Menopause: Treatment, Symptoms, and Support for the Mature Microbiome

What is Menopause?

Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman's life. It is the point at which a woman permanently stops having menstrual periods, signaling the end of her reproductive years. Menopause is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, vaginal bleeding, or spotting. While often discussed as a singular event, menopause is actually a process that unfolds over time, accompanied by hormonal changes that can bring a variety of symptoms.
 

When Does Menopause Begin?

The average age of menopause in the United States is 51, but it can occur anywhere between the 30s and mid-50s or later. The transition into menopause, known as perimenopause, usually starts with irregular menstrual cycles, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. This stage is characterized by fluctuating hormone levels and can last for several years before menopause is fully reached.
 

How Long Does Menopause Last?

Perimenopause, the transition phase before menopause, can last anywhere from 2 to 8 years, with an average duration of about four years. Once a woman has gone a full year without a menstrual period, she is considered postmenopausal. However, menopausal symptoms can persist for years after this transition, varying in intensity from woman to woman.
 

What Happens During Menopause?

Menopause is driven by a decline in estrogen and progesterone levels, which leads to various physical and emotional changes. As estrogen levels drop, ovulation becomes irregular, menstrual cycles become unpredictable, and eventually, the ovaries stop releasing eggs.

Beyond changes in reproductive health, menopause affects other aspects of the body, such as metabolism, bone density, and heart health. Women may experience weight gain, shifts in body composition, and alterations in skin and muscle tone. These changes are natural, but they can impact a woman’s overall well-being and quality of life.
 

Common Symptoms of Menopause

Every woman’s menopausal experience is unique, but some symptoms are widely reported:

• Hot flashes and night sweats – Sudden waves of heat that can cause sweating, heart palpitations, and dizziness.
• Vaginal atrophy and dryness – Thinning and drying of vaginal tissues, which may cause discomfort, irritation, and painful intercourse.
• Urinary symptoms – Increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urinary incontinence.
• Mood changes – Anxiety, depression, mood swings, and irritability.
• Sleep disturbances – Insomnia or disrupted sleep due to night sweats or anxiety.
• Brain fog – Difficulty with focus, memory, and word retrieval.
• Body changes – Weight gain, loss of muscle mass, and joint stiffness.
• Changes in libido – Variations in sexual desire and response.

Menopause & Relief

There are many options for managing and treating menopause symptoms, including lifestyle changes, non-hormonal therapies, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Each woman’s journey is different, and the best menopause treatment approach depends on individual needs and medical history.

How to Relieve Vaginal Atrophy

For mild vaginal atrophy, over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can help alleviate discomfort. Regular sexual activity can also promote blood flow to the vaginal tissues, helping maintain elasticity. Using a gentle, pH-balanced wash formulated for menopausal women can also support vaginal health by maintaining the natural microbiome  with optimal pH to control odor. 

The Role of Probiotics in Menopause Relief

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support overall health, including gut, vaginal, and urinary health. Vagisil’s menopause line incorporates Advanced probiotic technology in its wash, lube, and supplements to help maintain the delicate balance of the mature microbiome. Advanced probiotic Technology can be incorporated into a daily regimen in different ways—topically through the use of a probiotic wash or lube, or orally with a menopause supplement. By nurturing beneficial bacteria, these products are designed to help address some of the common discomforts associated with menopause, such as controlling odor and relieving vulvovaginal dryness.

Addressing Vaginal Dryness During Menopause

Vulvovaginal dryness is one of the most common and persistent symptoms of menopause due to thinning tissues. Moisturizers that are designed for menopausal symptoms and provide deep moisturization are recommended for relief.

Supporting the Mature Microbiome with Vagisil’s Probiotic Menopause Support Line

Vagisil has developed a groundbreaking menopause symptom-relief focused product line with Advanced Probiotic Technology to support the unique needs of menopausal women. These products are designed to maintain a balanced pH and promote vaginal and urinary tract health:

Menopause Probiotic Feminine Wash – A soft, velvety mousse that protects aging skin while providing up to 24-hour odor protection. pH-balanced to 5.5, it helps support the mature microbiome.

Menopause Probiotic Lube + Libido – Formulated with hyaluronate for instant and long-lasting moisturization, plus ashwagandha and watermelon extract to support libido.

Menopause Probiotic Oral Supplement – A daily supplement with a proprietary blend of clinically-proven probiotics to help cleanse and flush the urinary tract while supporting healthy vaginal pH and odor control.

Conclusion

Menopause is a natural life stage, but that doesn’t mean women have to suffer through uncomfortable symptoms without support. With Advanced Probiotic Technology and products designed specifically for the mature microbiome, relief is within reach. Whether it’s promoting vaginal and urinary health, addressing dryness, or supporting overall well-being, Vagisil’s new products focused on menopause relief are here to help women navigate this transition with confidence and comfort.

Sources
https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/vaginal-atrophy-atrophic-vaginitis-a-to-z
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/introduction-to-menopause 
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397 
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause/what-menopause