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Causes of Vaginal Dryness
Understanding the causes of vaginal dryness is the key to finding the appropriate solution to this troubling symptom so common to menopausal women. During menopause, the most common cause of vaginal dryness is lowered levels of estrogen in the body. However, other factors can cause or aggravate vaginal dryness. Some of these causes are also hormone related, while some are related to other aspects of physiological health or the environment. Read below to learn more about both the main hormonal causes of vaginal dryness, as well as other factors that may contribute to this unfortunate phenomenon.
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Estrogenic Causes of Vaginal
Dryness
During the menopausal transition, the ovaries begin to produce less estrogen in preparation for the cessation of menstruation (i.e. menopause). This decrease in estrogen is the primary cause of vaginal dryness during menopause, which typically begins in a woman's 40s to 50s.
Reduced estrogen levels often cause the vulva and vaginal tissues to become thinner, dryer, and less elastic, a condition called atrophy.
During this time, vaginal secretions also diminish, with a correlating decrease in lubrication. Drops in estrogen also change the Ph level of the vagina, making the once acidic environment more alkaline, which can increase irritation and the likelihood of vaginal infection. |
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In addition, there are other hormonal factors that can influence vaginal dryness. Keep reading to learn more about these other circumstances.
Other Hormonal Causes
On top of the estrogen fluctuations that are a natural effect of menopause, other factors can also provoke decreases in estrogen production, which can cause vaginal dryness.
Other hormonal causes of vaginal dryness:
• Pregnancy/childbirth
• Breastfeeding
• Hormonal birth control
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Cancer treatment (i.e. radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy)
• Hysterectomy
• Medical and surgical menopause |
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Although lowered estrogen levels and other hormone fluctuations are the main causes of vaginal dryness for women undergoing the menopausal transition, other factors can also cause or contribute to vaginal dryness. Read on to discover more about these other causes.
Other Causes of Vaginal Dryness
In addition to hormonal causes, other physiological, environmental, and emotional factors can cause or contribute to vaginal dryness.
Physical Causes:
• Autoimmune disease (Sjogren's syndrome)
• Infection (bacterial, viral; sexually transmitted)
• Certain medications
› Antihistamines
› Cold medications
› Antidepressants
› Cancer treatments
• Smoking, Alcohol consumption
Environmental Causes:
• Douching
• Allergic reaction to chemicals in soaps, detergents, etc. |
Emotional Causes:
• Stress is a major factor that can cause or increase the severity of vaginal dryness.
• Other emotional problems, including anxiety and depression can lead to lack of arousal and vaginal dryness.
• Unresolved relationship problems can also result in decreased vaginal lubrication during sexual activity, loss of libido, and problems with arousal.
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Because there are so many possible causes of vaginal dryness in addition to normal menopause-related hormonal changes, it is often wise to speak with a health care professional, especially if a woman is experiencing additional unexplained symptoms or if vaginal dryness is affecting a lot her quality of life.
Fortunately, a woman can take many simple steps toward managing vaginal dryness on her own. Please click on the following link learn more about the treatments of vaginal dryness and when it might be necessary to see the doctor.
Return to home page and learn more about the 34 Menopause Symptoms.
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