Vaginal Dryness During Menopause: How to Address It

What is Vaginal Dryness?

Vaginal dryness is a condition that occurs due to a decrease in natural moisture in the  vaginal area. 

The vaginal is a beautiful organ that is naturally capable of producing its own moisture to maintain the proper lubrication and health of the vaginal area. Ideally, it is the oestrogen that keeps your vagina lubricated, thick and elastic.

During the menopausal transition, there is a decrease in oestrogen levels. The decreased oestrogen levels cause various changes in the body, one of them being vaginal dryness.

• As the oestrogen levels decline, the vaginal wall becomes thinner, drier and less elastic. This is known as vaginal atrophy.
• The lack of moisture in the vaginal area causes discomfort, itching and irritation.
• The vaginal discharge balances the vaginal pH and creates an environment that prevents the growth of bad organisms and supports the growth of good organisms, thereby preventing bacterial or fungal infections.

Common Reasons Behind Oestrogen Decline

We know there is a decrease in oestrogen levels during menopause. Did you know oestrogen levels drop for various other reasons? Here are some of the causes you need to know.

• Surgical removal of ovaries (which can trigger menopause)
• Childbirth and Breastfeeding (a progesterone dominant phase)
• Chemotherapy and Radiation (reduce estradiol levels in the body) 
• Anti-oestrogen Drugs (used in the treatment of breast cancer and endometriosis)

Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness

Here are the symptoms you may experience if you have vaginal dryness or atrophy,

• Itching or Burning Sensation: Women experience these symptoms due to lack of lubrication in the vaginal area.
• Dyspareunia (Pain During Intercourse): A common symptom that can make sex painful or uncomfortable. It can impact intimacy and relationships.
• Vaginal Irritation and Sensitivity: The reduced oestrogen levels make the vaginal wall thin, sensitive and inflamed, leading to discomfort during daily activities.
• Increased Urinary Urgency and Frequency: The reduced moisture and irritation in the vaginal area may sometimes extend up to the urinary bladder. This leads to a frequent urge to urinate or discomfort during urination.
• Vaginal Discharge: In some cases, the vaginal discharge becomes thicker, sticker and drier than usual.
• Other symptoms: Reduced quantity of vaginal discharge, narrowing of vagina and tightening of vaginal opening.

Causes of Vaginal Dryness During Menopause

Vaginal dryness during menopause is driven by a series of hormonal changes, especially the decline in oestrogen levels. Let’sLet’s take a closer look at how these changes impact vaginal health.

• Oestrogen Decline: Oestrogen is a key hormone that maintains vaginal health. When oestrogen level is markedly reduced during menopause, the natural integrity of the vaginal flora will be affected. It makes the vaginal wall thinner, drier and less lubricated, causing vaginal dryness, inflammation and irritation.
• Reduced Vaginal Blood Flow: Reduction in oestrogen leads to a reduction in blood flow to the vaginal area. It reduces the production of moisture leading to vaginal dryness.
• Vaginal Atrophy (Atrophic Vaginitis): A condition which occurs due to lack of oestrogen in the body. It causes the vaginal wall to become thin, dry and inflamed.
• Medications: Medications used in the treatment of certain conditions also cause a reduction in oestrogen, leading to vaginal dryness. These include antidepressants, antihistamines and chemotherapy medications. Sometimes, radiation therapy also contributes to this factor.
• Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety both increase cortisol levels in the body. Cortisols inhibit the production of oestrogen and progesterone. The reduced oestrogen level causes vaginal dryness.
• Smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels in your body; this includes the blood vessels of the vagina. The damaged blood vessels fail to maintain good circulation leading to vaginal dryness.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels. This leads to a lack of blood supply to the vagina, reduces moisture and causes dryness.

Impact of Vaginal Dryness on Quality of Life

Vaginal dryness can have a major impact on your life physically and emotionally.

Here are some examples of how vaginal dryness can interfere with the quality of your life.

1. Physical Impact

• Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Lack of moisture causes friction and irritation. This leads to pain during intercourse. The discomfort reduces a woman’s libido (desire to have sex) and also affects the intimacy of the relationship.
• Itching and Irritation: Dryness causes itching and irritation in the vaginal area. This interferes with day-to-day activities as well as sleep.
• Urinary Issues: Vaginal dryness may affect the bladder and surrounding tissues as well. It leads to irritation in the bladder, which increases the frequency of urination. Sometimes, it causes discomfort during urination.

2. Emotional Impact

• Relationship Restrain: As vaginal dryness leads to painful sex, it can cause relationship issues and dissatisfaction.
• Anxiety and Depression: Chronic pain or discomfort causes an emotional toll.

Treatment and Solutions for Vaginal Dryness

There are several treatment options available to manage vaginal dryness during menopause.

• Vaginal Lubricants: A water or silicone-based lubricant helps reduce dryness in the vagina by providing extra moisture. These help reduce dryness, irritation and pain by providing temporary relief. They are used during intercourse to create a smooth and comfortable sensation during sex.
• Vaginal Moisturisers: These are similar to vaginal lubricants but maintain hydration and moisture in the vaginal region for a longer time when compared to lubricants. They can be used on a daily basis to maintain vaginal moisture and prevent irritation.
• Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT): Oestrogen-only therapy is more effective in treating vaginal dryness, as oestrogen is the hormone responsible for maintaining vaginal moisture. Oestrogen creams, gels, rings or tablets can be used to restore the natural moisture of the vagina. Local oestrogen treatment (directly applied to the vaginal area) is more effective in treating vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy during menopause. They also improve vaginal tissue health.
• Phytoestrogens: They are plant-based, oestrogen-like compounds. They mimic the action of oestrogen in your body. Including these foods in the diet will help naturally boost oestrogen-like activity in the body and help reduce vaginal dryness. Consume foods like flax seeds, sesame seeds, soy, tempeh and edamame. 
• Ospemifene: It is a non-hormonal medication which is prescribed to menopausal women. It stimulates oestrogen receptors in the vagina, thereby helping to improve moisture and reduce painful intercourse.

Lifestyle Changes to Adopt if You Have Vaginal Dryness

Minor lifestyle changes can help bring drastic changes in relieving the symptoms of vaginal dryness during menopause.

• Avoid Irritants: Use of scented or unscented soaps, vaginal washes, powders and douches in the vaginal area disturbs the natural pH balance. This leads to a decrease in moisture, causing vaginal dryness, irritation and discomfort. This can also worsen the existing dryness and discomfort. Therefore, you can use lukewarm water to clean the vaginal area or a chemical-free soap if necessary.
• Maintain Hydration: Dehydration leads to dryness in the body. Hence, hydration is key! Drinking sufficient quantities of water every day helps maintain the moisture in the body, including vaginal tissues.
• Healthy Diet: A healthy, balanced diet is a major solution to most of the issues. Including foods which help improve the health of vaginal tissue can help reduce the symptoms. Consume foods which are rich in vitamins, minerals and healthy fats to improve overall health as well as vaginal health.
• Pelvic Floor Exercises: They are also known as Kegel’s exercises. Exercising improves blood circulation in the body. Pelvic floor exercise mainly focuses on strengthening pelvic muscles. This improves blood circulation in the vaginal region and improves moisture in the region.
• Alternative Therapies: Therapies like acupuncture, vaginal laser treatment and herbal supplements help some women combat vaginal dryness during menopause. These remedies help improve collagen production in the vaginal walls, improving the tissue moisture and elasticity.

When to See a Doctor?

Vaginal dryness is a common symptom experienced by menopausal women. However, it is essential to consult your doctor if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:

• The Counter, Treatments are not Working: If you have already tried vaginal lubricants or moisturisers and they have not provided any relief in your symptoms, that’s when you consult a doctor.
• Affecting the Quality of Life: The dryness is so severe that it is causing significant discomfort, painful sex or impacting your daily activities, see a doctor.
• You’reYou’reperiencing Other Symptoms: If you are experiencing vaginal dryness along with unusual symptoms such as pain, vaginal bleeding or discharge, and urinary symptoms (burning and frequent urination), see a doctor.

Preventive Tips for Vaginal Discomfort

Are you wondering how to prevent vaginal dryness? Well, menopausal vaginal dryness cannot be prevented, but you can follow these tips to minimise its symptoms.

• Avoid Tight Clothing: Wearing tight clothes, especially panties made up of synthetic material, traps moisture and cause vaginal irritation. Therefore, wear loose, cotton panties. They help the vaginal area breathe and prevent irritation.
• Regular Sexual Activity: Sexual activity causes excitation, which improves blood flow to the vaginal region and maintains vaginal health. Engaging in regular sexual activity (need not always be intercourse) can help keep the vaginal tissue healthy and prevent dryness.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking constricts your blood vessels and impairs blood flow in the body, including the vaginal area, and can worsen dryness. Therefore, quitting smoking improves blood circulation and reduces vaginal dryness.
• Combat Stress: Stress reduces oestrogen levels in the body, which leads to vaginal dryness. Practices such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing techniques can help manage stress by relaxing your body and mind.

Say Goodbye to Discomfort and Hello to Relief

Vaginal Dryness - A common issue faced by menopausal women, is manageable with the right treatment and lifestyle changes. There are several solutions which help get rid of discomfort and restore vaginal health. 

So, ladies! Get ready to embrace menopause with grace with the help of our experts at Nirva Health.