Menopause brings with it a number of changes in a woman’s body, largely related to the hormonal fluctuations characteristic of this stage. One of the most common is vulvar dryness, a condition which can affect physical wellbeing, intimacy and quality of life. Today, there are several measures and treatments which can help relieve it and enhance intimate comfort.1
What is vulvar dryness during menopause and how can it affect daily wellbeing?
Vulvar dryness in menopause occurs when the tissues of the vulva and vagina lose hydration and elasticity. This change is usually related to a decrease in oestrogen,2 hormones which help keep vaginal tissues lubricated and healthy.
In some cases, these changes come under the term menopausal genitourinary syndrome, which includes symptoms such as dryness, irritation and pain during sexual intercourse.1
What are the common symptoms of vulvar dryness during menopause and how can they be recognised early?
The symptoms of vulvar dryness at this stage may appear gradually and can vary from woman to woman. Recognising them early enables you to seek solutions which help improve intimate comfort.
Some of the most common symptoms are:
- a feeling of dryness in the vulva or vagina
- itching or irritation in the intimate area
- pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
- a burning sensation when urinating
- slight bleeding after intercourse
- scant vaginal discharge
Some women may also notice an increase in urinary tract infections or recurrent discomfort in the genital area.2
What hormonal changes cause vulvar dryness during menopause?
The main factor behind vulvar dryness in menopause is the decrease in oestrogen levels. During a woman’s reproductive years, these hormones promote the production of natural vaginal secretions which keep the vaginal mucosa hydrated.3 As a result, vaginal tissues may become thinner, drier and more sensitive.
This process can also be triggered by other situations where oestrogen levels drop such as postpartum or during breastfeeding.3
How can you tell the difference between vulvar dryness and other intimate discomfort during menopause?
Although vulvar dryness is common during menopause, it is not the only cause of intimate discomfort. Some skin conditions or infections can lead to similar symptoms such as itching or irritation in the genital area.1
Conditions which can be mistaken for vulvar dryness at this stage include:
- vaginal infections
- genital herpes
- lichen sclerosus and lichen planus1
So when symptoms persist or worsen, it’s advisable to seek medical advice to rule out other causes and get appropriate treatment.
Which everyday habits can aggravate vulvar dryness?
Besides hormonal changes, some daily habits can also make dryness or irritation in the intimate area worse.
Factors which may worsen vulvar dryness during menopause include:1
- using perfumed soaps or products in the intimate area
- vaginal douches
- scented detergents or hygiene products
- underwear made of synthetic fabrics
Experts often recommend using mild, fragrance-free products and wearing cotton underwear to reduce irritation and promote breathability.²
Simple tips that can relieve vulvar dryness
There are some simple measures which can help relieve vulvar dryness in mild cases. The most common recommendations include:²
- use water-based lubricants during sexual intercourse
- apply specific vaginal moisturisers to maintain the moisture of the mucosa
- don’t use irritating or perfumed products in the intimate area
- wear cotton underwear and avoid very tight-fitting clothing which can increase friction
What medical treatments are available to relieve vulvar dryness?
When discomfort is more severe or persistent, there are various medical options which can help improve symptoms.
Vulvovaginal hydration
Vulvovaginal hydration with hyaluronic acid is a treatment designed to rehydrate the vaginal mucosa and improve tissue elasticity. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the body which helps retain water in tissues and keep them firm.
This treatment is performed by means of small injections into the vaginal mucosa or the skin of the vulva and aims to:
- increase tissue hydration
- improve the elasticity of the vulvovaginal mucosa
- stimulate collagen production
Regenerative mesotherapy
Another option is regenerative mesotherapy, a technique which involves administering superficial micro-injections of vitamins and active substances to the vulvovaginal area.
This procedure can help to:
- improve tissue hydration
- increase skin elasticity
- promote cell regeneration
At the Dexeus Midlife centre in Barcelona, these treatments are tailored to each person following a specialist medical assessment.
When should you see an intimate health specialist?
If vulvar dryness during menopause persists for several weeks or affects your everyday wellbeing, it’s a good idea to speak to a specialist.
It’s also advisable to seek medical advice if symptoms such as the following appear:
- unexpected vaginal bleeding
- severe pain during sexual intercourse
- abnormal vaginal discharge2
A healthcare professional will be able to assess the situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
If you have any questions or would like a personalised assessment, you can make an appointment at Dexeus Midlife. Our team specialising in menopause and gynaecological health will provide you with bespoke care to enhance your wellbeing and quality of life.
References
1 Harvard Health Publishing. Don’t ignore vaginal dryness and pain. Harvard Medical School. A medical explanation of vaginal dryness associated with menopause, its hormonal causes, symptoms, and available treatment options. https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/dont-ignore-vaginal-dryness-and-pain
2 NHS – National Health Service. Vaginal dryness. Clinical information on symptoms, hormonal causes and self-care measures for treating vaginal dryness. https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/vaginal-dryness/
3 MedlinePlus. Vaginal dryness. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Medical description of vaginal dryness, causes related to decreased estrogen, symptoms, and treatment options. https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000892.htm
Oriol Gili
A chemist specialised in dermopharmacy and women’s health with more than 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical advice applied to skin care.
