This article is part ofHealth Divide: Menopause and Black Women, a destination in our Health Divide series.
Vaginal drynessis common duringmenopause.
The symptom can negatively affect a persons sex drive and lead to pain or discomfort during penetrative intercourse.
FG Trade / Getty Images
This article discusses the causes and treatment options for vaginal dryness during menopause.
FG Trade / Getty Images
What Causes Vaginal Dryness During Menopause?
Low levels of the hormoneestrogencause vaginal dryness during menopause.
What Else Causes Vaginal Dryness?
There are several options used totreat vaginal dryness.
They can use prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications or at-home remedies.
Medications
Certain prescription medications can help to relieve the symptom of vaginal dryness during menopause.
Options include:
Vaginal estrogen medications are considered the first-line therapy because they are the most effective.
Home Remedies
The best at-home remedy for vaginal dryness is over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer.
Vaginal moisturizers work best when they containhyaluronic acid.
The moisturizer is applied directly into the vagina to help relieve dryness and any other accompanying symptoms.
Eating more soy-based foods may also help improve vaginal dryness because they contain plant compounds known asisoflavones.
This can help increase the natural lubrication of the vagina.
For that reason, addressing vaginal dryness both inside and outside of the bedroom is essential.
That way, it’s possible for you to avoid harmful symptoms due to excessive dryness during penetrative sex.
Water-based lubricants are best used with latex condoms.
Other treatments for vaginal dryness include:
What Are the Best OTC Moisturizers for Vaginal Dryness?
People of lower socioeconomic status groups are also more likely to experience early menopause and have worse symptoms.
That is especially true because other symptoms, including discomfort and pain, often develop alongside vaginal dryness.
When considering treatment options, you might talk to a healthcare provider.
They will offer you the choice between prescription medications, OTC suggestions, and natural remedies.
Here’s What you should probably Know.
Bachman, Gloria, Pinkerton, JoAnn V.Patient education: Vaginal dryness (beyond the basics).
MedlinePlus.Vaginal Dryness alternative treatments.
Duke Health.Mona Lisa Touch laser is new treatment for vaginal dryness.
2019;37(7):395-407. doi:10.1089/photob.2019.4618
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Improving Your Vulvovaginal Health.
