While menopause is a time of freedom with the chance of unplanned pregnancy gone, the physical changes brought on by decreased estrogen production can make sex uncomfortable or even painful. Vaginal dryness is a common symptom of menopause for many women.
Gynecologist Jennifer Moreira, MD, FACOG, of ThriveOB and Women's Wellness in Barrington, Illinois, recommends a state-of-the-art tissue-refreshing treatment that harnesses laser energy for a fast, effective treatment for the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), commonly referred to as vaginal atrophy.
MonaLisa Touch® uses laser technology to stimulate collagen production in the vaginal lining, restoring its youthful vitality and moisture retention. A long-lasting treatment that takes just a few minutes while requiring no recovery time, MonaLisa Touch has applications beyond vaginal dryness.
The thinning and subsequent dryness of the vagina’s inner lining is a common issue for some menopausal women. The direct cause of these changes is the reduced estrogen level in the body resulting from the loss of ovarian hormone production.
As well as dryness, GSM can also include symptoms like:
The severity of GSM varies widely between women. It may be a minor nuisance or a serious issue that affects your daily life.
Treatment for GSM usually starts with conservative care with over-the-counter products like vaginal moisturizers and sexual lubricants. When these aren’t adequate, topical estrogen creams, gels, or suppositories may be recommended. Hormone replacement therapy may also be an option.
Dr. Moreira and her team specialize in treating GSM with the MonaLisa Touch system. The device's carbon dioxide laser energy is a form of collagen-induction therapy.
Collagen, the most abundant protein in your body, declines as you get older or undergo hormonal changes, such as during menopause. Your body, though, maintains the ability to make new collagen, usually in response to an injury.
This is a principle commonly used in cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels and dermabrasion. Controlled injury stimulates regrowth with new tissue. Cosmetic lasers use heat without damaging the skin surface to achieve the same result with less need for recovery.
MonaLisa Touch works the same way, creating controlled injury in the collagen layer below the vaginal wall’s surface. Then your body takes over, removing warmed tissue and replacing it with a fresh, even collagen matrix, restoring premenopausal health to your vagina.
With the new tissue comes improvements in natural lubrication and arousal response. Many women find that the severity of other GSM symptoms also eases after treatment.
A complete MonaLisa Touch session takes less than an hour, and you can return to your regular day immediately after your appointment. Find out more by contacting ThriveOB and Women's Wellness.
Call 847-868-2908 to book your visit today.
