Vaginal Dryness: Causes and Moisturizing Treatments



Normally, the walls of the vagina stay lubricated with a thin layer of clear fluid. The hormone estrogen helps maintain that fluid and keeps the lining of your vagina healthy, thick, and elastic.

A drop in estrogen levels reduces the amount of moisture available. It can happen at any age from a number of different causes.

It may seem like a minor irritation. But the lack of vaginal moisture can have a huge impact on your sex life. Fortunately, several treatments are available to relieve vaginal dryness.

Causes
Vaginal dryness is common symptom of menopause -- and close to one out of every three women deals with it while going through "the change." It becomes even more common afterward. It also makes the vagina thinner and less elastic. This is called vaginal atrophy.

Estrogen levels can also drop because of:

• Childbirth and breastfeeding


• Radiation or chemotherapy treatment for cancer


• Surgical removal of the ovaries


• Anti-estrogen medications used to treat uterine fibroids or endometriosis

• Sjögren's syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that attacks cells in the body that produce moisture)


• Allergy and cold medications


• Certain antidepressants


• Douching


• Not enough foreplay before sex


• No matter what the cause, vaginal dryness can be extremely uncomfortable. It can lead to itching, burning, and painful intercourse.

• Have breast cancer, especially if you're taking an aromatase inhibitor


• Have a history of endometrial cancer


• Have vaginal bleeding but don't know why


• Are pregnant or breastfeeding


• There isn't much research on the long-term use of topical estrogen, but doctors believe it's safe.