Aging Changes in the Female Reproductive System
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Common problems
The pubic muscles lose tone, and the vagina, uterus or urinary bladder can "fall" out of position. This is called vaginal prolapse, bladder prolapse, or uterine prolapse, depending on which structure collapses. A prolapse of any of these structures increases the risk of problems such as stress incontinence (urine leakage). Most prolapses can be treated.
Irritation of the external genitals can occur (pruritus vulvae). The vaginal walls become thinner and dryer and may become irritated (atrophic vaginitis). Sexual intercourse may become uncomfortable for some women (dyspareunia). There are changes in the levels of normal microorganisms in the vagina, and there is an increased risk of vaginal yeast infections.
Similar changes to the bladder and urethra may increase symptoms such as frequency and urgency of urination, and there is an increased risk of urinary tract infection after menopause.
Hot flashes, mood disturbances, and sleep disturbances are also common symptoms that occur during menopause. The causes of these changes are not well understood, but they are also related to the decreasing amount of estrogen produced by the ovaries.
Osteoporosis risk is greater in older women. This is, in part, caused by decreased estrogen levels.
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