Vaginal atrophy, which is the inflammation of the vagina due to thinning vaginal tissues, is a symptom of menopause caused by a drop in concentration of the hormone estrogen. Complications of vaginal atrophy include discomfort during sex, itching in the genitals, and/or a burning sensation during urination. One possible treatment for women experiencing vaginal atrophy is the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
A 2021 study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine focused on an alternative treatment for vaginal atrophy – hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar molecule that is commonly found in the eyes and joints. Its primary function is to trap water inside tissue cells. The study found that hyaluronic acid achieves similar results to hormonal treatments in correcting tissue shrinkage, vaginal pH, difficult or painful intercourse, and cell growth.
Takeaway: For women who cannot use hormonal treatments of vaginal atrophy, hyaluronic acid may be an alternative treatment with comparable results to HRT.
Original Publication: https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(20)30991-7/fulltext
PubMed Abstract ID: 33293236
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