There’s nothing wrong with you, you’re just perimenopausal…

Many women dismiss the symptoms of intimate dryness, opting to deal with the itching, burning, and pain rather than acknowledging the underlying issue. However, it’s not something you gaslight yourself out of experiencing. 

It’s just another fact of life that many women experience between the ages of 30 and 50. Unfortunately, another uncomfortable fact is the dismissal many women face when they finally muster up the courage to talk to their doctors or partners about the problems they are facing. 

Is it frustrating? Absolutely! But it’s a real problem. The good news? Real problems have real solutions. 

Just like so many other changes in the female body, intimate dryness is another part of a woman's life that is dictated by hormone fluctuations that can accrue after childbirth, during perimenopause, or menopause. To understand the solution to the problem, you have to understand the problem itself. 

What Causes Intimate Dryness During Perimenopause and other major life stages?

The female reproductive system requires a delicate balance of hormones. As you transition from one stage of life to another, these hormones shift with you. Dialing up one hormone and turning down another depending on what stage of life you are in.

Sometimes these changes can take your body a while to adapt to. For example, do you remember how your body would respond with an increase in natural moisture during certain romantic feelings or sensations?  

As your body was finding hormonal balance in this new stage of your life, it produced more lubrication than was probably needed. As you got older and your body adapted, it balanced to something that was more reasonable. 

During this transitional period of your life, your body is doing much of the same thing. As you move toward menopause, your ovaries reduce the production of estrogen. Estrogen is the hormone that keeps your vaginal lining thick and moist. As estrogen drops, your vaginal lining thins and dries, causing irritation and discomfort, especially during sex. 

Some possible causes of intimate skin dryness are birth control, childbirth, breastfeeding, certain medications, and some medical treatments, such as cancer treatments. As well as some medical conditions such as diabetes and Sjogren’s Syndrome. 

Newer medications are also being linked to intimate dryness, with some earning their own nickname in online conversations, such as “Ozempic vulva.” “Ozempic vulva” isn’t a formal medical diagnosis, but it’s a phrase people are using to describe vulvar dryness, irritation, or discomfort while taking Ozempic (semaglutide) and other GLP-1 medications. These drugs can influence hydration, hormones, and even the vaginal microbiome, which may contribute to intimate dryness. If you notice these changes while on a GLP-1, it’s worth discussing with your doctor so you can find the right support or treatment.

While not everyone will experience intimate dryness before menopause, 17% of women under the age of 50 will. During menopause, however, intimate dryness is common in up to 75% of women according to some studies. Due to the many causes of intimate dryness for someone under the age of 50, it’s recommended to talk to your doctor. 

Why It’s Easy to Overlook Subtle Symptoms

There are many reasons why it’s easy to overlook the subtle symptoms of intimate dryness. 

First, women experience many overlapping changes throughout life. Hormonal shifts, stress, certain medications, and other health conditions can all create similar sensations or discomforts. When symptoms blend or mimic one another, it can be challenging to pinpoint intimate dryness and its root cause, causing it to go unaddressed.

More and more women's centers are opening up around the country to support the complexities of womanhood and make sure women's issues are more focused on, diagnosed, and treated.

Second, implicit bias exists in every part of society, and healthcare is no exception. Bias, often unconscious, can shape how symptoms are perceived or prioritized. This can mean that certain women’s health concerns, including intimate dryness, are more likely to be underestimated or overlooked. 

Third, doctors rely heavily on what patients report, especially for subjective symptoms like discomfort. Due to embarrassment, thinking it’s “normal,” or not realizing it’s relevant, many patients underreport their intimate dryness. As a patient, you need to be honest about the impact the symptoms are having on your life.  

It’s all too easy and often a woman's first instinct to diminish her own discomfort. After all, life often teaches women not to complain and focus more on the care and comfort of others over that of themselves. 

When it comes to your health and quality of life, advocating for yourself is vital. Make your symptoms clear and explain the impact they are having on your life. If you are still dismissed, seek a second opinion. There is no reason for you to have to deal with itching, burning, or pain during sex. 

What Do Symptoms of Intimate Dryness Feel Like?

Burning, itching, and irritation are common symptoms of intimate dryness, but some women may feel a tight pulling sensation. Other women have described the sensation as sandpaper when there is any friction in the vaginal area. 

Due to the dryness and the thinning of the vaginal walls, pain during sex is another common symptom.

Sitting for long periods of time or wearing tight-fitting clothing can irritate the area more and cause an increase in symptoms. Perimenopausal intimate dryness may also increase your risk of UTIs(urinary tract infections), which cause frequent urination and pain or burning while urinating. 

How to Relieve Symptoms

There are many options when it comes to relieving the discomfort of intimate dryness. The first option people usually think of is to apply lubricants. Over-the-counter oil-based lubricants can be helpful during sex, but what about when you’re sitting at work, trying not to itch yourself in the middle of an office meeting? What do you do then?

Vaginal serums with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for moisture, aloe vera for irritations, and antioxidants to soothe inflamed skin can help day-to-day, so you don’t have as much burning, irritation, and itching throughout your day. 

Serums are lightweight and can be long-lasting without leaving excess oily residue like a personal lubricant might. 

The Ina Labs Hydrating Intimate Serum is a great option. Here is what Ina’s own, Dr. Beri Ridgeway, has to say about it. 

“Vaginal and vulvar dryness can be caused by hormonal fluctuations at any age and is common during all stages of menopause. This can result in discomfort, irritation, and/or painful sex. I developed this hormone- and fragrance-free serum to provide relief to my patients. It promotes softer, supple, moisturized vulvar skin (the area at the opening of the vagina). And it is pH balanced to support vaginal microbiome health.”

For those who need more enhanced moisture, an intimate oil may be a better option. They add more moisture than a serum. Some contain ingredients that fortify skin against collagen loss, therefore helping skin stay strong and supple. Using intimate oils at night can help your skin recover overnight in the same way a night cream helps the skin on your face. 

Layering an oil over a serum is another solution for those who need to lock in the moisture and benefit from the benefits of both types of products.  

Avoid using products with harsh chemicals or fragrances, as these products may cause more irritation to your skin. 

Other measures you can take to support your vaginal and vulvar perimenopausal skin health, as well as the rest of the skin on your body, are to avoid smoking and drink plenty of water. Get enough sleep, which for a woman is closer to 9-10 hours per night.   

If dryness persists, you can talk to a doctor about other treatments such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or topical estrogen creams. 

You’ve Got This!

There is no need to be embarrassed by the natural changes happening to your body, nor is there any reason for you to have to deal with it. Your discomfort is real. Your symptoms are valid, and there is always support available. 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, talk to your healthcare provider and other women to find the solution right for you. There are many options available to relieve the burning, itching, and irritation of intimate dryness. You deserve to feel comfortable in your own skin.