Vaginal dryness: symptoms, treatment, natural remedies

Vaginal dryness openly: symptoms, causes and treatment

vaginal dryness ilustration

Vaginal dryness is a topic that is rarely discussed openly, even though many women experience it, especially during menopause, but also at other stages of life. What causes vaginal dryness, what are the symptoms and what are the treatment options? Let's take a look.

What causes vaginal dryness?

The most common cause of vaginal dryness is a decrease in oestrogen, typically during menopause, after childbirth, during breastfeeding or during hormone therapy. However, dryness can also occur as a result of stress, smoking, taking certain medications or frequent use of perfumed cleansing products.

It is a signal from your body that it needs something – and you can listen to it 💞.

Symptoms of vaginal dryness

The most common symptoms of vaginal dryness include:

  • Insufficient lubrication and a feeling of dryness in the vagina (especially during sexual activity).
  • Burning or itching in and around the vagina.
  • Pain during sexual intercourse (known as dyspareunia) due to lack of moisture and a fragile vaginal mucosa.
  • Light bleeding or spotting after intercourse, caused by small tears in the mucous membrane.
  • Recurrent vaginal infections or frequent urinary tract infections – these problems may occur in connection with vaginal dryness and atrophic tissue changes.

Some women may also experience irritation of the vulva (external genitals) and painful urination. This set of symptoms (vaginal, vulvar and urinary problems caused by oestrogen deficiency) is now referred to as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).

Vaginal dryness and menopause

After the transition to menopause, a woman's body undergoes significant hormonal changes. The natural decline in oestrogen affects not only mood, sleep and thermoregulation, but also the condition of the vaginal mucosa.

Approximately half of postmenopausal women experience symptoms associated with so-called vaginal atrophy, i.e. thinning and weakening of the mucosa as a result of hormonal changes. These changes can manifest as dryness, burning, pain during intercourse, but also urinary problems (frequent urge to urinate, bladder irritation or recurrent infections). This is why doctors are increasingly combining vaginal and urinary problems into one term: GSM – genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

While some menopausal symptoms (e.g. hot flushes) usually subside over time, vaginal dryness caused by atrophy persists without treatment – and may worsen over time. The mucous membrane continues to weaken, loses its elasticity and the vaginal canal may narrow or shorten.

 

Vaginal dryness and menopause

Options for treating vaginal dryness

Treatment for vaginal dryness can be divided into:

  • Non-hormonal
  • Hormonal

It is generally recommended that you start with simpler measures and freely available remedies – gentle changes in your daily care routine, freely available moisturisers or natural remedies may bring initial relief.

If the symptoms persist, consult your doctor, who may recommend, for example, local hormone treatment 👩‍⚕️.

Non-hormonal treatment

Freely available products that help restore the natural moisture of the vaginal mucosa and alleviate discomfort during intimate contact are most often recommended as a first step. They are gentle, easy to use and provide significant relief within a few days.

  • Vaginal moisturisers (moisturising creams and gels): these are applied directly to the vagina several times a week (usually 2-3 times a week) regardless of sexual activity. Their purpose is to moisturise and regenerate the vaginal mucosa over the long term.
  • Lubricating gels (lubricants): these are used immediately before sexual intercourse to reduce friction and pain during sex. Water-based, silicone-based and oil-based versions are available on the market.

In addition to these products, a doctor or physiotherapist may also recommend special vaginal dilators, known as expanders. These are cylinder-shaped devices that are inserted into the vagina and gradually stretch the narrowed vaginal entrance and canal.

Another option for painful intercourse is to apply a local anaesthetic (e.g. lidocaine gel) shortly before intercourse. The gel temporarily numbs the vaginal entrance and can thus alleviate discomfort.

Hormone treatment for vaginal dryness

If vaginal dryness is caused by oestrogen deficiency and regular moisturisers do not provide sufficient relief, local hormone treatment – primarily oestrogen therapy in the vagina – is a very effective solution.

Studies suggest that estrogen preparations relieve the symptoms of atrophy significantly more than non-hormonal moisturisers. After several weeks of use, there is an improvement in moisture, elasticity and a reduction in burning and pain during intercourse. The advantage of local oestrogens is that they can be used long-term as needed, even for years, because they are applied in small doses and the risk of side effects is minimal.

Vaginal oestrogen therapies include:

  • Oestrogen cream
  • Vaginal oestrogen suppositories/tablets
  • Estrogen vaginal ring

Other medications for menopause-related vaginal dryness include:

  • Prasterone (DHEA, trade name Intrarosa): Vaginal suppositories containing dehydroepiandrosterone (a hormone that is partially converted to estrogen and androgen in the body).
  • Ospemifene (Osphena): A tablet taken orally once a day – belongs to the group of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).
  • Systemic hormone therapy: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – typically estrogen in tablets, patches or gel, plus progestogen if necessary.

Vaginal dryness and natural remedies that may help

If you want to take a natural or alternative route to relieve vaginal dryness, there are several options that may offer some relief, although scientific evidence of their effectiveness is not always clear.

Below are some gentle and gentle options that can support your body:

  • Plant oils as lubricants: Coconut oil or olive oil are particularly recommended as they have moisturising and soothing properties. However, do not use oils with latex condoms as they break down latex and may cause the protection to fail.
  • Phytoestrogens in the diet: These are plant-based substances that are similar to oestrogens. They are most commonly found in legumes, seeds and certain types of vegetables and fruit, such as soybeans, flax seeds, chickpeas, red lentils, sesame seeds, cashews, broccoli, carrots and apples. Including these foods in your diet can provide a weak oestrogenic effect, which may slightly improve mucosal moisture, but it should be noted that the effect is very mild and slow.
  • Aloe vera gel: It is renowned for its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties. Some women use pure aloe vera gel to apply to the external intimate areas when they feel dry or burning to soothe irritation. Choose purely natural products without added chemicals.
  • Vitamin E: Can be applied topically in the form of oil, e.g. pierce a vitamin E capsule and apply a small amount of oil around the vaginal opening. Some research suggests that vitamin E suppositories may improve the condition of the vaginal mucosa in menopausal women.
  • Regular pelvic floor exercises: So-called Kegel exercises and other exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor can improve blood circulation in the pelvic organs, which helps maintain healthy and supple tissues and alleviate symptoms of dryness. The exercises are easy to do: repeatedly contract the muscles as if you were trying to hold in urine for a few seconds and then relax (10–15 repetitions several times a day). Regular exercise can improve not only lubrication and comfort, but also the experience during intimate moments.
  • Herbal supplements: For example, black cohosh, drmek or wild yam creams are often mentioned as possible aids for menopausal symptoms, including dryness. However, their effect has not been clearly scientifically proven and in some studies they did not differ from a placebo. Some herbs may affect the effects of other medications or may have side effects, so it is necessary to consult a specialist.

 

Vaginal dryness and natural products that may help

Conclusion

Every woman's body deserves kind and conscious care – including the intimate area, which can be sensitive to hormonal changes, stress and everyday habits.

Vaginal dryness is not something you should just put up with. Although every woman may respond differently to individual approaches, there is almost always a solution that will bring relief. Sometimes it just takes patience, a willingness to listen to your body and try different things.

There are a wide range of options available, from freely available lubricants and moisturising gels to natural oils and vitamins to effective oestrogen creams and vaginal tablets. The key is not to be afraid to talk about the problem and to seek medical help if necessary.

With a kind approach, proper care and the right treatment, you can manage vaginal dryness and feel comfortable in your intimate life again, at any age 💞.

FAQ

1. What is estrogen cream for vaginal dryness?

Estrogen cream is a topical preparation that contains small amounts of the female hormone estrogen. It is applied directly to the vaginal area, where it helps restore natural moisture, elasticity and health of the mucous membrane. It is primarily intended for women going through menopause.

The cream's effect is usually fast and noticeable – burning, itching or pain during intercourse often subsides within a few days.

2. What is the difference between vaginal cream and lubricant?

Lubricant is primarily used during sex or for short-term relief, while vaginal cream for dryness is usually intended for longer-term regeneration of the mucous membrane. Some creams also contain hormonal ingredients that actively promote tissue regeneration.

3. What is the best cream for vaginal dryness?

There is no single ‘best’ cream for vaginal dryness. The choice depends on the cause of the dryness, the sensitivity of the mucous membrane and personal preferences.

  • Hormonal creams containing oestrogen are often very effective, especially during the menopause (prescribed by a doctor).
  • Non-hormonal moisturising creams and gels can help with milder symptoms and are also suitable for long-term use.

4. What is the best lubricant for vaginal dryness

As with cream, there is no single ‘best’ lubricant for vaginal dryness – it depends on what works for you.

While water-based lubricants are easy to wash off and need to be reapplied more often during longer activities, silicone-based lubricants last longer and provide a very smooth glide, so they don't need to be applied as often. The choice is a matter of preference.

5. What lubricants for vaginal dryness does Hemnia offer?

In our e-shop, you can find LubriCann – a gentle, unscented, water-based lubricating gel that does not contain hormones.

One of the key benefits of LubriCann is its CBD (cannabidiol) content, which is known for its soothing and regenerative effects. It helps to relieve irritation, support the natural balance of the mucous membrane and induce a feeling of comfort.

6. Can I use natural remedies for vaginal dryness without consulting a doctor?

Yes, some natural remedies, such as coconut oil, aloe vera gel or vitamin E, are generally considered safe for temporary relief from dryness.

However, every body reacts differently, so these remedies may not be sufficient for you, especially if the dryness is caused by hormonal changes. If the problem persists, worsens or interferes with your quality of life, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.

 

Sources:

  

Author: Patricie Mikolášová

 

Foto: AI

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