Definition: An inflammatory condition characterized by the drying and shrinking of the vaginal lining. As the body’s estrogen production diminishes with menopause, the vagina produces fewer secretions, so the vaginal wall becomes less lubricated and flexible and more prone to tears and cracks.
Pronunciation: VAJ-uh-null AT-roh-fee
Also Known As: atrophic vaginitis; vaginal dryness
Examples: When she noticed that it hurt to have sex, she began using intravaginal estrogen to treat the vaginal atrophy that caused her pain.