Vaginal atrophy is primarily caused by a decrease in estrogen levels.
Understanding Vaginal Atrophy
Vaginal atrophy, also known as atrophic vaginitis, involves the thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls. This condition primarily arises from a lack of estrogen.
Key Causes of Reduced Estrogen:
The following factors are the main reasons for decreased estrogen levels, which leads to vaginal atrophy:
- Perimenopause and Menopause: As referenced, vaginal atrophy most commonly occurs during perimenopause and menopause. This is because the ovaries produce significantly less estrogen during these stages of a woman's life.
- Cancer Treatment: Certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can drastically reduce estrogen production, regardless of age, and therefore cause vaginal atrophy.
- Surgical Removal of Ovaries: The surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) eliminates the primary source of estrogen, causing a rapid decline in estrogen levels and frequently resulting in vaginal atrophy in women and AFAB individuals.
Summary of Causes
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Menopause/Perimenopause | Natural decline in estrogen production by the ovaries during the transition to menopause. |
| Cancer Treatment | Treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy can cause a reduction in estrogen levels. |
| Oophorectomy | Surgical removal of the ovaries, eliminating the main source of estrogen. |
Who Is Affected?
Although it's most common during perimenopause and menopause, vaginal atrophy can affect younger women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) if their estrogen levels decrease due to reasons stated previously.
