Vaginal dryness: causes and treatment
Most women will experience vaginal dryness at some point in their lives. This can be quite uncomfortable as it can cause other discomforts such as itching, burning, and soreness.
Usually, women associate vaginal dryness with menopause. This is not completely true as it can happen to women at any age. It is however a common symptom during menopause. However there are lots of other causes.
Causes of vaginal dryness
There are many causes of vaginal dryness. One of the most common is a decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen is a female hormone that supports vagina health by maintaining the normal lubrication of the vaginal walls, as well as the elasticity and acidity. When estrogen levels decrease, the vaginal walls will become less elastic, more fragile and less lubricated.
A decrease in estrogen levels can have several causes. Menopause is one of them, as well as being pregnant and breastfeeding. Radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy can also impact your estrogen levels, causing vaginal dryness.
The natural lubrication of the vagina can also be affected by some forms of medication, for example, for colds and allergies, as well as by medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Symptoms
Vaginal dryness can be accompanied by other discomforts such as:
- itching
- burning
- stinging
- soreness
- pain during intercourse
“One of the most commonly used treatments is to increase the vaginal moisture with either gels or lubrications”
What can be done about vaginal dryness?
You might have noticed that your discharge can vary in amount and even consistency. This is normal, too.
