Vaginal dryness can be caused by a decrease in estrogen levels due to menopause, breastfeeding, or medical conditions such as ovarian failure. Atrophic vaginitis can also cause vaginal dryness. Hormone replacement therapy can help, but carries risks. Over-the-counter lubricants can provide relief without side effects.
Causes of vaginal dryness typically include fluctuations in the level of circulating estrogen in the body. Typically, estrogen production may decrease during breastfeeding and during the menopausal years. Additionally, certain medical conditions such as ovarian failure can cause estrogen to decline and result in vaginal dryness. Other causes of vaginal dryness can include douching and common vaginal infections. Often, because the ovaries produce estrogen, their surgical removal can cause vaginal dryness.
Sometimes, the causes of vaginal dryness can be attributed to a condition called atrophic vaginitis. This condition is also related to a decrease in estrogen, often caused by menopause. Typically, atrophic vaginitis causes vaginal tissues to thin, lose elasticity, and dry out. Treatment for this condition may include estrogen creams, which can help stimulate vaginal secretions. Sometimes vaginal dryness can cause small tears in the vaginal tissues, which can lead to bleeding or spotting.
In general, unless contraindicated, your doctor may recommend the use of hormone replacement therapy. If the causes of vaginal dryness are related to menopause, estrogen replacement may be indicated to relieve vaginal dryness. This treatment is available in pill form, as a skin patch, and topically as a cream. Many times, estrogen replacement therapy is combined with progestin in an attempt to avoid the small but real risk of uterine cancer. Regular pelvic exams, which include a Pap smear, should be done while you are on HRT.
Hormone replacement therapy or HRT, while very effective in treating the causes of vaginal dryness, can carry significant risks. Sometimes, HRT can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack and blood clots. Additionally, estrogen may increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Phytoestrogens, found in plants such as soybeans, are natural substances that mimic the effects of estrogen. Some people may find that incorporating soy products into their diet can be effective in treating the causes of vaginal dryness.
Commonly, causes of vaginal dryness respond well to simple over-the-counter lubricants such as Replens® or KY® Jelly. These treatments often bring quick relief to sore and dry vaginal tissues, without causing serious side effects. These treatments can be used on a long-term basis because they have an excellent track record of being safe and effective. Patients experiencing chronic vaginal dryness should contact a healthcare professional to ensure dryness is not related to infection. Left untreated, vaginal dryness can cause chronically thin tissue, bleeding, and pain.
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