“Vaginal dryness may be a problem for women at any age, although it occurs more frequently in older women, particularly after menopause”.1
Umbrella
What may the Vaginal Dryness Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Genital Atrophy
- Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
- Urogenital Problems
- Vaginal Atrophy
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Symptoms
- Vulvovaginal Atrophy
Vaginal Dryness
What is vaginal dryness?
DotS the definition of vaginal dryness may vary. The (United States) MedlinePlus’ definition is:
“Vaginal dryness is present when the tissues of the vagina are not well-lubricated and healthy”.2
Vaginal Atrophy
What is vaginal atrophy?
DotS the definition of vaginal dryness may vary. In Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It? the author’s definition is:
“Vaginal dryness is a hallmark sign of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, also known as atrophic vaginitis or vaginal atrophy. With this condition, vaginal tissues become thinner and more easily irritated — resulting from the natural decline in your body’s estrogen levels during menopause”.3
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
What is the association between the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and vaginal dryness?
In Menopause Frequently Asked Questions: Menopause Symptoms – Q. How Can I Counteract Vaginal Dryness During Menopause? the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) elaborate on:
In Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause the Australasian Menopause Society elaborate on:
- “As women age they will experience changes to their vagina and urinary system largely due to decreasing levels of the hormone oestrogen
- The changes, which may cause dryness, irritation, itching and pain with intercourse are known as the genito-urinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and can affect up to 50% of postmenopausal women. GSM was previously known as atrophic vaginitis or vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA)
- Unlike some menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, which may disappear as time passes; genito-urinary problems often persist and may progress with time. Genito-urinary symptoms are associated both with menopause and with ageing”.5
Cause
What may cause vaginal dryness?
The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:
Other Causes
Apart from decreased estrogen, what may be other causes of vaginal dryness?
The NAMS note:
“It is important to stop using soap and powder on the vulva, stop using fabric softeners and anti-cling products on your underwear, and avoid wearing panty liners and pads”.7
Menopause
Is there an association between menopause and vaginal dryness?
According to the (United States) Mayo Clinic:
“Vaginal dryness may be a problem for women at any age, although it occurs more frequently in older women, particularly after menopause”.8
Treatment
What are some treatments for vaginal dryness?
In Vaginal Dryness: Treatment the MedlinePlus elaborate on:
“There are many treatments for vaginal dryness. Before treating your symptoms on your own, a health care provider must find out the cause of the problem”.9
In Menopause Management: Managing Vaginal Problems – Dry Vagina Treatments the JH elaborate on:
- “Lubricants or Oil…
- Vaginal Moisturizers…
- Black Cohosh…
- Linseed (Flaxseed)…
- Vaginal Oestrogen…
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)…
- Vaginal Laser Therapy…”.10
In Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options the NAMS elaborate on:
- “Nonhormone Remedies
- Vaginal Lubricants…
- Vaginal Moisturizers…
- Regular Sexual Stimulation…
- Expanding Your Views of Sexual Pleasure…
- Vaginal Dilators…
- Pelvic Floor Exercises…
- Vaginal Estrogen Therapy…
- An effective and safe treatment…
- Government-approved low-dose vaginal estrogen products…
- Standard doses of estrogen therapy…
- Other Prescription Therapies…
- Ospemifene …
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)”.11
Vaginal Estrogen
Can estrogen be placed directly into the vagina?
On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use the NAMS elaborate on:
“If you are bothered only by vaginal dryness, you can use very low doses of estrogen placed directly in to the vagina. These low doses generally do not raise blood estrogen levels above postmenopause levels and do not treat hot flashes. You do not need to take a progestogen when using only low doses of estrogen in the vagina. (The MenoNote “Vaginal Dryness” covers this topic in detail)”.12
Revised Global Consensus Statement
What is one of the points of consensus about menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and vaginal dryness?
One of the points of consensus in the Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefits/Risk Profile of MHT – endorsed by seven menopause-related organizations – published online 20 June 2016, is:
- “MHT, including tibolone, is effective in the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), now also considered as a component of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Local low-dose estrogen therapy is preferred for women whose symptoms are limited to vaginal dryness or associated discomfort with intercourse or for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections”.13
NICE Guideline
What do the (British) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines explain about HRT and vaginal dryness?
In Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Managing Your Symptoms – Vaginal Dryness the NICE explain:
It’s rare for vaginal oestrogen to cause problems, but if you have any unexpected vaginal bleeding you should tell your GP. Your GP should explain that your symptoms may come back when you stop using it.
Vaginal oestrogen might be suitable for you if you can’t take HRT for medical reasons. Your GP should check this first with a healthcare professional specialising in menopause”.14
Who is a GP?
DotS and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.
Sexual Activity
Can regular sexual activity help?
In Menopause Signs and Symptoms: Vaginal Dryness and Painful Sexual Intercourse the (United States) Endocrine Society note:
“A drop in estrogen levels from menopause can cause the vagina to become dryer and more fragile. The vaginal dryness usually becomes worse with a lack of sexual activity. Sex stimulates blood flow in the vagina and aids in the production of vaginal fluids. So, sex actually keeps the vagina lubricated and healthy”.15
In Consumer Health: Treating Vaginal Dryness After Menopause the Mayo Clinic also note:
“Regular sexual activity or vaginal stimulation — with or without a partner — also helps maintain healthy vaginal tissues in women after menopause. There also are are a number of treatments your health care provider can recommend, if needed”.16
Health Care Provider
What if I think I have vaginal dryness?
If you think you have vaginal dryness, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The Mayo Clinic explain:
If vaginal dryness affects your lifestyle, in particular your sex life and relationship with your partner, consider making an appointment with your doctor. Living with uncomfortable vaginal dryness doesn’t have to be part of getting older”.17
The NAMS note:
“Persistent vaginal dryness and painful intercourse should be evaluated by your healthcare provider. If it is determined to be a symptom of menopause, vaginal dryness can be treated with low-dose vaginal estrogen, or the oral selective estrogen-receptor modulator (SERM) ospemifene can be used”.18
The MedlinePlus explain:
“Call your provider if you have vaginal dryness or soreness, burning, itching, or painful sexual intercourse that does not go away when you use a water-soluble lubricant”.19
On page two in Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Option the NAMS note:
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to the Vaginal Dryness?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Vaginal Dryness?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.- Are Probiotics Good for Vaginal Health?
- Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
- Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
- CO2-Laser Therapy and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Caredownthere.com.au
- Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Consumer Health: Treating Vaginal Dryness After Menopause
- DHEA
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- Douching
- Early Menopause: Experiences and Perspectives of Women and Health Practitioners – Women’s Profiles
- Early Treatment of Vulvovaginal Atrophy May Prevent Distressing Symptoms
- Essential Information: See Your Doctor If
- Estrogen (Vaginal Route): Before Using
- Estrogen (Vaginal Route): Description and Brand Names
- Experiencing Vaginal Dryness? Here’s What You Need To Know
- FDA Approves Intrarosa for Postmenopausal Women Experiencing Pain During Sex [Food and Drug Administration, United States] [Generic Name: Prasterone]
- Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
- Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
- Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Types
- How Do I Deal With Vaginal Atrophy? — Ask Dr Jean
- I have heard that there are new non‐hormonal treatments for vaginal dryness during menopause. Are these treatments safe?
- Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
- Intercourse Was Becoming Painful – Ask Dr Jean
- International Society for Sexual Medicine: Sexual Health Topics
- International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
- International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
- Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing and Intimacy During and After Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life]
- Libido: The Highs and Lows of Midlife
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Managing Vaginal Dryness
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Managing the Symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Treatment for Vaginal Dryness for Menopausal Women
- Medical Advice: Treatment
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms – Q. How can I counteract vaginal dryness during menopause?
- Menopause Management: Managing Vaginal Problems
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
- Menopause Signs and Symptoms
- Menopause Symptoms and Relief
- Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Managing Your Symptoms [NICE Guideline]
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
- Menopause: Medicines To Help You
- Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
- Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
- Menopause: What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT)? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause: Will It Affect My Sex Life? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Mona Lisa Touch – Ask Dr Jean
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
- Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
- Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: New! Vulvovaginal Pain Log
- Perimenopause
- Perimenopause
- Severe Postmenopausal Symptoms Decrease Quality of Life, But Can Be Treated
- Sex & Relationships: 5 Things To Know About Sex In Later Life [Video]
- Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms
- Sexual Difficulties In The Menopause
- The 2020 Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society
- The Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: An Overview of the Recent Data
- The Health Issues We Don’t Like To Discuss
- Topical Estrogens and Non-Hormonal Preparations for Postmenopausal Vulvovaginal Atrophy: An EMAS Clinical Guide
- Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Urogenital Problems
- Vaginal & Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
- Vaginal Atrophy
- Vaginal CO2 Laser Therapy versus Sham for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
- Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It? I’m postmenopausal and often have vaginal dryness, which makes intercourse painful. Is there anything I can do about it?
- Vaginal Dryness: Alternative Treatments
- Vaginal Laser Therapy
- Video Series-2021: Common Issues Surrounding Sexuality and Menopause
- Video Series-2021: How Menopause Symptoms Can Affect Your Quality of Life
- Video Series-2021: Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
- Video Series-2021: What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
- Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
- Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
- Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Vulvovaginal Atrophy
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation
- Vulva and Vaginal Health: Getting the Right Advice
- Vulvovaginal Health
- Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
- Webinars: Previous – Sexual Health Issues in Menopause
- Webinars: Previous: VVA – The Silent Epidemic [Vulvovaginal Atrophy]
- Wild Yam
- Will Menopause Affect My Sex Life?
- Women’s Wellness: Painful Sex After Menopause
- Women’s Wellness: Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Health Problems
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Vaginal Dryness: Basics – Definition. 04 December 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-dryness/basics/definition/sym-20151520 Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Vaginal Dryness. Review Date: 13 July 2021. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000892.htm Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Laughlin-Tommaso, S. K. Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It? 11 July 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/vaginal-dryness-after-menopause/expert-answers/faq-20115086 Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms – Q. How Can I Counteract Vaginal Dryness During Menopause? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause. Content Created: September 2018. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/376-vulvovaginal-symptoms-after-menopause Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Menopause Management: Managing Vaginal Problems. Last Updated: 13 July 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms – Q. How can I counteract vaginal dryness during menopause? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Vaginal Dryness: Basics – Definition. 04 December 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-dryness/basics/definition/sym-20151520 Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Vaginal Dryness: Treatment. Review Date: 13 July 2021. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000892.htm Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Menopause Management: Managing Vaginal Problems – Dry Vaginal Treatment. Last Updated: 13 July 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options. 2018: 1-2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/mn-vaginal-dryness.pdf Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use. 2017:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2017.pdf Accessed: 09 June 2022
- De Villiers, T. J., Hall, J. E., Pinkerton, J. V., Pérez, S. C., Rees, M., Yang, C. and Pierroz, D. D. Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefit/Risk Profile of MHT. Climacteric, 2016;19:4:313 https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/global-consensus-hrt-2016-06.pdf Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Managing Your Symptoms – Vaginal Dryness. Published Date: 12 November 2015. Last Updated: 05 December 2019. National Institute of Health Care and Excellence https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/ifp/chapter/Managing-your-symptoms Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Menopause Signs and Symptoms: Vaginal Dryness and Painful Sexual Intercourse. Endocrine Society. https://www.endocrine.org/menopausemap/signs-and-symptoms/index.html Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Consumer Health: Treating Vaginal Dryness After Menopause. 04 May 2021. Mayo Clinic https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/consumer-health-treating-vaginal-dryness-after-menopause/ Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Vaginal Dryness: Basics – When To See A Doctor. 04 December 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-dryness/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20151520 Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms – Q. How Can I Counteract Vaginal Dryness During Menopause? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Vaginal Dryness: When To Contact A Medical Professional. Review Date: 13 July 2021. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000892.htm Accessed: 09 June 2022
- Vaginal Dryness: Note. 2018: 2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/mn-vaginal-dryness.pdf Accessed: 09 June 2022