The 'V' word is talked about a lot in our aesthetics cosmetic clinic here in the sleepy Cotswolds.
Like many women in their fifties I didn't know much about menopause and what it could lead to or how it started. Many of my friends didn't know either. The surgeon who removed my womb when I was 41 didn't tell me that it would speed up the onslaught of menopause.
I was around 48 when I really felt the changes including:
Thinning hair
Loss of collagen
Loss of my words
Brain fog
Vaginal dryness
Slight urinary incontinence
Loss of some memory
Anxiety
Night sweats
Weight gain
I found out more about menopause and saw my GP. He refused to prescribe hormone replacement as I had myxoid sarcomas in my thigh when I was 34. I spoke to my cancer specialist who explained that my sarcomas were successfully removed and it was unlikely that I'd have it again. I went to another GP who also vetoed my having oestrogen.
My symptoms increased and I found out natural ways to deal with some of the symptoms like night sweats and weight gain but still felt I'd lost confidence along with my libido.
I'd heard about HIFU for vaginal rejuvenation but had opted for a Kegel8 instead to help with the urinary incontinence - which it did - but didn't increase libido or help with sensation. Again I went to my GP and was told that vaginal atrophy was common during menopause due to the loss of hormones as we age. I was prescribed oestrogel but wasn't told that at this stage a woman may also need testosterone to increase libido and help clear brain fog. Not only that, women need testosterone to maintain bone density and muscle mass, cognitive function, mood, sexual function, and energy. Adequate levels of testosterone are important for the maintenance of musculoskeletal health and possibly vascular and brain function.
I realised I had to research more about how to rejuvenate my vagina and balance my hormones if I wanted to feel and experience myself as I was before my hysterectomy and menopause.
Feeling frustrated with doctors I researched HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) for vaginal rejuvenation. This is a non surgical vaginal rejuvenation. The treatment lasts around 20 minutes and a client may need more than one treatment.
Hifu vaginal rejuvenation renews collagen and elastin in the vaginal walls which helps them thicken as they would be when younger. It also stimulates the glands at the top of the vagina increasing lubrication making sex more comfortable. This treatment has been clinically proven to noticeably tighten the vagina, reduce labial sagging, improve orgasm quality, reduce vaginal dryness, and improve urinary incontinence.
I was so pleased with the results after one treatment I bought a HIFU machine for rejuvenation of the vagina for our aesthetics cosmetic clinic as I felt fiercely that all women suffering with any of my symptoms should have access to this treatment. They no longer have to feel that they cannot get help for menopause nor the vaginal atrophy that causes laxity, incontinence and painful sex (in some cases). Many providers of this vaginal treatment have a high price tab. We now offer this procedure for £445 because we feel it should be available to everyone.
At 56 I took private medical insurance and had a consultation with a menopause specialist. She was marvellous and explained everything that I was concerned about. She was the first doctor who did a blood test for my hormones as well.
I am now on oestrogen and female testosterone (NHS only prescribe male testosterone for women) and have a hifu treatment every year and I feel vibrant and confident.
If any of you reading this want to speak to me about my experiences with menopause or vaginal rejuvenation please call me on 07773 920939.
Jane
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