Vaginal Dryness: Causes, Symptoms and What Can Help

Vaginal dryness is one of those intimate health concerns that many women experience but few feel comfortable talking about.

You may notice a dry or tight feeling, irritation when walking or exercising, discomfort during sex, burning, itching, or simply a feeling that things don't feel the way they used to. And while vaginal dryness is particularly common around perimenopause and menopause, it can happen much earlier in life too.

Hormonal changes are one of the most common reasons, but they are not the only explanation. Breastfeeding, certain medications, hormonal contraception, some medical conditions, stress, inadequate arousal, and irritating intimate-care products can also contribute.

The good news is that vaginal dryness is common, understandable and often manageable.

The first step is understanding what may be causing it. From there, options such as vaginal moisturisers, lubricants, lifestyle changes and, when appropriate, medical treatments can help restore comfort.

What Is Vaginal Dryness?

Vaginal dryness occurs when the vaginal tissues don't have enough natural moisture, which can leave them feeling dry, sensitive, irritated or uncomfortable.

The vagina naturally produces fluid that helps maintain moisture and reduce friction. Oestrogen plays an important role in maintaining the thickness, elasticity and moisture of vaginal tissues. When oestrogen levels decline, vaginal tissues can become thinner, less elastic and drier.

This is why dryness is particularly common during perimenopause and menopause. However, it isn't exclusively a menopause symptom.

Cleveland Clinic notes that vaginal dryness can occur at any age, with hormonal changes, breastfeeding, certain medications, smoking, stress and other factors among the possible contributors.

What Causes Vaginal Dryness?

Hormonal Changes

One of the most common causes is a change in oestrogen levels.

During perimenopause and menopause, ovarian oestrogen production declines. This can affect the vaginal lining, reducing natural moisture and elasticity and making tissues more susceptible to irritation.

ACOG specifically notes that vaginal dryness can occur after childbirth and is particularly common while breastfeeding because of hormonal changes.

Breastfeeding

New mothers may be surprised to experience vaginal dryness even if they are nowhere near menopause.

Breastfeeding can temporarily lower oestrogen levels, which can contribute to vaginal dryness and discomfort. ACOG identifies breastfeeding as one of the situations in which hormonal changes can cause vaginal dryness.

If dryness develops after childbirth, particularly while breastfeeding, it is worth discussing persistent or painful symptoms with your healthcare professional.

Certain Medications

Some medicines can contribute to vaginal dryness.

Examples include certain antidepressants, antihistamines, and hormonal medications. Hormonal contraceptives may also be associated with dryness in some women.

That doesn't mean you should stop taking a medication if you suspect it is contributing to dryness.

Instead, discuss the symptom with the healthcare professional who prescribed it. They can determine whether the medication could be contributing and whether another option is appropriate.

Stress and Emotional Factors

Stress doesn't necessarily cause vaginal dryness in the same way that declining oestrogen does, but it can influence sexual arousal and comfort.

If you are stressed, exhausted, or anxious, you may experience less natural lubrication during sexual activity. Cleveland Clinic also identifies stress and lack of sexual arousal among factors that may contribute to vaginal dryness.

Lack of Sexual Arousal

Natural vaginal lubrication increases with sexual arousal.

If there isn't enough time for arousal, or if anxiety, stress, relationship factors or discomfort are affecting arousal, sex may feel drier or more uncomfortable.

That doesn't necessarily mean there is an underlying vaginal problem.

Irritating Intimate-Care Products

Sometimes the products intended to make you feel "clean" can actually contribute to irritation.

Perfumed soaps, vaginal washes, sprays, and douches can irritate the vulvar and vaginal area and may make symptoms worse. NHS and Cleveland Clinic both recommend avoiding fragranced products and douching around the vagina.

Certain Medical Conditions

Vaginal dryness can sometimes occur alongside medical conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune conditions including Sjögren's syndrome.

This is why persistent dryness shouldn't always be treated as a simple skincare or hydration issue.

If the symptom is new, persistent, severe, or accompanied by other unusual symptoms, identifying the underlying cause matters.

What Does Vaginal Dryness Feel Like? Common Symptoms

A Dry or Tight Feeling - You may notice that the vagina feels less naturally moist than before or that the tissues feel tight or sensitive.
Burning or Irritation - Dry tissues can become more sensitive, potentially producing a burning or irritated sensation.
Itching or Sensitivity - Dryness may be accompanied by itching or sensitivity around the vulva and vaginal opening.
Pain or Discomfort During Sex - One of the most noticeable symptoms can be pain or discomfort during penetration.
Soreness - Some women experience soreness during or after sexual activity or during everyday activities such as walking or exercising.
Urinary Symptoms - Around menopause, vaginal dryness can occur alongside urinary symptoms such as increased frequency or recurrent urinary tract infections as part of GSM.
Spotting or Bleeding - Dry, fragile vaginal tissue may sometimes bleed after sex.

Vaginal Dryness at Different Stages of a Woman's Life

Vaginal Dryness in Your 20s and 30s

Dryness can occur well before menopause.

Possible contributors include:

Hormonal contraception
Certain medications
Stress
Lack of sexual arousal
Irritating intimate products
Certain health conditions

So if you're in your twenties or thirties and experiencing dryness, don't assume you're "too young" to experience it. At the same time, persistent symptoms deserve a proper evaluation rather than simply assuming you need a moisturiser.

Vaginal Dryness After Pregnancy

Pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period involve significant hormonal changes.

Breastfeeding can further lower oestrogen levels and contribute to vaginal dryness. ACOG specifically recognises vaginal dryness as a possible postpartum concern, particularly among breastfeeding women.

For new mothers, discomfort during intimacy can therefore have a physiological explanation and isn't necessarily a sign that something is wrong with the relationship or sexual desire.

Vaginal Dryness During Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, and hormonal fluctuations during this period can produce a wide variety of symptoms.

Periods may become irregular. Sleep may change. Hot flashes may appear. And vaginal and urinary changes can become noticeable as oestrogen levels decline.

Vaginal dryness during perimenopause can therefore be one part of a much broader transition.

Vaginal Dryness During Menopause

Menopause is one of the most common times for persistent vaginal dryness.

As oestrogen declines, vaginal tissues can become thinner, less elastic and less moist. This can result in dryness, burning, itching, and painful sex.

When these symptoms occur alongside urinary changes, the condition may be described as GSM.

Vaginal Dryness After Menopause

For some women, vaginal dryness doesn't disappear after menopause.

In fact, without treatment or appropriate symptom management, vaginal changes associated with low oestrogen can persist.

The good news is that women have several options - from non-hormonal moisturisers and lubricants to prescription hormonal treatments when appropriate.

What Can Help With Vaginal Dryness?

Vaginal Moisturisers

A vaginal moisturiser is designed for ongoing moisture rather than only use during sexual activity.

Unlike a personal lubricant, which is generally applied around the time of sex to reduce friction, a vaginal moisturiser can be used regularly according to the product's directions.

ACOG notes that vaginal moisturisers can help relieve vaginal dryness, while lubricants are particularly useful for reducing discomfort during intercourse.

Terrapy V/Hydrate is a topical vaginal moisturiser formulated for women experiencing vaginal dryness, irritation, and intimate discomfort.

Personal Lubricants

If dryness is most noticeable during sex, a personal lubricant can reduce friction and make intimacy more comfortable.

Water-based lubricants are commonly recommended. Silicone-based lubricants can also provide longer-lasting lubrication.

Gentle Intimate Care

If dryness or irritation is present, simplify your routine.

Avoid:

Vaginal douching
Perfumed vaginal washes
Strong soaps
Fragranced sprays
Products not specifically designed for vaginal use

NHS specifically advises against using ordinary creams, lotions or moisturisers that aren't intended for vaginal use, because they may cause irritation or infection.

Vaginal Moisturiser vs Lubricant: Which One Do You Need?

Factors	Vaginal Moisturiser	Personal Lubricant
Main purpose	Ongoing moisture and comfort	Reduce friction during sexual activity
Typical use	Regularly, according to product instructions	Before or during sex
Best for	Recurring or persistent dryness	Temporary dryness/friction during intimacy
Focus	Hydration and comfort	Lubrication
Hormonal?	Usually non-hormonal	Usually non-hormonal
Can they be used together?	Often, depending on product instructions	Often, when appropriate

Final Note

Vaginal dryness is common, but that doesn't mean you have to simply put up with it.

It can happen during menopause, but it can also appear during breastfeeding, after childbirth, with certain medications, during periods of stress or because of other health or lifestyle factors.

The most important step is to understand why you're experiencing it.

For occasional or ongoing dryness, vaginal moisturisers can be one non-hormonal option for supporting moisture and comfort. Personal lubricants can be useful when the main concern is friction during intimacy. And when dryness is related to menopause or another underlying condition, medical treatments may also be appropriate.

For women looking for a dedicated vaginal moisturiser, Terrapy V/Hydrate is formulated around intimate hydration and comfort, with ingredients including hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, sea buckthorn oil, shea butter, coconut oil and lactic acid.

FAQs: Vaginal Dryness

What causes vaginal dryness in 2026?

Vaginal dryness can be associated with declining oestrogen during perimenopause and menopause, breastfeeding, postpartum hormonal changes, certain medications, hormonal contraception, cancer treatments, stress, lack of sexual arousal, and some medical conditions.

Is vaginal dryness normal?

Vaginal dryness is common, but "common" doesn't mean you have to live with persistent discomfort.

Can vaginal dryness happen before menopause?

Yes. Vaginal dryness can occur before menopause due to factors including hormonal contraception, medications, breastfeeding, stress, lack of arousal, and certain medical conditions.

Why does vaginal dryness happen during perimenopause?

During perimenopause, ovarian hormone production changes and oestrogen levels can decline. Because oestrogen helps maintain vaginal moisture, elasticity and tissue health, these hormonal changes can contribute to dryness and discomfort.

Can breastfeeding cause vaginal dryness?

Yes. Breastfeeding can be associated with lower oestrogen levels, which may contribute to vaginal dryness. ACOG specifically identifies breastfeeding as a situation in which hormonal changes can cause vaginal dryness.

Can vaginal dryness cause pain during sex?

Yes. When there isn't enough vaginal moisture, friction during penetration can increase and cause discomfort or pain. Vaginal dryness is a recognised contributor to painful sex, particularly during perimenopause and menopause.