Dealing With Menopause Symptoms - Vaginal Dryness and Itching

Around the time of menopause almost half of all women have some sort of problem involving vaginal dryness and itching. Even before the levels of estrogen start to fall significantly, some women notice that less lubrication is produced during intercourse, and sexual arousal is more difficult.They may put it down to 'tiredness' and loss of interest in their partner, but the mucous membranes around the genitals are actually changing.

There are a number of menopause remedies, apart from hormones, for vaginal dryness, but itching normally signals an infection that will require a doctor's attention.

What Causes Vaginal Dryness?

When estrogen levels start to fall, the walls of the vagina become thinner, drier and less elastic; most of this is a direct result of reduced blood flow.

Estrogen is a vasodilator, which means that it increases the size and flexibility of the blood vessels, so with less of this hormone around, the blood supply is diminished, and the cells in the vaginal walls get thinner, drier and more prone to itchiness and irritation. The epithelial tissue in the vagina is dependent on estrogen and, in the absence of this hormone, the superficial protective layer thins or disappears altogether, making it more prone to damage if extra lubrication is not used during sex. The lubrication of the vagina is also affected by circulation, as a lot of the moisture is produced by fluid seeping out of blood vessels and into the vagina rather than direct secretion from glands. When there is not enough lubrication, sex can lead to irritation, even pain, and post-coital bleeding. If you experience discomfort or bleeding during intercourse, it is important to do something about it.

Non-Menopausal Causes

Bear in mind that any medicines warning of a dry mouth as a side effect are going to dry up all mucous membranes, including your vagina. Anti-histamines are the biggest culprits, and they include medications for hay fever and travel sickness. Many antidepressants can decrease libido and thus affect lubrication, in particular fluoxetine, the tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). If vaginal dryness coincides with or starts soon after you commence any medication, check with your doctor in case the medication is the problem.

If you notice dry eyes, nose and mouth as well as a dry vagina, it is important to check that you don't have an autoimmune disorder known as Sjogrens syndrome. Your doctor will need to do a blood test to diagnose this, and the symptoms can be treated with lubricants and artificial tears and saliva.

Liquid douche preparations can disrupt the normal chemical balance and may lead to a feeling of dryness in your vagina.