Aging changes in the female reproductive system
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Adequate lubrication (with a water-soluble lubricant) can help prevent painful sexual intercourse. A topical estrogen (applied inside the vagina) is sometimes recommended to help maintain the structure of the vaginal tissues. Sexual changes are most frequently related to factors other than simple aging.
Estrogen replacement (such as pills or patches) can prevent or reduce many of the symptoms associated with menopause, including vaginal atrophy and hot flashes. It also decreases the risk of complications such as osteoporosis. However, hormone therapy (HT) may have side effects such as vaginal bleeding, and it has been associated with a somewhat increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, and, under some circumstances, heart disease. Each woman should discuss the pros and cons of estrogen replacement with her own health care provider.
RELATED TOPICS.
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Aging changes in hormone production
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Aging changes in organs, tissues, and cells
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Aging changes in the breast
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Aging changes in the kidneys
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Aging changes in the male reproductive system
Review Date: 08/01/2008
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Maternal & Child
Health Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of
Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington
School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, WA.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,
Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the
American Accreditation HealthCare Commission
(
www.urac.org).
