Hot flashes, dryness, mood swings—oh my! No matter what you’ve read about it, menopause is no picnic, nor is the perimenopausal lead-up to it, which may last several years. Those years give you a taste of what’s to come, with varying symptom escalation before “the change” lands in full force.

But before we unpack the party favors, let’s just say that vaginal dryness is something every woman will experience at some point in their lives. There could be other reasons you’re experiencing it besides menopause or perimenopause, so it’s always recommended to speak to your gynecologist if you feel something’s not quite right.

In the meantime, using a personal moisturizer can help, and it’s a simple way to ease the symptoms of vaginal dryness. If you’re experiencing more complex symptoms, like sleep disruption, hot flashes, night sweats, or incontinence, make that appointment and speak to your doctor right away.

What Can Cause Vaginal Dryness?

Here are some reasons you might be experiencing vaginal dryness.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is a phase that often gets overlooked in discussions about menopause. We often hear it—you visit your OB/GYN, get tested, and they say, “No menopause!” The truth is hormones fluctuate wildly during perimenopausal years and can be vastly different from day to day or even hour to hour. This is your endocrine system ebbing and flowing, and there is no definitive test for it.

We describe perimenopause as the time leading up to your final menstrual cycle when menopause is “official.” During this time, you may experience hot flashes, changes in your cycle, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and more. You can still get pregnant too!

Perimenopausal symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other reproductive issues and even pregnancy, but they can be reasonably diagnosed based on your age, medical history, and physical exam. Treatment for perimenopause is not necessary unless your symptoms start interfering with your daily life. Your doctor or naturopath may be able to suggest supplements or lifestyle changes that can help. If vaginal dryness or pain is an issue, all natural bodycare like a personal moisturizer can provide good moisture and instant relief.

Menopause

Menopause is official after you’ve had your last period. Of course, your last cycle doesn’t exactly announce itself, but in the lead-up, you’ll experience intermittent symptoms and spotting that is unusual compared to your baseline “normal.”

Menopause starts approximately one year after your last period, but symptoms often continue for years. The median age of onset for most women is 52, but menopause symptoms can start anywhere between 45-55 and can last as long as 14 years.

During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, which is what leads to the symptoms we commonly associate with menopause. The specific symptoms and severity vary from person to person and can be influenced by factors including diet, race, family history, and lifestyle choices, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use. Other common symptoms include sleep changes, hot flashes, night sweats, and loss of bladder control, making women's health a critical focus during this transitional phase.

Not to be preachy, but here’s what your doctor will tell you: reduce alcohol and caffeine intake, quit smoking, increase exercise, hydrate, and avoid processed foods for women healthcare. Any of these variables will amplify your symptoms, including vaginal dryness, which can be exacerbated by dehydration and inflammation.

What is Vaginal Dryness?

Vaginal dryness is not the exclusive realm of perimenopause and menopause. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or hormonal status. Birth control, breastfeeding, certain medications, medical conditions, and low libido all contribute to vaginal dryness. Nearly 20% of women between 18 and 50 experience it, and most don’t have menopause to blame it on.

Some common medications can cause vaginal dryness, too, and it’s a common side-effect of antihistamines. Other things that might be a factor include:

• Antidepressant medications

• Excessive stress and anxiety

• Certain inflammatory conditions

• Poor blood circulation

Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to treat vaginal dryness and ease its symptoms.

If you’re experiencing low libido, maybe it’s time to spice things up in the bedroom. Adding a personal moisturizer can help enhance intimacy.

For vaginal dryness in perimenopause or menopause, ask your healthcare practitioner about what creams, moisturizers, gels, and herbal remedies might be available to you. Using a lubricant or personal moisturizer outside of sexual activity is also recommended. WforHer Personal Moisturizer is an all natural skincare product that provides many women with instant comfort and relief. It’s lightweight, non-allergenic, scent-free, and you don’t need a prescription to get started.

Even though vaginal dryness might seem like a small thing in the big scheme of menopause symptoms, it can seriously impact how you feel—not the least of which is your enjoyment of sex. If we had one small recommendation, it would be, don’t ignore it! The longer you allow vaginal dryness to continue, the greater the risk of vaginal infections, atrophy, and more painful sex (and other issues) later on.

Even though menopause and vaginal dryness are natural parts of life, it’s important to do something about it before it starts to get uncomfortable. The change is inevitable, but you’re not without power or agency when it comes to doing something about it.

Don’t be embarrassed or hesitate to ask questions. Seek support and find the right products to help you navigate the journey of women skincare. We can all learn and share, and chances are someone you know has experienced or is experiencing the same thing. Be kind to yourself and always prioritize your sexual health. It’s such a massive part of who you are and how you feel as a woman… and it’s not like you’ll need a transplant to fix it.