Learn what causes vaginal dryness and how to treat it

Vaginal dryness or vaginal dryness affects pre/post-menopausal women at any age. It occurs due to the drop in estrogen levels, as explained by Karina Tafner (CRM-SP 118066) – gynecologist and obstetrician, specialist in Gynecological Endocrinology and Human Reproduction and specialist in Assisted Reproduction -, being more frequent due to vaginal atrophy (thinning of the vaginal wall). ) present in menopause.

What causes vaginal dryness?

Karina points out that, most of the time, vaginal dryness appears only after menopause, as its main cause is the drop in estrogen production. However, it can happen at any age due to several causes, among which the following can be mentioned:

vaginal atrophy

“As estrogen levels drop, the lining of the vagina becomes thinner, drier, light pink, bluish in color and less elastic,” explains Karina.

Symptoms related to vaginal atrophy, according to the gynecologist, have a negative impact on the quality of life of up to 50% of postmenopausal women, and their contributing factors are preventable and treatable.

“Vaginal symptoms most commonly related to vaginal atrophy (atrophic aginitis) include: sensation of vaginal dryness, vaginal burning and burning, sinus bleeding (bleeding after sexual intercourse), dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) and vaginal irritation.

Post childbirth

Gynecologist Karina explains that, in the postpartum period, vaginal dryness can also occur when the woman is exclusively breastfeeding, as the ovulatory cycles are suspended and, with them, the production of female hormones. This factor leads to decreased lubrication and consequent vaginal dryness.

ovulatory disorders

Karina highlights that ovulatory disorders caused by hormonal changes such as hyperprolactinemia and hypothyroidism can also be responsible for vaginal dryness.

psychiatric changes

“Depression, panic syndrome, anxiety and certain medications used to treat these changes often cause a decrease in women’s libido and sexual desire, resulting in less vaginal lubrication and greater potential for dryness”, explains the gynecologist.

Certain medications

“Some medications used to treat colds or allergies – which contain antihistamines – used to treat asthma symptoms and for excessive acne can cause dryness of the mucous membranes throughout the body, including in the genital region”, comments Karina.

Allergy on site

The gynecologist also highlights that certain intimate hygiene products can cause allergy in susceptible people, causing dryness and redness at the site.

“The use of panties with synthetic fabrics, which are not cotton, can also cause this type of irritation, causing vaginal dryness”, adds the gynecologist.

The measurement of the most troublesome symptoms, especially dyspareunia and vaginal dryness, is possibly the most useful parameter in clinical practice for diagnosis, although it is a subjective measurement, as Karina comments. “Other research tools are emerging, such as a broader knowledge of the elements of the lamina propria of the vagina, measurement of vaginal distension, among other future possibilities. Gynecologists can make the diagnosis based on the patient’s symptoms and a thorough physical exam,” she says.

How to treat vaginal dryness

Treatment will be based on the cause(s) of vaginal dryness. “In the vast majority of women, the prospect of symptom regression is excellent after treatment”, highlights Karina.

In the case of menopausal women, for example, Karina explains that the recommendations of medical societies highlight the topical use of intravaginal estrogen as the main treatment for regression of the condition and vaginal dryness.

“Local estrogen treatments are the most effective while having minimal effect on other tissues in the body and treating vaginal atrophy. They include vaginal estrogen cream, vaginal estrogen ring or vaginal estrogen pills (the last two not yet marketed in Brazil)”, adds the gynecologist.

Karina points out that vaginal secretion (and consequent lubrication) depends on the action of estrogens. “In addition, the cells of the vaginal epithelium under the action of estrogens produce glycogen, which is converted into lactic acid under the action of the bacterial flora to maintain an adequate vaginal pH”, she explains.

If vaginal dryness is the result of an allergy at the site from intimate hygiene products and/or synthetic fabric panties, the guidelines will certainly be in the sense of not using these products and/or fabric.

“Non-hormonal options such as lubricants, vaginal moisturizers, and laser therapy may be helpful in patients with mild or moderate urogenital atrophy complaints or in women who are at risk for estrogen-responsive neoplasia,” adds Karina.

If the woman feels aroused but not lubricated, she can use vaginal lubricants if there are no other problems diagnosed by the doctor after physical examination, as explained by Karina.

Vaginal dryness from contraceptive use, according to Karina, is more likely in the case of contraceptives that do not contain estrogen, only progesterone. “You can use vaginal moisturizers and lubricants in this case”, he guides.

Contraindications and warnings

Karina highlights that she is unaware of natural remedies and/or teas for lubrication and/or treatment of vaginal dryness.

“I do not recommend using homemade alternatives recommended by laypeople, as they can further harm vaginal health. The ideal is always to look for the gynecologist who will guide the best treatment according to the particularities of the case”, concludes the gynecologist Karina.

Also check out guidelines on how to choose intimate lubricant for more comfortable moments for two.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.