Menopause marks a natural biological transition in a woman’s life, signaling the end of her reproductive years and menstrual cycles. This phase is characterized by significant hormonal shifts, primarily a decline in estrogen production. While it is a universal experience, symptoms and their intensity can vary considerably among individuals.
Burning Sensations and Menopause
A decline in estrogen levels can lead to various physical sensations, including burning. Estrogen maintains the health and integrity of tissues, including mucous membranes and skin. When estrogen levels decrease, these tissues can become thinner, drier, and more sensitive, leading to irritation and a burning sensation.
Physiological changes involve a reduction in collagen and elastin, which provide structure and elasticity to tissues. This thinning can expose nerve endings more readily, leading to heightened nerve sensitivity. Consequently, delicate mucous membranes, such as in the vulvovaginal region and mouth, are prone to these discomforts. Reduced moisture retention in these tissues further contributes to dryness and irritation, perceived as burning.
Where Burning Sensations Occur
Burning sensations during menopause can manifest in several areas. The vulvovaginal area is frequently affected, a condition known as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). GSM describes the collection of symptoms resulting from estrogen deficiency, leading to thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal and vulvar tissues. This can cause persistent burning, itching, and discomfort, especially during activities like intercourse or urination.
The oral cavity can also experience burning, known as burning mouth syndrome (BMS). This condition is characterized by a chronic burning sensation on the tongue, lips, palate, or throughout the mouth, without apparent oral lesions. Hormonal fluctuations are thought to play a role in BMS, potentially affecting nerve function and salivary gland activity. Individuals may describe it as a scalding or tingling sensation, impacting daily comfort and eating habits.
Generalized skin sensitivity is another common manifestation, where women may experience prickling, tingling, or crawling sensations, sometimes perceived as burning. These sensations, also known as formication, can occur due to changes in nerve endings and decreased skin hydration and elasticity. The skin’s barrier function may also be compromised, contributing to increased sensitivity and discomfort. The urinary tract can also be affected, with some women experiencing urethral burning. This discomfort is often related to GSM, as the urethra shares estrogen receptors with vaginal tissues and can undergo similar changes, leading to irritation and burning during urination.
Managing Menopause-Related Burning Sensations
Managing menopause-related burning sensations often involves a combination of approaches, starting with hormone therapies. Local Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), such as estrogen creams, rings, or tablets applied directly to the vagina, can restore estrogen to affected tissues. These localized treatments help to thicken and moisturize the vulvovaginal tissues, reducing dryness and burning. Systemic MHT, available as pills or patches, delivers estrogen throughout the body, alleviating a broader range of menopausal symptoms, including generalized skin sensitivity and other burning sensations.
Non-hormonal approaches also offer relief for specific areas. For vulvovaginal burning, over-the-counter vaginal lubricants can provide immediate moisture and reduce friction, while vaginal moisturizers offer longer-lasting hydration when used regularly. For burning mouth syndrome, mouth rinses, saliva substitutes, and certain medications like alpha-lipoic acid or low-dose clonazepam may be prescribed to manage discomfort. Topical creams containing capsaicin or lidocaine can be used for localized skin burning, though their application requires careful guidance.
Lifestyle adjustments can complement medical treatments and improve overall comfort. Avoiding irritants such as harsh soaps, perfumed products, and tight, non-breathable clothing can prevent exacerbating skin and vulvovaginal sensitivity. Maintaining hydration by drinking sufficient water supports bodily functions and can help with mucosal dryness. Engaging in stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or yoga, can be beneficial, as stress can amplify symptom perception.
Seeking Medical Guidance
Consult a healthcare provider when experiencing persistent or severe burning sensations during menopause. While these symptoms are common, a medical evaluation can rule out other potential causes, such as infections, allergies, or underlying medical conditions unrelated to menopause. A proper diagnosis ensures the discomfort is menopause-related and not a symptom of another health issue requiring different treatment.
A healthcare professional can provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to an individual’s symptoms and health profile. They can discuss the most appropriate therapeutic options, whether hormonal or non-hormonal, and monitor their effectiveness. Seeking medical advice is important if symptoms significantly impact daily life, worsen over time, or if new or concerning symptoms emerge.
References
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). (n.d.).
Burning Mouth Syndrome. (n.d.).
Menopausal Hormone Therapy. (n.d.).