women after hysterectomy, breast cancer therapy, or oestrogen-suppressing medication.
What are the symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy?	Dryness, itching, burning, painful intercourse (dyspareunia), urinary urgency, recurrent infections.
Is vaginal atrophy dangerous?	Not life-threatening, but it significantly affects quality of life and may increase infection risk.
How is it diagnosed?	Clinical history, pelvic examination, and sometimes vaginal pH testing.
How is it treated?	Topical oestrogen, vaginal moisturisers, lubricants, laser therapy, and lifestyle measures.
Can it be prevented?	Not fully, but early use of moisturisers, lubricants, and timely medical care can reduce severity.

Understanding vaginal atrophy

Vaginal atrophy occurs when declining oestrogen levels cause the tissues of the vagina and urinary tract to become thinner, drier, and less elastic. This condition falls under the broader category of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Symptoms can affect sexual activity, urinary comfort, and overall wellbeing, but effective treatments are available.

Causes and risk factors

Natural menopause: The most common cause due to reduced oestrogen.
Early menopause: After surgical removal of ovaries or medical treatments like chemotherapy.
Hormonal therapies: Breast cancer treatments that block oestrogen.
Lack of sexual activity: Reduced blood flow to the vagina may worsen dryness.

Symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy

Vaginal dryness and burning
Itching or irritation
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
Light bleeding after sex
Frequent urinary tract infections
Urinary urgency or incontinence

Vaginal Atrophy Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made through a detailed medical history and a pelvic examination to assess tissue changes. Vaginal pH measurement or cultures may be used to exclude infection. No invasive tests are usually required.

Treatment options for Vaginal Atrophy

Vaginal moisturisers & lubricants: Improve comfort during daily activities and intercourse.
Topical oestrogen therapy: Restores vaginal tissue thickness and elasticity with minimal systemic absorption.
Oestrogen replacement therapy: For women with severe systemic symptoms, prescribed carefully based on medical history.
Laser or energy-based treatments: Non-surgical options to stimulate collagen and restore tissue quality.
Lifestyle measures: Regular sexual activity, pelvic floor exercises, and avoiding irritants such as perfumed soaps.

Prevention strategies

Seek treatment early during menopause transition.
Use vaginal moisturisers regularly.
Maintain healthy sexual activity to increase blood flow to the area.
Avoid smoking, which accelerates tissue ageing.

Living with vaginal atrophy

Though not life-threatening, vaginal atrophy can deeply impact quality of life, intimacy, and mental health. With modern therapies, symptoms can be effectively managed, restoring confidence and comfort in daily life.

Your first visit — what to expect

History: Review of symptoms, menopause status, and treatment history.
Examination: Gentle pelvic exam to assess tissue thinning and dryness.
Treatment plan: Tailored options including lubricants, topical oestrogen, or non-surgical therapies.
Advice: Lifestyle measures and ongoing support for symptom relief.
Follow-up: Monitoring response and adjusting treatment as needed.

Reviewed by: Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, Consultant Dermatologist
Skinhorizon Clinic, 4 Clarendon Terrace, Maida Vale, London W9 1BZ
Last reviewed: 22 August 2025

Experiencing vaginal dryness, discomfort, or painful intercourse? Our clinic offers advanced, safe treatments to restore comfort and improve quality of life.

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Vaginal Atrophy FAQs

Is vaginal atrophy permanent?

Without treatment, symptoms often persist or worsen, but effective therapies can restore vaginal comfort and tissue health.

Can younger women get vaginal atrophy?

Yes. Women who have surgical menopause, chemotherapy, or hormonal therapies may also develop it before natural menopause.

Are vaginal oestrogen treatments safe?

Yes. Vaginal oestrogen is considered safe for most women as it has minimal absorption compared to systemic therapy.

What if I cannot use oestrogen?

Non-hormonal options such as moisturisers, lubricants, and energy-based therapies may be recommended.

Does vaginal atrophy affect urinary health?

Yes. It can cause recurrent urinary tract infections, urgency, and discomfort due to thinning of nearby tissues.

Disclaimer: The information above is provided for general education only and should not be taken as medical advice for any individual case. A consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is required to assess suitability, risks, and expected outcomes.

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