Vaginal Dryness: The Silent Menopause Symptom You Need to Address

Vaginal dryness isn’t a dirty secret, and it’s definitely not something you should just “live with” as part of menopause. Yet, millions of women are doing exactly that. Why? Because we’ve been taught to feel embarrassed about discussing our bodies. Here’s the truth: over 50% of postmenopausal women experience symptoms of vaginal dryness, and that number shoots up to 80% for women aged 65 and older(1,2).

Menopause is inevitable, but vaginal discomfort doesn’t have to be. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to treat vaginal dryness—but it’s never too late to get help. Whether it’s been a few months or several years, there are solutions to restore your comfort and confidence. You don’t have to suffer in silence, and you definitely don’t have to go through this alone. Let’s talk about what’s really going on—and get the care you deserve.

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Menopause Happens. Vaginal Discomfort Doesn’t Have To.

When estrogen levels take a nosedive during menopause, the vaginal tissue changes. It’s not a betrayal by your body—it’s biology. Without enough estrogen, the vaginal tissues thin, lose elasticity, and stop producing the moisture that kept everything running smoothly before. This is what leads to genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), a catch-all term for the frustrating mix of vaginal dryness, irritation, and even urinary issues.

Why Vaginal Dryness Feels So Uncomfortable

Estrogen keeps your vaginal walls thick, elastic, and lubricated. When that natural estrogen supply drops, those tissues get thin and dry, leading to discomfort in your vagina in everyday life and during sexual intercourse. You might notice:

• Persistent itching or burning feeling.
• Painful sex due to the lack of lubrication.
• Burning sensation when you urinate.
• Changes in your vaginal discharge, like less or none at all.

Left untreated, vaginal dryness can lead to vaginal atrophy—where the vaginal walls thin further, making normal activities and sex more painful.

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Why You Shouldn't Ignore Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness doesn’t get better on its own. If left untreated, it often worsens over time. But the earlier you seek treatment, the easier it is to reverse the symptoms. Even if you’ve been dealing with this for a while, it’s never too late to address it.

Painful Sex—and How to Talk About It

For many women, vaginal dryness doesn’t just make daily life uncomfortable—it can make sex downright painful. As Dr. Mansberg notes, “Women often avoid sex because of these problems, and that can take a heavy toll on their relationships”(3). The lack of natural lubrication and thinning of the vaginal lining lead to painful intercourse, which can make intimacy something you start to avoid. For plenty of women, not being interested in sex isn’t a problem, and that’s totally fine. But if you do want to get back to it, or if your partner struggles to understand why it’s not appealing right now, it starts with open communication.

How to Approach the Conversation

Vaginal dryness occurs as a natural part of menopause, and it’s completely treatable. But it’s hard to feel interested in sex when you know it’s going to hurt. Explaining that discomfort might be what’s driving your lack of desire can help your partner understand what’s really going on and prevent emotional distance. There are highly effective treatments, like vaginal moisturisers, vaginal lubricants, and vaginal estrogen therapy, that can restore comfort and make intimacy enjoyable again. While you’re figuring out what treatment works best, your partner can be there to support you through the process—and rekindle desire once your body is ready.

It’s Not Just About Sex—It’s About Your Everyday Comfort

While vaginal dryness can make painful intercourse a regular occurrence, it’s also about how you feel day-to-day. Dryness can cause discomfort and pain while walking, sitting, or going to the bathroom. And let’s not forget the impact on your urinary health—urinary symptoms like frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) often accompany dryness.

Dr. Ginni Mansberg stresses that “the later you start treatment, the less helpful the treatments are,” because the vaginal tissues become more damaged over time(3). So, let’s get proactive about your vaginal health before it gets worse.

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03

Take Action: How to Treat Vaginal Dryness and Get Your Life Back

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to live with vaginal dryness. There are plenty of effective treatments available, from vaginal moisturisers to hormone therapies, that can make a world of difference.

Vaginal Moisturisers and Lubricants: Your Everyday Fix

For a non-hormonal approach, vaginal moisturisers and vaginal lubricants are a great first step. Moisturisers help hydrate your vaginal tissues daily, while lubricants reduce friction during sexual intercourse.

• Water-based lubricants are safe for regular use and are compatible with condoms.
• Oil-based lubricants are effective but can cause infections and aren’t compatible with latex condoms.

Studies show that hyaluronic acid-based moisturisers can be as effective as vaginal estrogen creams in treating vaginal dryness(4). These are excellent options for women who prefer to avoid hormone-based treatments.

Vaginal Estrogen Therapy: Targeted Relief at the Source

When it comes to reversing vaginal dryness, vaginal estrogen therapy delivers powerful relief by restoring moisture and elasticity directly to the vaginal tissues. Available as vaginal estrogen creams, vaginal tablets, or even rings, this therapy thickens the vaginal lining, making everyday activities and sex far more comfortable.

Because the estrogen is applied locally, side effects are less common, making it a go-to treatment for many women.

Hormone Therapy: The Full-Body Approach

Hormone therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy, balances estrogen levels to treat a variety of menopausal symptoms, including vaginal dryness and hot flashes. However, it’s not suitable for everyone, especially women with a history of breast cancer or blood clots, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your options.

Talking to Your Doctor About Vaginal Dryness

We get it—bringing up vaginal dryness with your doctor can feel awkward, but it’s a conversation worth having. The sooner you talk to a healthcare provider, the sooner you can find the best treatment options for your body.

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Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait, Act Now

Vaginal dryness may be common during menopause, but it doesn’t have to be your new normal. Whether you opt for vaginal moisturisers, vaginal estrogen therapy, or hormone therapy, there are plenty of options to help you feel like yourself again.

Menopause is inevitable, but vaginal discomfort isn’t. Take charge of your sexual health, and start feeling better today.