Vaginal Dryness Symptoms
Vaginal dryness is often due to deficiency of the female hormone estrogen, frequently associated with menopause. There are many other causes of vaginal dryness. Sometimes vaginal dryness is a result of local skin conditions of the genital area. Vaginal dryness can also be a feature of systemic diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome. Frequently, no specific cause of vaginal dryness can be identified.
Other causes of vaginal dryness
- Medications (Both Prescription and Nonprescription)
- Vaginal Atrophy
Main Article on Vaginal Dryness
Causes of Vaginal Dryness
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Can Vaginal Atrophy Be Reversed?
Learn what medical treatments can ease your vaginal atrophy symptoms and help you manage this condition.
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Can Vaginismus Be Cured?
Learn what medical treatments can help ease your vaginismus symptoms and speed up your recovery from vaginismus.
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How Many Days Before a Period Do You Get Discharge?
Vaginal discharge is a normal part of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Learn about vaginal discharge before a period, how many days you get discharge before your period, signs and causes of vaginal discharge, and when to see a doctor if there’s a problem.
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Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. Normally, the rate of thyroid hormone production is controlled by the brain by the pituitary gland. Hypothyroidism is a very common condition and the symptoms of hypothyroidism are often subtle, but may include, constipation, memory loss, hair loss, and depression. There are a variety of causes of hypothyroidism, and treatment depends on the cause.
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Is It Normal to Have Discharge After Sex?
What is vaginal discharge? Learn the signs of vaginal discharge and what to do if you experience it.
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis or MS is an autoimmune disorder in which brain and spinal cord nerve cells become demyelinated. This damage results in symptoms that may include numbness, weakness, vertigo, paralysis, and involuntary muscle contractions. Different forms of MS can follow variable courses from relatively benign to life-threatening. MS is treated with disease-modifying therapies. Some MS symptoms can be treated with medications.
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Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the time in a woman's life when she is approaching menopause. During this time a woman starts to develop symptoms of declining estrogen levels that may include mood swings, painful sex, night sweats, hot flashes, and weight gain. Every adult woman eventually will experience perimenopause.
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Sex and Menopause (What to Expect)
Menopause is often associated with a change in sexual functioning. Loss of estrogen, bladder control issues, anxiety, stress, health concerns, medications, and sleep disturbances often result in a decrease in libido. Though there are currently no good drugs for treating sexual problems in women, there are ways to increase intimacy with a partner and treat vaginal dryness.
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Sjogren's Syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease involving the abnormal production of extra antibodies that attack the glands and connective tissue. Sjögren's syndrome with gland inflammation (resulting dry eyes and mouth, etc.) that is not associated with another connective tissue disease is referred to as primary Sjögren's syndrome. Sjögren's syndrome that is also associated with a connective tissue disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or scleroderma, is referred to as secondary Sjögren's syndrome. Though there is no cure for Sjögren's syndrome, the symptoms may be treated by using lubricating eye ointments, drinking plenty of water, humidifying the air, and using glycerin swabs. Medications are also available to treat dry eye and dry mouth.
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Vaginal Dryness and Vaginal Atrophy
Vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy occurs in women during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. With vaginal atrophy, the lining of the vaginal wall becomes thinner, drier, less elastic, and light pink to bluish in color. Symptoms of vaginal atrophy include vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, and/or pain during intercourse. Treatment options for vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy include hormone treatment and over-the-counter vaginal lubricating and moisturizing products.
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Vaginal Pain (Vulvodynia)
Vulvodynia or vaginal pain, genital pain is a condition in which women have chronic vulvar pain with no known cause. There are two types of vulvodynia, generalized vulvodynia and vulvar vestibulitis. Researchers are trying to find the causes of vulvodynia, for example, nerve irritation, genetic factors, hypersensitivity to yeast infections, muscle spasms, and hormonal changes.The most common symptoms of vaginal pain (vulvodynia) is burning, rawness, itching, stinging, aching, soreness, and throbbing. There are a variety of treatments that can ease the symptoms of vulvodynia (vaginal pain).
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Vaginitis (Inflammation of the Vagina)
Vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis can be caused by infections, menopause, or poor hygiene. Symptoms of vaginitis include vaginal itching, discharge, odor, pain, or discomfort. Treatment for vaginitis depends on the cause. Antibiotics may be necessary for some forms of vaginitis.
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What Are the Best Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching?
What Is Vaginal itching? Learn what remedies you can use at home to help to relieve your symptoms.
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What Are the Side Effects of Black Cohosh?
People in the US and Europe have used the herb black cohosh since ancient times for a variety of illnesses ranging from cough and cold to infertility. Side effects of black cohosh may include gastrointestinal upset, skin rash, breast pain, brain enlargement, infection, vaginal bleeding/spotting, joint or muscle pain and infection.
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What Are the Signs of Atrophic Vaginitis?
Atrophic vaginitis is a medical condition where the walls of the vagina become thinner, dryer, and inflamed. Learn more about atrophic vaginitis, its symptoms, and potential treatments for atrophic vaginitis.
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What Causes Low and High Prolactin Levels?
Prolactin plays an important role in the reproductive system of both men and women. Learn what causes an increase or decrease of prolactin levels, the signs to look for, and what to do about low and high prolactin levels.
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What Causes Vaginal Itching?
Vaginal itching can be a sign of the presence of an underlying medical condition. Find out more about vaginal itching and the possible causes.
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What Happens During Menopause?
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the "change of life." Menopause symptoms and signs include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies, and should be discussed with your physician.
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What Is the Difference Between Vaginitis and Vaginosis?
Learn the differences between vaginitis and vaginosis and how they are diagnosed and treated.
Examples of Medications for Vaginal Dryness
- conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate, Prempro, Premphase
- estradiol, Alora, Climara, Delestrogen, Depo-Estradiol, Divigel, Elestrin, Estrace, and Others
- estrogens conjugated (Premarin)
- estrogens conjugated synthetic (Cenestin)
- estropipate, Ogen
- flibanserin (Addyi)
- Side Effects of Dostinex (cabergoline)