The hormone estrogen keeps the vagina moist and healthy condition. This hormone secret a clear fluid which keeps the walls of the vagina lubricated. Women can have problems of vaginal dryness during menopause stage. The secretion of estrogen may reduce drastically at this stage thus making the vagina thin and less moist. This condition is known as vaginal atrophy. Vaginal dryness is one of the common signs of menopause and most of the women would experience this change during menopause. There are several other factors which may cause dryness of vagina but it can be completely treated through application of estrogen creams and by phytotherapy.
Causes :
Menopause is the condition which predominantly causes vaginal dryness. In addition breastfeeding mothers can have this problem after childbirth since there is decrease in the level of estrogen secretion. Women who undergo chemotherapy for cancer or any type of radiation method may get vaginal dryness.
Women who are using anti-estrogen drugs for treating health issues like endometriosis or uterine fibroids can get dryness in their vagina. When ovaries are removed surgically for some reason, this can cause vaginal dryness.
Certain medications given for anxiety and depression can trigger dryness in vagina. Autoimmune disorder like Siogren’s syndrome can block the moisture in the vaginal wall causing dryness.
Symptoms :