Dear Jacqui,
What is vulvar dystrophy? I recently went to my gynecologist for my yearly checkup including a pap smear. She noticed that the skin in the vulvar area was white instead of pink. She is planning on doing a vulvar biopsy. Could you please explain this to me. I had a hysterectomy 9 years ago due to a very severe case of endometriosis. I just turned 50 in August. I would appreciate all the information that you could give me.
Cynthia

Dear Cynthia,
The tissue in your vaginal area, just as in the rest of your body, changes as we mature. This is normal in all women as they approach menopause. Also, women at around the age of 40 begin to experience menopausal symptoms which also affect vaginal tissue, it may get dryer, less elastic, and thinner.

You mentioned that you had a hysterectomy 9 years ago. I assume that you also had your ovaries removed at that time. Since it is the ovaries that produce most of the estrogen which your body needs, you probably have low hormone levels which could be the cause of vaginal atrophy (vaginal aging).

Many women experience vaginal atrophy and the condition can be treated in several ways your doctor will surely discuss with you. She suggested a biopsy to be sure that there are no other health conditions causing your vaginal atrophy.

Jacqui





	"What is vulvar dystrophy?" Dear Jacqui, What is vulvar dystrophy? I recently went to my gynecologist for my yearly checkup including a pap smear. She noticed that the skin in the vulvar area was white instead of pink. She is planning on doing a vulvar biopsy. Could you please explain this to me. I had a hysterectomy 9 years ago due to a very severe case of endometriosis. I just turned 50 in August. I would appreciate all the information that you could give me. Cynthia Dear Cynthia, The tissue in your vaginal area, just as in the rest of your body, changes as we mature. This is normal in all women as they approach menopause. Also, women at around the age of 40 begin to experience menopausal symptoms which also affect vaginal tissue, it may get dryer, less elastic, and thinner. You mentioned that you had a hysterectomy 9 years ago. I assume that you also had your ovaries removed at that time. Since it is the ovaries that produce most of the estrogen which your body needs, you probably have low hormone levels which could be the cause of vaginal atrophy (vaginal aging). Many women experience vaginal atrophy and the condition can be treated in several ways your doctor will surely discuss with you. She suggested a biopsy to be sure that there are no other health conditions causing your vaginal atrophy. Jacqui Copyright 2000 Brandwynne Corporation. All rights reserved.

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