Vaginal Dryness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Vaginal dryness affects or will affect the vast majority of women at some point in their lives. Even today, many women choose to resign themselves to it and suffer in silence. In this post, we discuss vaginal dryness with the aim of emphasizing that there is a solution—you just need to take the first step. Keep reading!

What is vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness is a condition in which the vaginal lining loses its natural level of moisture, becoming more fragile, less elastic, and more prone to irritation or infections. Although it is commonly associated with menopause, it can occur at any stage of life, affecting both a woman’s physical and emotional well-being.

Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness can occur at different stages of life. Young women of reproductive age may also experience it for various reasons, including:

1.The use of hormonal contraceptives
2.Cancer treatments (chemotherapy or radiotherapy)
3.Certain medications (such as antihistamines or antidepressants)
4.The postpartum period and breastfeeding
5.Chronic stress

Every woman experiences this condition differently. That is why it is essential to listen to her story, understand her hormonal, emotional, and medical context, and address the issue with an individualized approach.

Symptoms also vary and may include:

1.Burning or stinging in the vulva
2.Persistent itching
3.Discomfort during or after sexual intercourse
4.Tightness, irritation, or even small fissures in the vaginal lining
5.In many cases, recurrent infections may also occur

Why Does Vaginal Dryness Occur?

Vaginal dryness is directly related to estrogen levels, hormones that play a key role in maintaining the balance and health of the vaginal lining. These hormones promote hydration, elasticity, and thickness of the vaginal tissue, while also helping maintain an acidic environment that protects against infections.

When estrogen levels decrease—whether due to menopause, the use of contraceptives, medical treatments, or natural hormonal changes—the vaginal lining becomes thinner, drier, and more fragile. However, it is not only the tissue itself that changes; the entire vaginal ecosystem is also affected.

As estrogen levels decline, glycogen production also decreases. Glycogen is a substance that nourishes lactobacilli, the beneficial bacteria responsible for maintaining the vagina’s acidic pH. Without sufficient glycogen, these microorganisms decrease, the pH becomes more alkaline, and one of the body’s main natural defenses against infection is weakened. As a result, discomfort, burning or stinging, recurrent infections, and persistent irritation become more common.

Treatments

The first step is not to normalize discomfort. If you notice changes in your intimate area or experience discomfort, don’t ignore it. There are real, safe, and effective solutions.

Hydration

One of the cornerstones of treatment is something as simple as it is often overlooked: intimate hydration. Just as we care for our face with appropriate products, the vulvovaginal area also needs attention. There are specific moisturizers, free from fragrances and harmful ingredients, designed to care for this sensitive area of the body in a gentle and respectful way.

Estrogen

When dryness is more pronounced, vaginal estrogen suppositories may be considered. These act directly on the vaginal lining without producing systemic hormonal effects. They are a safe option for many women, including those who cannot or do not wish to take hormones orally.

Regenerative Medicine

Today, in addition to conventional treatments, we also have advanced tools in regenerative medicine that are transforming intimate care.
Treatments such as vaginal laser therapy, radiofrequency, and shockwave therapy aim to stimulate collagen production, improve circulation, and restore elasticity and vitality to the vaginal tissue. These techniques can be combined to enhance results and are often complemented by the use of bioregenerative cells.

The effect is highly regenerative, with no risk of rejection or side effects, as the cells come from the patient’s own body.
Bioidentical hormone treatments may also be considered. These are formulated to closely mimic the body’s natural hormones. They can be administered locally or systemically, always under medical supervision and with a fully personalized approach.

No treatment is complete without an integrated approach. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can help significantly improve symptoms and promote a healthy, more functional vagina.

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