Vaginal dryness and menopause: what you need to know

When it comes to vaginal health, oestrogen plays a critical role: it helps maintain blood flow and keeps mucous membranes of the vagina wall healthy. Oestrogen also helps maintain thickness of the vaginal lining, and keeps the vagina moist and the tissue flexible. This is important for vaginal health (and to prevent bacteria and fungi from causing infections) and for moistening the vagina in preparation for sexual activity. 

Oestrogen levels drop during the transition into menopause. This can have an impact on the vagina. It can negatively impact vaginal blood flow and lubrication. It often also leads to the mucous membranes of the vagina becoming thinner, less elastic and more susceptible to tears. This can cause problems down under. Itching, irritation, a burning sensation or soreness are common symptoms for many menopausal women. Unfortunately, these symptoms don’t go away on their own, but they are treatable. 

Many women experience a host of symptoms as they go through menopause, such as hot flashes, sleep problems and mood swings.

On average, 30 percent of menopausal women experience vaginal dryness, irritation or pain to some degree. Most women get these symptoms when they hit menopause, or just after.  What symptoms occur is different for each woman. Some experience vaginal dryness, others vaginal itching or soreness, or a combination of these symptoms.

Menopausal vaginal symptoms can be very uncomfortable. Riding a bike may feel like sitting on a bed of thorns. Or itching may make you feel terribly uncomfortable at work. Of course, you want to get rid of these symptoms or prevent them from occurring in the first place. Looking after yourself and your vaginal health can help alleviate vaginal symptoms. Here are some helpful tips. 

• Allow plenty of time for having sex and for foreplay. Vaginal dryness is a common problem for menopausal women. Even though it may take a while longer to get wet, you shouldn’t let this stop you from being intimate with your partner or lover. Sex and masturbation keep the mucous membranes moist and healthy. It also helps to use lubricants.  
• Do not wear tight or abrasive clothing. This can cause irritation. 
• Avoid using intimate hygiene products. These can disrupt the vaginal flora. 
• Getting plenty of rest and eating a healthy diet contribute to a healthy vaginal flora.  
• Use vaginal oestrogen to relieve symptoms. Vaginal oestrogen comes as a cream or vaginal suppository and is a prescription medication. Many women benefit from vaginal oestrogen. Topical treatment is preferred to hormone therapy in the treatment of vaginal symptoms.