The Jade Room Team: improving the quality of health and quality of life one woman at a time (particularly during periods of change).
Most people have never heard of Vaginal Atrophy. Women who suffer from it generally don’t talk about it and they may not even realise it can be treated.
In 2015, when Sarah Livingstone underwent surgery following cancer it brought on early menopause and she was subsequently diagnosed with the condition. Luckily, Sarah’s long-time GP and friend Sally Lytlleton had heard of a breakthrough treatment providing a solution, and now these women have teamed up to help others suffering from the same condition in the safe, supportive environment of The Jade Room.
This very personal problem is one many women experience following menopause but few ever discuss – even with friends or their medical professional. Sally notes that “very few women are informed, or even aware that vaginal dryness, soreness, painful sex, is due to the menopause. They think it’s a natural part of ageing and it’s something they’ve just got to put up with, and it’s not at all”. Sarah adds “They suffer! They suffer in silence often”.
Symptoms include reduced libido, sex becomes painful and it can cause difficulty or even an inability to climax. The Jade Room team specialise in the treatment of vaginal atrophy and associated symptoms offering a non-invasive non-hormonal laser treatment which safely and effectively treats the thinning and drying of vaginal tissue due to the lack of estrogen. “It’s pain-free and surprisingly easy” explains Sarah, and no referral is necessary.
The Jade Room staff are improving the health and quality of life for women, and encourage the broader discussion of what happens pre and post-menopause, after childbirth, and cancer treatment, all of which can trigger significant changes in the body’s physical, mental and emotional health. “It is a taboo subject and it comes down to the fact that people feel ashamed, as if it’s just them. And we want people to know it’s not just them – it’s real, it happens” says Sally, “Sixty percent of women in menopause will experience vaginal atrophy” she adds.
This exclusive interview by Edwina Bartholomew with two of the Jade Room’s co-founders is well worth a watch by both women and men. We were fascinated to learn how the treatment works and that menopause is definitely not just about hot flushes and mood swings.
