Breaking the silence on vulval health and menopause
AS an obstetrician and gynaecologist practising in the Greater Shepparton area, with clinic based in Mooroopna, I care for many women experiencing vulval conditions and menopausal symptoms. Too many women are suffering in silence. We need more open conversations, create awareness, and reassure women that help is available. Creating awareness is the first step toward better health and comfort.
Vulval itching and soreness – It’s not always thrush
Many women experience itching, soreness, or irritation around the vulva (the outer part of the female genital area). While thrush is common, not every itch is a fungal infection. Ongoing symptoms should always be reviewed by a healthcare professional for proper assessment and treatment.
One important but lesser-known condition is Lichen sclerosis. This is a long-term skin condition that mainly affects the genital area. It can occur at any age, and about 1 in 1,000 women may experience it.
Common symptoms include persistent itching (often worse at night), soreness or burning, cracks or small ulcers in the skin, and pale, white-looking patches of skin.
Sometimes, women may not have any symptoms at all, and the condition is found during a routine examination.
The exact cause is not fully understood, but it may be linked to autoimmune conditions (where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues).
The reassuring news is: It is not an infection, it is not contagious, it cannot be passed to a partner and effective treatments are available.
With the right treatment and follow-up, most women can achieve excellent symptom control and live comfortably.
Understanding menopause and perimenopause
Menopause is a natural stage of life when a woman’s monthly periods stop. The average age of menopause is around 51 years. However, symptoms can begin several years earlier during a phase called perimenopause.
Menopause happens due to a fall in oestrogen levels, mainly because of changes in ovarian function.
Common symptoms include changes in menstrual cycles, hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems, increased anxiety or low mood, mood swings, pain during sex and bladder symptoms (frequency or urgency). Some women may also notice increase in belly fat, bone thinning (osteoporosis) and foggy thinking.
These symptoms can feel overwhelming, but the important message is: help is available.
Management options include healthy lifestyle changes (balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management), vaginal treatments for dryness and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
For most women, HRT is safe and effective, though treatment should always be tailored to the individual after medical assessment.
Let’s keep the conversation going
Vulval conditions and menopause are common, natural and treatable. Yet many women delay seeking help due to embarrassment or the belief that symptoms are “just part of life.”
They may be common — but that does not mean you have to live with discomfort.
By talking openly, supporting one another, and seeking timely medical advice, we can improve quality of life for so many women in our community.
You are not alone. Help is available. And together, we can break the silence.
