Vaginal epithelium postmenopausal

In postmenopausal women, the incidence of mitosis in the basal and parabasal layers and the number of small blood vessels decreases. The vaginal epithelium becomes extremely thin, cell boundaries in the surface are less distinct, the micro-ridges of the cells are dramatically reduced, and the vagina is often invaded with leukocytes. Naturally, this thinning of the epithelium leads to a substantial increase in the permeability of this tissue. 

Unlike other tissues, the vagina is greatly affected by steroid replacement therapy. Estrogen replacement therapy is often used to treat menopausal symptoms. The postmenopausal state of the vaginal epithelium, with its thinner epithelium and increased permeability, is an important consideration in drug delivery. The minimization of epithelial fluctuation will result in less fluctuation in absorption, affecting both systemic and local drug deliveries. 

Stratification of the vaginal squamous epithelium in postmenopausal women... 

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