Changes of vaginal microecology and related research progress in postmenopausal women / 中华老年医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Pathophysiological changes, such as the vulvovaginal atrophy, reduction in the proportion of lactobacilli, unbalance of the vaginal flora and impaired vaginal immune barrier, can result in a series of symptoms, signs and diseases affecting the health and quality of life in postmenopausal women.This article reviews the change characteristics and related mechanisms of the microbial flora in postmenopausal women in terms of the type, quantity and proportion of vaginal flora, and clarifies efficacy and its mechanisms of systemic and topical estrogen therapy on the improvement of intravaginal environment and urogenital symptoms, in order to improve the quality life in postmenopausal women.