Menopause vaginal dryness is one of the most common symptoms and problem associated with menopause. Symptoms of menopause vaginal dryness include stinging and itching near the vaginal opening. Such itching and stinging is also felt in the lower third part of the vagina. Vaginal dryness often results in intercourse being extremely uncomfortable. The vaginal walls are coated with moisture in a very thin layer. During menopause hormonal changes result in changes in the menstrual cycle and this in turn affects the consistency and the amount of the moisture.

The vaginal lubrication normally consists of a fluid that is clear and this fluid seeps through walls of blood vessels and encircles the vagina. In the state of sexual arousal blood flows towards the pelvic organs and this creates more amount of lubricating vaginal fluid. With menopause the hormonal changes results in disruption of this process.

Menopause vaginal dryness includes itching, burning and dryness in the vaginal area along with pain or light spotting after sex. Menopause vaginal dryness also results in increased frequency or urgency in urinating. Around four in every 10 women going through menopause experience vaginal dryness symptoms. Estrogen is the hormone that is responsible for maintaining the health of the vaginal tissue along with maintaining the acidity and the elasticity of the tissue. This acts as a natural form of defense against vaginal infections and urinary tract infections as well.

When the estrogen levels drop this automatically results in thinning of the vaginal lining. In menopause the estrogen levels drop and so this results in menopause vaginal dryness. With reduced estrogen levels the acid levels in the vagina also drop and this can result in a number of yeast infections and other problems including urinary tract infections as well.

Menopause vaginal dryness can be a devastating experience and result in feelings of guilt and inadequacy in women as it affects their sex life. This problem can occur without so much of a warning during the perimenopause stage itself. Incontinence also occurs because of this vaginal dryness. As the estrogen levels drop the vaginal walls become weak and are not able to prevent leakage of urine.

To tackle menopause vaginal dryness doctors advise women to have sex often. This is because frequent intercourse can help in stimulation of the mucus glands that provide lubrication and this in turn can help the vagina to become moist. Refraining from sex can make the the vaginal dryness even worse. Other ways to tackle the vaginal dryness include using lubricants that are to be applied to the vagina around two hours before sexual activity. Estrogen therapy is often recommended for persistent vaginal dryness resulting from menopause. This can be followed by using oral, transdermal, topical and tablet form of estrogen therapy.