Sunday, May 12, 2013

Atrophy Treatment


Atrophy is a condition defined as wasting of muscle, which is a decrease in muscle mass. Atrophy is of many types, but the most common types of atrophy are vaginal atrophy and multiple system atrophy.

Vaginal atrophy

Vaginal atrophy is defined as the inflammation and thinning of the vaginal walls due to a reduced level of estrogen. Vaginal atrophy mostly occurs after menopause, but it can also occur during breast-feeding or at any other time when there is reduction in the estrogen level of the body. Vaginal atrophy makes sexual act painful for many women. In addition, healthy genital function is closely associated with healthy urinary system function. Treatments for vaginal atrophy are accessible. Decreased estrogen levels do result in changes to the body, but it does not mean that the victim has to live with the discomfort correlate with vaginal atrophy.

Following are the usual vaginal and urinary signs and symptoms;


  • Vaginal dryness

  • Vaginal burning

  • Burning with urination

  • Urgency with urination

  • More urinary tract infections

  • Mild bleeding after intercourse

  • Unpleasantness with intercourse

  • Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal

Multiple System Atrophy

Multiple system atrophy is infrequent. It is a continuous nervous system disorder that disturbs many areas of the brain and nervous system. Multiple system atrophy substantially damages the body's systems that regulate the blood pressure, bladder function, heart rate. People who are suffering from this condition also have symptoms like Parkinson's disease involving tremor, balance problems and rigidity. Multiple system atrophy also frequently affects the brain's coordination and balance center, which is the cerebellum and may be misunderstand for other cerebellar conditions like those occurring on the basis of genetics. Dissimilar to many other neurodegenerative disorders, multiple system atrophy usually does not disturb thinking and memory.

Treatment options

Moderate symptoms of vaginal atrophy may be relieved by the use of an over-the-counter moisturizer. If symptoms are irritating, however, oral estrogen or either topical vaginal is a capable in relieving from vaginal dryness and itchiness, and enhancing vaginal elasticity. Vaginal estrogen has the benefit of being effective at lower doses and restricting the overall exposure to estrogen. Estrogen rubbed to the vagina can result in estrogen entering in the blood, but the quantity is least. The victim should observe obvious improvements after couple of weeks of estrogen therapy. Some severe symptoms may be required a long time to resolve. If the victim has history of breast cancer then oral estrogen therapy usually is not prescribed as it might promote cancer cell growth, particularly if the breast cancer was hormonally sensitive. Whether low-dose vaginal estrogen is secure for breast cancer survivors, it is not known whether even a small enhancement in the level of estrogen circulating in the blood may enhance the risk of the cancer coming back. The victim should be chosen non hormonal treatments like moisturizers and lubricants.

Topical estrogen

Vaginal estrogen therapy consists of several forms because they all seem to act similarly well, so the victim and the doctor can decide which one is appropriately.

Vaginal estrogen cream

Victim applies this cream directly into the vagina with the help of an applicator, usually use at bedtime. Doctor will guide that how much cream to use and how often to apply, commonly one time in a day for the first few weeks and then two or three times a week thereafter. Even though creams may offer more prompt relief than do other forms of vaginal estrogen.

Vaginal estrogen ring

It is also known as estring. It is a soft, movable ring, which is interjected into the upper part of the vagina by the victim or the doctor. The ring secretes a consistent dose of estrogen the ring needs to be replaced after three months.

Vaginal estrogen tablet

It is also known as Vagifem. Victim can use a disposable applicator to place a tablet of vaginal estrogen in the vagina. Doctor will guide how often to use the tablet usually doctor prescribed to use it daily for the first two weeks and then twice a week.

Oral estrogen therapy

If vaginal dryness is correlated with some other symptoms of menopause like mild or severe hot flashes, doctor may prescribe estrogen pills, or estrogen gel, or an estrogen ring of higher dose along with a progestin. Progestin is generally given as a pill, but conjunction estrogen-progestin patches also are accessible. Victim should talk to doctor to decide if hormone treatment is an option and which treatment is appropriate for the condition.

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