Perimenopause is the stage when a woman's menstrual cycle starts to change; it can be 8 to 10 years before menopause. Menopause is medically confirmed when a woman has gone one year without a menstrual cycle. Postmenopause encompasses the years after menopause. As women live longer, it's possible they will spend at least one-third of their lives in post-menopause.
A common chronic condition impacting many millions of women, vaginal atrophy affects the vagina and the surrounding tissues during the menopause transition and postmenopause. It’s characterized by:
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal irritation
- Itching in and around the vagina
- Pain and bleeding during intercourse
- Vaginal soreness
- Painful urination
If you're experiencing one or more of these symptoms, visit your healthcare professional.
