The reproductive organs, both in men and in women, have a rather definite span of activity. In women, menopause has been observed to normally occur between the age of 45 to 55, however, it has been known to start as early as the 40’s and even continue into your 60’s. Every woman can experience menopause at different ages. Like puberty, the changes that the woman’s body experiences during menopause are brought about by the changing levels of hormones such as estrogen, testosterone and progesterone.

Hormonal imbalance during perimenopause (which is the period that precedes menopause) and menopause manifest themselves through a number of symptoms. Hormone changes can affect the moisture levels in your body, including the vaginal area. The decrease in estrogen produced by the ovaries during menopause is the main cause of vaginal dryness. The body naturally lubricates the vaginal walls through blood vessels and these vessels receive more blood flow when a woman is sexually aroused creating an increase in the secreted fluids. However, the decrease in hormonal activity can lead to dryness, thinning as well as tenderness of vaginal tissues, which is the main cause of vaginal dryness. This condition can of course be very uncomfortable during sexual intercourse and may even lead to reduced sexual libido and activity.

Common symptoms you may experience could include:

• Itching
• Pain during intercourse
• General discomfort
• Headaches
• Irritation
• Burning
• Urinary in-frequency
• Muscle soreness

Vaginal dryness often leads to itching and soreness of the vagina, and in worst cases even bleeding and burning, which causes discomfort not only during sex but sometimes on a more permanent basis. This condition can make it difficult for a woman to carry out the most basic of daily activities such as sitting, urinating, standing or working. Indeed, vaginal dryness can be very painful to a woman, not only at the physical level but even at the psychological level. Since vaginal discharge is a reaction to sexual arousal, the lack of it could be interpreted both by the woman and her sexual partner as a lack of interest in sexual activity, which could result in emotional problems. General stress, anxiety or depression can increase vaginal dryness, so this is a time to look after yourself and help decrease these emotional conditions, take time to relax and avoid stressful situations, communicate with your partner or talk to your doctor. Look at your diet: drink more water to hydrate your body, eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, take gentle exercise on a daily basis, and reduce alcohol, caffeine and smoking.

If not treated, the symptom of vaginal dryness could persist even after menopause as hormonal activity would have by then been considerably reduced and the vaginal tissues might not be able to easily repair themselves. One natural and drug free product called LadyCare is believed to help restore your natural hormone balance and in a recent consumer survey of over 500 women the reduction in vaginal dryness through the group was between 50%-67%.

The comments on this page are for informational purposes only. We do not provide any medical advice. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any health problem, or replace professional advice from a qualified medical expert