Key Takeaways
- Declining estrogen during perimenopause and menopause can cause vaginal dryness, thinning tissue, and reduced sensitivity.
- This cluster of symptoms is known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause, or GSM, and it affects a large share of postmenopausal women.
- The O-Shot uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your own blood to help address dryness and sensitivity without added hormones or surgery.
- Every woman experiences menopause differently, so the right treatment plan depends on your specific symptoms and goals.
- The Colorado Center for Health and Longevity in Greenwood Village offers the O-Shot alongside hormone therapy, giving Dr. Ian Levenson and his team more than one way to help you feel comfortable again — call (303) 221-5400 to start the conversation.
How Menopause Affects Vaginal Health
As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, the tissues of the vagina and vulva can become thinner, drier, and less elastic. This happens because estrogen plays a role in keeping vaginal tissue supple, well lubricated, and resilient. Once estrogen drops, these tissues lose some of that support, which is why so many women notice changes in comfort and sensitivity around midlife.
At The Colorado Center for Health and Longevity, Dr. Ian Levenson works with women throughout Greenwood Village who are navigating exactly this kind of change. Because menopause symptoms and hormone levels are different for every patient, the practice's hormone therapy and women's sexual health services are designed to work together, not in isolation.
Common Symptoms of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
Vaginal dryness is the hallmark symptom of GSM, but it's rarely the only one. Women may also notice:
- Burning, itching, or irritation in the vaginal area
- Discomfort or pain during intercourse
- Decreased sensitivity or difficulty reaching orgasm
- Lax or looser vaginal tissue
- Increased frequency of urinary tract infections
These symptoms tend to be progressive, meaning they can gradually worsen without treatment — which is one reason many physicians encourage women not to simply wait them out.
What Is the O-Shot, and How Can It Help?
The O-Shot, also known as the Orgasm Shot, is a nonsurgical treatment that uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) drawn from your own blood. The PRP is injected into the upper vagina and clitoris to help stimulate tissue growth and improve sensitivity. Dr. Levenson trained directly with Dr. Charles Runels, the physician who created the O-Shot protocol, and is a certified provider of this and related PRP treatments.
For women whose main concerns are dryness, laxity, or reduced sensitivity related to menopause or childbirth, the O-Shot offers an option that doesn't rely on ongoing hormone use. Many patients pair it with FEMIWave, a pulse-wave therapy that improves blood flow to the area, for a more complete approach to menopause-related vaginal health.
O-Shot vs. Vaginal Estrogen Therapy
Vaginal estrogen is one of the most established treatments for GSM, and low-dose estrogen, along with vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, is commonly recommended as a first step. The table below compares this approach with the O-Shot so you can see how they differ.
| O-Shot | Vaginal Estrogen Therapy | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | PRP injection stimulates the body's own tissue growth and sensitivity | Topical hormone replaces declining estrogen in vaginal tissue |
| Hormone-based | No | Yes |
| Typical use | In-office injection, results build over weeks | Ongoing daily or weekly application |
| Best suited for | Dryness, laxity, and reduced sensitivity | Dryness and thinning tissue tied directly to low estrogen |
| Can be combined | Yes, often paired with FEMIWave or hormone therapy | Yes, often paired with nonhormonal options |
Many women find that a combination approach, guided by Dr. Levenson, works better than choosing just one path.
Is the O-Shot Right for You?
Because menopause symptoms vary so widely, the best way to know whether the O-Shot fits your needs is a private consultation. Dr. Levenson will review your symptoms, medical history, and goals before recommending a plan — which may include the O-Shot on its own or alongside hormone therapy.
Talk to Someone Who Understands Menopause and Vaginal Health
Menopause doesn't have to mean accepting discomfort or a loss of sensitivity as 'just part of getting older.' Understanding why these changes happen is the first step, and knowing your options — from hormone therapy to the O-Shot — puts you back in control.
If you're ready to talk through your symptoms and options, request an appointment with Dr. Ian Levenson and The Colorado Center for Health and Longevity's women's sexual health team in Greenwood Village. You can call (303) 221-5400 whenever you're ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does menopause always cause vaginal dryness?
Not every woman experiences the same symptoms, but vaginal dryness is one of the most commonly reported changes during and after menopause, largely due to declining estrogen levels.
What is an O-Shot?
The O-Shot is a nonsurgical treatment that uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your own blood, injected into the upper vagina and clitoris, to help improve sensitivity, lubrication, and tissue health.
Does the O-Shot work for menopause-related symptoms?
Many women notice improvement in dryness, sensitivity, and comfort after the O-Shot, though results and timelines vary from patient to patient. Dr. Levenson can help set realistic expectations based on your specific symptoms.
How do I find an O-Shot provider near me?
Look for a board-certified physician who has trained directly under the treatment's developer. Dr. Ian Levenson at The Colorado Center for Health and Longevity in Greenwood Village is a certified O-Shot provider.
