Vaginal atrophy - Anogenital in
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis
Estrogen acts on the urogenital tract, including the vaginal epithelium, vulvar tissues, urethra, and bladder. In the vaginal epithelium, estrogens induce collagen content, acid mucopolysaccharides, and hyaluronic acid, which all maintain tissue thickness, elasticity, vaginal rugae, and glycogen stores, which are a substrate for lactobacilli. Lactobacilli in turn maintain the acidic vaginal pH that promotes normal flora in the genital tract and serves as a barrier to vaginal and urinary tract infections.
Serum estradiol in postmenopausal women is on average 5 pg/mL, compared with 40-600 pg/mL in premenopausal women. This drop induces many changes in urogenital tissue. The vaginal epithelium becomes thin and loses elasticity. The vaginal canal shortens and loses rugae. Loss of glycogen stores and lactobacilli colonization allow the vaginal environment to become less acidic, with pH >5.0. Thin vaginal epithelium is more prone to damage from minor trauma, causing underlying connective tissue to become exposed and making it susceptible to inflammation and infection.
Women often first present reporting decreased vaginal lubrication during intercourse. Other common symptoms include dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, burning, or irritation. Tissue irritation can also lead to vulvar or vaginal bleeding.
Bladder and urethral epithelium can atrophy as well without the influence of estrogen, which can lead to urinary tract infections, dysuria, increased urinary frequency, and rarely hematuria.
Menopause is the leading cause of low estrogen levels and the leading risk factor for vaginal atrophy. Other causes of low estrogen levels include bilateral oophorectomy, premature ovarian failure, antiestrogenic medications, and postpartum or lactation-induced hypoestrogenism. Cigarette smoking is another risk factor because it causes relative estrogen deficiency and impairs tissue perfusion. Regular sexual activity can improve symptoms of atrophy as it promotes tissue perfusion and elasticity. Symptoms generally worsen with time, even if estrogen levels remain stable.
Codes
ICD10CM:N95.2 – Postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis
SNOMEDCT:
297147009 – Atrophy of vagina
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Vaginal infections – Look for vaginal discharge. Wet mount can rule out Candida, bacterial vaginosis, and Trichomonas.
- Atopic vulvar dermatitis (vulvar eczema) – Look for pruritus and evidence of atopic dermatitis in other areas.
- Exogenous vulvar dermatitis – Look for erythematous vulvar epithelium and possible vulvar edema or hyperkeratosis.
- Vulvar lichen planus – Look for erythematous erosive lesions, hyperkeratotic perineal lesions, or lesions consistent with lichen planus in other areas.
- Vulvar lichen sclerosus – Look for severe vulvar pruritus and perineal or perianal lesions.
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.Subscription Required
References
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Last Reviewed:05/08/2017
Last Updated:05/08/2017
Last Updated:05/08/2017
Vaginal atrophy - Anogenital in