Key Points
- Vaginal dryness is a symptom of perimenopause that you may experience.
- Talk to your OB/GYN to confirm that your vaginal dryness is due to perimenopause.
- Stay hydrated to help reduce the impact of vaginal dryness on your body and quality of life.
Perimenopause Symptoms Beginning with V
Vaginal Dryness
A symptom of perimenopause, vaginal dryness, is caused by estrogen levels dropping. The vaginal tissues start drying and become less elastic. Due to the loss of moisture, penetrative sex can become uncomfortable. The vagina may also frequently be itchy, easily irritated, and prone to infection.
Tips for Dealing with Vaginal Dryness
If you're experiencing vaginal dryness, there are things you can do to help. Check these tips out:
Confirm it's due to perimenopause. Vaginal dryness can have other causes beyond perimenopause. If you're experiencing vaginal dryness, consult your OB/GYN to get a proper diagnosis. This is especially true if you aren't experiencing any of the other symptoms of perimenopause.
Know that there are medications that can help. Treatments for vaginal dryness include low-dose estrogen and selective estrogen modulators. Your OB/GYN may prescribe one of these to you to help you deal with perimenopausal vaginal dryness.
Use a vaginal moisturizer. Vaginal moisturizers can help relieve the itching, burning, and discomfort often associated with vaginal dryness. Generally, you'll need to apply a vaginal moisturizer every few days.
Use enough lubricant during sex. If you're dealing with vaginal dryness, you may need to use extra lubricant during penetrative sex. Take the time to experiment with how much you need to be comfortable. Consider trying different brands to see which ones work best for you.
Stay hydrated. Being dehydrated will only make your perimenopausal vaginal dryness worse. Aim to drink at least eight to nine glasses of water a day. Not only will this help with vaginal dryness, but it will help you feel better overall.
Perimenopause Symptoms A to Z
Perimenopause Information
Do not take the content of this article as professional medical advice. It's important to exercise due diligence when obtaining relevant information in matters pertaining to your health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.