Senile Vaginitis and Vata Imbalance: Ayurvedic Insights and Interventions

As a woman steps into the new phase of life after menopause, her body continues to go through subtle yet significant changes. One such change is senile vaginitis. Senile vaginitis is a genitourinary illness that primarily affects women after menopause. Senile vaginitis causes inflammation in the vagina because of tissue thinning caused by reduced estrogen levels, which is critical for maintaining the structural integrity, flexibility, moisture and microbiota balance of the vaginal and urinary tissues. In senile vaginitis, loss of estrogen causes vaginal dryness, itching, burning micturition and dyspareunia, affecting nearly 10-40% of women. In the Ayurvedic context, this condition aligns with Vatala Yonivyapada, a disorder primarily driven by the aggravation of Vata Dosha and presented with clinical features closely resembling those of senile vaginitis, offering a parallel pathology between traditional and modern gynecological understanding. This review article will focus on understanding the Ayurvedic pathogenesis, clinical features and therapeutic approaches for senile vaginitis to provide a comprehensive perspective on its management. As management in Ayurveda emphasizes mainly on Vata-pacifying strategies along with Dhatuposhana, systemic rejuvenation through Rasayana Chikitsa and local restoration and healing of vaginal mucosa. These interventions aim to address the root cause for this condition, improve the nutritional status of the body, improve tissue health, and help in restoring moisture.