The Menopause Symptom No One Warns You About — But So Many Women Face

At Askdoctor.ai, we know that menopause brings a lot of changes—some expected, and some that catch you off guard. One common menopause symptom many women face but rarely talk about is vaginal dryness. That’s why we created this content to help you understand what’s going on, offer simple ways to manage it, and remind you that you’re not alone in this.

Dr. Paru David – What are common symptoms of menopause?

When most women think of menopause, they expect hot flashes, mood swings, or trouble sleeping. But there’s one symptom that surprises many—and affects nearly half of women going through menopause.

That menopause symptom is vaginal dryness. According to the North American Menopause Society, around 47% to 57% of menopausal women experience vaginal dryness, yet many don’t talk about it.

It can cause itching, pain during sex, and general discomfort, which can affect your daily life and confidence. If you’re feeling this way, know that you are not alone, and there are ways to get relief.

Why Does Vaginal Dryness Happen?

As women reach menopause, the body produces less estrogen—a hormone that keeps the vaginal area healthy, moist, and elastic. When estrogen levels drop, the vaginal tissues can become thinner, drier, and less flexible.

This can lead to:

• A dry, itchy, or burning feeling
• Discomfort or pain during sex
• A tight or irritated sensation
• More frequent urinary infections

This group of symptoms is part of something called genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). It’s very common but often goes unspoken. According to the Mayo Clinic, many women experience these changes, but few get the help they need.

The good news? Relief is possible—and you don’t have to deal with it alone.

How Can You Treat This Menopause Symptom?

You don’t have to just deal with this discomfort—there are simple and effective ways to get relief from vaginal dryness.

At-Home Remedies

These options are easy to try and can make a big difference:

• Vaginal moisturizers: Use regularly (not just during intimacy) to keep tissues soft and hydrated. Look for products made specifically for vaginal dryness.
• Water-based lubricants: Help reduce pain or irritation during sex. Choose one without fragrances or added chemicals.

Medical Treatments

If home remedies aren’t enough, talk to your doctor about low-dose vaginal estrogen. These come as:

• Creams, tablets, or rings placed inside the vagina
• They work locally, with very little estrogen absorbed into the body
• According to the NIH, these treatments are safe and effective for many women

They can restore moisture and improve elasticity, which reduces pain and discomfort.

Other Helpful Tips

• Try natural oils like vitamin E or coconut oil, but always check with your doctor before use
• Pelvic floor exercises (like Kegels) improve blood flow and strengthen the muscles around your vagina
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily
• Avoid scented products. Skip perfumed soaps, douches, or sprays—they can make dryness worse

Jane Lewis on Overcoming Vaginal Dryness

Many women feel alone when dealing with vaginal dryness during menopause. But you’re not. Jane Lewis, author of Me & My Menopausal Vagina, openly shares her experience in a video that’s helping women everywhere feel less isolated.

In the video, Jane talks about the discomfort she faced, the embarrassment she felt, and how hard it was to talk about this menopause symptom, even with her doctor. She also explains how opening up and getting the right treatment made a big difference for her.

If you want to hear a real story from someone who’s been through this, check out Jane’s video here:

Jane Lewis on Vaginal Dryness and Menopause

Watching this can remind you that this is common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of.

Everyday Tips to Ease Vaginal Dryness

If you’re dealing with vaginal dryness during or after menopause, small daily habits can bring big relief. Here are a few things you can start doing today:

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your body stay naturally lubricated, including your vaginal tissues.
• Skip the Scents: Avoid using scented soaps, body sprays, or vaginal douches—they can dry out and irritate sensitive skin.
• Use a Vaginal Moisturizer: Apply a vaginal moisturizer every few days to help maintain comfort, not just during intimacy but all the time.
• Keep a Lubricant Nearby: Choose a water-based lubricant for sex to prevent pain and reduce friction.
• Choose Breathable Underwear: Go for cotton fabrics that allow airflow and reduce moisture buildup.
• Talk to Your Doctor: Don’t be shy—your doctor can help you find safe and effective treatments that work for you.

These small steps can make a big difference in how you feel every day. If the dryness continues or becomes painful, speak with your healthcare provider for support.

You’re Not Alone in Facing This Menopause Symptom

Vaginal dryness during menopause is more common than many realize, but it doesn’t have to hold you back or make you uncomfortable. There are simple, safe ways to ease the symptoms and feel like yourself again.

If this sounds like what you’re going through, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. You deserve relief and support — and sharing your experience might help others feel less alone too.

Have you dealt with this before? Drop a comment and let’s support each other!

References:
North American Menopause Society
Mayo Clinic
National Institutes of Health (NIH) – PubMed Central
National Institute on Aging (NIA)

FAQs About Vaginal Dryness During Menopause

1. Is vaginal dryness a normal part of menopause?
   Yes. Nearly half of all women going through menopause experience this menopause symptom due to lower estrogen levels.
2. Can I treat vaginal dryness without hormones?
   Yes. You can use over-the-counter moisturizers or lubricants. Some women also find relief using natural oils like coconut oil (with doctor approval).
3. Does vaginal dryness go away on its own?
   Usually not. It tends to get worse without treatment, but there are easy ways to manage it.
4. Is vaginal estrogen cream safe?
   In low doses, yes. Studies show it’s a safe and effective option for most women when used as directed by a doctor.
5. When should I talk to a doctor about it?
   If vaginal dryness causes discomfort, pain during sex, or frequent irritation, it’s time to speak with your healthcare provider.