Genital Diseases in the Mature Woman

Publication date: Available online 3 October 2017
Source:Clinics in Dermatology
Author(s): Natalie Matthews, Vivian Wong, Joe Brooks, George Kroumpouzos
Vulvovaginal conditions are common in mature women. This reflects age-related changes in immunity and skin barrier function of vulvovaginal tissues. Vaginal atrophy is commonly complicated by dryness and inflammation which makes postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis a virtually ubiquitous condition. The differential of vaginitis includes inflammatory, infectious, and malignant diseases, plus drug hypersensitivity. Atrophic vaginitis is treated with estrogen replacement therapy. Vulvovaginal malignant melanoma occurs predominantly in postmenopausal women and carries a poor prognosis. Similarly, the incidence of vulvovaginal malignancies, such as squamous cell carcinoma and extramammary Paget disease, rises exponentially after 65years of age. Early diagnosis of these malignancies is of utmost importance. Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus and vulvovaginal candidosis are among the most common postmenopausal vulvovaginal conditions. Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus is associated with significant morbidity, and its management can be challenging. The incidence of vulvovaginal candidosis increases in patients on estrogen replacement therapy.