Vaginal Dryness as a Menopause Symptom: Treatments and Relief

It is estimated that between 10 and 40% of all women experience vaginal dryness as a menopause symptom. Signs include dryness, itchiness, irritation, burning, and the need or sensation of having to urinate frequently. Vaginal dryness can also cause discomfort and even minor bleeding during intercourse.

A decline in the level of estrogen is responsible for vaginal dryness during menopause. As estrogen levels fall, natural vaginal lubrication and elasticity decreases. The tissue of the vagina becomes thinner and more delicate, and the result can be quite uncomfortable.

Treatment for vaginal dryness should begin with a trip to your doctor. A pelvic exam is the most effective way for diagnosis to be made. Your doctor will likely take cell and secretion samples for further examination, and may request a urine sample. The symptoms of vaginal dryness are similar to those associated with yeast infections and urinary tract infections, as well as some other medical conditions. It is important that other causes be ruled out before treatment is started for vaginal dryness as a menopause symptom.

Self-Care Measures For Relief

Once diagnosed, vaginal dryness is a menopause symptom that can be easily and safely treated, often through self-care measures.

1. Up your water intake to ten 8 oz. glasses a day for natural hydration. This can be surprisingly helpful in relieving vaginal dryness.


2. Vaginal lubricants may help relieve vaginal dryness, particularly during intercourse.


3. Supplements may also help. Vitamin E, Ginseng and soy products are believed to help improve vaginal moisture levels. At the very least, start taking a quality multi-vitamin if you don’t already do so.


4. Diet can also affect vaginal moisture levels. A low-fat, high-fiber, mostly vegetarian diet featuring soy products can help relieve vaginal dryness.


5. Avoid douching as this can cause an imbalance in the chemical composition of the vagina as well as causing irritation.

Estrogen therapy for vaginal dryness

If your vaginal dryness persists despite your best efforts to alleviate discomfort through self-care, estrogen therapy may be in order. Estrogen therapy is not right for everyone, and you will need to discuss possible side effects or health risks in conjunction with your medical history before starting treatment.

Vaginal estrogen treatments are available in three different forms:

1. Estrogen cream is inserted directly into the vagina, generally 2 to 3 times per week. It is usually used at bedtime.


2. Estrogen rings are soft, flexible O-shaped rings that are inserted into the vagina. They stay in place for up to three months, releasing estrogen at appropriate levels continually.


3. Estrogen tablets that are placed directly into the vagina twice per week are another treatment option.

Should creams, rings and tablets fail to relieve vaginal dryness, your doctor may suggest more comprehensive estrogen replacement therapy, particularly if you are experiencing other discomforting menopause symptoms. Discuss this possibility with your doctor in detail. ERT is not without risks, and women should make informed choices about all of the treatment options available for relief of various menopause symptoms.