Publications
Partners
Postmenopausal (atrophic) vaginal discharge is an infection or inflammation of the vagina caused by lowered oestrogen levels that upset the vagina's normal balance.
After menopause, the vaginal tissues are no longer exposed to oestrogen and may become weakened, dry and thus prone to infection. Tiny tears or cuts may appear in the vaginal wall, causing a blood-tinged discharge.
Symptoms
There may be a bad-smelling vaginal discharge, which is usually thin, whitish or yellowish and sometimes blood-tinged.
Treatment
Treatment consists of oestrogen replacement therapy either topically, transdermally or orally, and treatment of the secondary infection if present. A water-soluble lubricant may be used if oestrogen cannot be taken.
Other causes
These may include allergic and irritative factors or other sexually transmitted infections. Non-infectious allergic symptoms can be caused by chemicals in products such as spermicides, vaginal hygiene products, detergents, fabric softeners and more rarely, latex.
Cervical infections are also often associated with abnormal vaginal discharge, but these infections can be distinguished from true vaginal infections by appropriate tests.
In uninfected women, vaginal discharge may sometimes be present during ovulation and may become so heavy that it raises concern.
Read more:
Natural supplements for post-menopausal issues
Lifestyle causes of vaginal discharge
All about vaginal itching and what to do about it
Image: menopausal womanfrom Shutterstock
After menopause, the vaginal tissues are no longer exposed to oestrogen and may become weakened, dry and thus prone to infection. Tiny tears or cuts may appear in the vaginal wall, causing a blood-tinged discharge.
Symptoms
There may be a bad-smelling vaginal discharge, which is usually thin, whitish or yellowish and sometimes blood-tinged.
Treatment
Treatment consists of oestrogen replacement therapy either topically, transdermally or orally, and treatment of the secondary infection if present. A water-soluble lubricant may be used if oestrogen cannot be taken.
Other causes
These may include allergic and irritative factors or other sexually transmitted infections. Non-infectious allergic symptoms can be caused by chemicals in products such as spermicides, vaginal hygiene products, detergents, fabric softeners and more rarely, latex.
Cervical infections are also often associated with abnormal vaginal discharge, but these infections can be distinguished from true vaginal infections by appropriate tests.
In uninfected women, vaginal discharge may sometimes be present during ovulation and may become so heavy that it raises concern.
Read more:
Natural supplements for post-menopausal issues
Lifestyle causes of vaginal discharge
All about vaginal itching and what to do about it
Image: menopausal womanfrom Shutterstock
