Symptoms of senile vulvar atrophy

It is said that time is a ruthless butcher's knife, and this sentence is best reflected in women. Once a woman is over 40, various signs of aging will slowly appear, while a man is in his prime at 40. After a woman reaches the age of 40, her skin becomes loose and dull, her breasts sag, and she begins to gain excess fat. These signs are all visible to our naked eyes.

However, as women age, they experience physiological phenomena such as amenorrhea and menopause, followed by senile vulvar atrophy. So what is senile vulvar atrophy? What are the symptoms of senile vulvar atrophy? I believe that many people don’t know much about it or don’t know about it at all. Today we will learn about the symptoms of senile vulvar atrophy.

Senile vulvar atrophy is characterized by thinning, drying, reduced elasticity and sagging of the skin, wrinkles on the surface, atrophy of sweat glands, reduced sweat and sebaceous gland secretion, and hair loss and thinning. In addition, pigmentation and hypopigmentation spots, capillary dilation, thin scales and ecchymosis may appear, often accompanied by seborrheic keratosis, senile keratosis, senile hemangioma, purpura, skin tags, senile elastic fiber disease and other diseases.

1. Primary vulvar atrophy

At the beginning, the subcutaneous fat of the vulva disappears and the labia majora becomes flat; then the pubic hair falls off, the epidermis withers, the surface becomes smooth, dry and shiny, with a waxy luster, and sometimes small red spots appear. The labia minora and clitoris may eventually disappear. Itching, burning, or stinging in the vulva. If there is secondary infection, urination may also be painful. The vaginal opening becomes narrow due to atrophy, making sexual intercourse difficult. The atrophy can extend to the perineum and around the anus, causing a decrease in the tension of the anal sphincter and mild fecal incontinence. Anal fissures can also be caused by atrophy.

2. Lichen sclerosus dystrophy

The main symptom is itching in the affected area. The lesions involve the vulvar skin, mucous membranes and perianal skin, among which the clitoris, labia minora and posterior symphysis are the most common. The skin and mucous membranes become white, thin, dry and easily cracked, and lose elasticity. The clitoris is often atrophied and the labia minora are flat. In the late stage, the skin becomes as thin as cigarette paper and the vaginal opening becomes narrow, making sexual intercourse difficult. In severe cases, the condition resembles that after vulvectomy, that is, "dry vulva".

3. Lichen planus

Severe local itching. An umbilical area appears in the brown and moist area, with a rough and moist surface and visible scratches. Pale red reticular spots can be seen on the vestibule and inner side of the labia minora. In addition to invading the labia majora and minora, clitoris and perineum, the vaginal mucosa is also often affected, often with severe atrophic changes, but the vaginal opening and vagina are not atrophied or narrowed.

4. Leukoplakia vulvae

More common in menopausal women. The lesions are mostly located on the inner side of the labia majora, labia minora and clitoris, and may spread to the entire labia majora, perineum or around the anus. Local itching, dryness, tingling and burning sensation. Small pieces of thickened tissue that protrude from the surface can be seen on the mucosa. They are white or gray in color and sometimes have cracks and ulcers.

The above is a brief introduction to the symptoms of senile vulvar atrophy. I believe that through the above simple introduction, everyone has a better understanding and knowledge of the symptoms of senile vulvar atrophy. Senile vulvar atrophy is a common disease, so female friends do not need to panic too much. They can use diet therapy to treat senile vulvar atrophy. In daily life, they should quit smoking, drinking, and eat less spicy and stimulating foods.