I had a partial hysterectomy when I was thirty-eight years old, and at forty-one, I had my last remaining ovary removed. This surgery forced me into menopause, and it drove me a little crazy!
I was hot one minute and cold the next few minutes. I was sweaty and shaky. I crying, and laughing all at once. I would become aggravated and mad easily I can’t remember exactly when the hot flashes, crying, and sweating stopped, but one day, years later to my relief, those difficulties associated with my menopause experience disappeared.
When I had my yearly gynecological check-up this year, I felt I had a yeast infection because I was on antibiotics. However, when my doctor examined me during my visit, she was confident that I didn’t have a yeast infection but had vaginitis atrophy. What?!
Vaginitis atrophy is a condition that occurs when estrogen levels drop, causing the vagina wall to become thin, dry, and inflamed. I was like, what?! My vagina is thin, dry, and inflamed. I probably couldn’t have sex if I wanted to.
I also read that vaginitis atrophy can occur during menopause when the ovaries have less estrogen. Estrogen levels can decrease for many reasons, like having your ovaries removed. This condition can also affect older women after menopause. Reduced hormone levels are challenging for many women, and their quality of life can be affected.
On the examination bed, I was feeling a little embarrassed because I still didn’t understand what vaginitis atrophy was. (I didn’t have the above information at the time) I didn’t want the doctor to think I was some sort of dimwit, so I didn’t ask her any more questions. Plus, I knew I would search the Internet when I got home. Before I left, she called in a prescription for Estradiol vaginal cream for my ailing vagina.

LIFE, right? What can I say?

Until the next blog, be blessed.