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Menopause dryness: causes, symptoms and ways to manage
Written byJodi M Johnson
Reviewed byMillicent Chapman
Vaginal dryness during menopause may be common, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating. With insights from our expert, discover simple ways to feel more comfortable and confident again
Summary
1What is vaginal dryness?
It's very common especially during and after menopause, it can include many symptoms like spotting and discomfort.
2What causes vaginal dryness?
It's caused by decreasing levels of the hormone oestrogen and up to 75% of postmenopausal women experience it.
3When to see a doctor about vaginal dryness
If vaginal dryness has been bothering you for several weeks and nothing seems to help, it's worth a visit.
Menopause brings all kinds of changes – some we might complain about with our friends over coffee, others we might take to the doctor.1 But we bet one you aren’t as open talking about is vaginal dryness. It’s more common than you might think and it can put a real damper on your comfort, confidence and sex life.2,3
That’s why we asked our scientist, Millicent Chapman to share her thoughts on this important (but often overlooked) part of menopause. We’re here to say that it shouldn’t be a secret – and certainly not something you just put up with. There are solutions and it’s time we talked about them.
What is vaginal dryness?
You might first notice vaginal dryness as pain during sex or a sore or itchy feeling around the vagina.2,3 As the name suggests, it’s caused by the walls in your vagina becoming thinner and less naturally lubricated.4,5 “Vaginal dryness is very common especially during and after menopause and can include symptoms such as spotting or bleeding, feeling sore or itchy around your vagina and feel pain or discomfort including during sex,” says Millicent.2,3
Though very common, many women find it difficult to bring up with their doctor.3 But here’s the thing: this is a completely normal part of the menopausal transition. It’s OK to talk about it – in fact, if it’s bothering you, we encourage you to. If you're not going through menopause (or another type of hormonal change) and are experiencing vaginal dryness, speak to your GP or healthcare professional. It's a common symptom and nothing to feel embarrassed about, but in some cases, it may need medical assessment.
What causes vaginal dryness during menopause?
As you move through menopause, your body experiences many changes – most of them due to shifting hormone levels.1 “When oestrogen levels drop during menopause, things start to change," says Millicent. "The walls of the vagina and vulva (the area around your vagina) can become thinner, weaker, drier and less stretchy – a process known as vaginal atrophy.”4-6
You might even notice the vagina feels shorter or the entrance a bit narrower.4 These changes fall under a broader category of symptoms known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)7 – and they’re more common than many people realise. In fact, up to 75% of postmenopausal women experience vaginal dryness.3
“Similar changes can occur in the bladder and urethra and as a result, some women experience urinary symptoms such as needing to pass urine more often, feeling a sudden urge to go or finding it harder to hold on until they reach a toilet.”8 Unlike other menopausal symptoms like hot flushes or night sweats, this isn’t something that fades away with time. Without treatment, vaginal dryness tends to get worse, but don’t worry, you don’t have to just put up with it – there are ways to manage it (we’ll get to these soon).3,9
Does vaginal dryness affect sex?
A healthy sex life is important at any age, but without the right help, vaginal dryness may be getting in the way.2 “It’s important to talk openly with your partner about how you’re feeling, both physically and emotionally, as all these things can understandably affect how you feel about sex,” says Millicent. Vaginal dryness can lead to:2
- pain or discomfort during sex
- itching or soreness in or around the vagina
- frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- needing to wee more often than usual
Does vaginal dryness affect your libido?
It’s not just the physical symptoms – like vaginal dryness – that can impact your sex life during menopause.10 For some women, it can feel like their libido suddenly dives off a cliff. “This may be due to a combination of factors, not just the discomfort that comes with vaginal dryness,” says Millicent.10 “A mix of changing hormone levels, sleep disturbances (hello, night sweats) and emotional ups and downs can all play a role.” If you don’t feel like being intimate, you’re not alone, and there’s zero reason to feel guilty about it.10
How to manage vaginal dryness
While there may not be a ‘cure’ for vaginal dryness, there are lots of ways to manage it and ease the sensitivity. Here are a few simple tips to get you started:2
When washing, keep it simple. Steer clear of soaps and shower gels around your vagina as these can make dryness worse.11
"Emerging research suggests that sea buckthorn oil may help support vaginal health in women during and after menopause. Some studies have found it may help maintain the health and moisture of vaginal tissues," says Millicent.2,12 "While the evidence is still limited, sea buckthorn oil may be an option for some women who aren't able to use, or prefer not to use, oestrogen-based treatments for vaginal atrophy and dryness. However, more research is needed before it can be routinely recommended. If you're considering trying it, do a patch test first to check for any skin reactions and speak to your healthcare professional if your symptoms persist or worsen."2,12
Remember, you’re not alone in these changes and your doctor will be happy to help. If your vaginal dryness is due to menopause, they might suggest:2,9
- a vaginal moisturiser – used regularly, moisturisers can help the vaginal tissue retain and release moisture, much like your body’s natural vaginal secretions13,14
- a topical oestrogen product – this can come as a pessary (tablet), ring, cream or gel that you apply directly to your vagina. These are designed to restore oestrogen levels locally and combat menopause symptoms like dryness. This may be given alongside Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), as vaginal oestrogen often works better than HRT alone for symptoms such as vaginal dryness, soreness, and discomfort
- HRT – a broader treatment option if you’re also experiencing other menopausal symptoms, like hot flushes, joint pains or brain fog 15
Supporting comfortable intimacy
There's a couple of things you can do to support feeling comfortable during intimacy, such as:
- using water-based lubricants: they may help with soreness during sex by reducing friction. So, when things start to heat up in the bedroom, try using some to help make things more comfortable
- prioritising foreplay: slowing things down can make a big difference. Foreplay helps increase arousal and can make sex feel more enjoyable and less painful
When to see a doctor about vaginal dryness
If vaginal dryness has been bothering you for several weeks and self-care measures, such as moisturisers or lubricants, aren't providing relief, it's worth speaking to your doctor.2 You should also seek medical advice if the discomfort is affecting your daily life, relationships or overall wellbeing.
While vaginal dryness is a common symptom during menopause, it's important not to ignore other changes. Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if you notice unusual vaginal discharge or if you experience bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause.2 They can help you understand what's causing these symptoms and guide you towards the right treatment and support.
Vaginal dryness FAQs
By speaking to your GP or another healthcare professional, they can discuss treatment options available which may include local oestrogen treatments such as creams, gels, pessaries or vaginal tablets, if appropriate for you.2
Yes – some vaginal moisturisers are specifically designed for intimate use daily and others two to three times a week, so it’s important to follow the instructions provided with your chosen product.8
The final say
Menopause brings many changes, but it doesn’t mean you have to give up comfort, pleasure or confidence in your body. Remember, there’s absolutely no reason to feel embarrassed about this chapter – people are there to support you, don't be afraid to ask for help – there are many ways to manage dryness.
If you’re looking for other menopause must-haves, we’ve got 10 products for your body and mind or if you’re simply after some tailored support, browse through our favourite multivitamins for women.
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. NHS. Menopause. Overview [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 3]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/
2. NHS. Vaginal dryness [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 3]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-dryness/
3. Carlson K, Nguyen H. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559297/
4. Peters KJ. What is genitourinary syndrome of menopause and why should we care? Perm J. 2021;25(2):20.248. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/20.248
5. Women's Health Concern. Vaginal dryness [Internet]. Stratford-upon-Avon (UK): British Menopause Society; 2023 Oct [cited 2026 Jul 3]. Available from: https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/25-WHC-FACTSHEET-VaginalDryness-OCT2023-B.pdf
6. Atrophic Vaginitis - North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust [Internet]. North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. 2026. Available from: https://www.nth.nhs.uk/resources/atrophic-vaginitis/
7. Mariette-JB. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) [Internet]. British Menopause Society. 2025. Available from: https://thebms.org.uk/publications/consensus-statements/genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause-gsm/
8. Vaginal dryness - The Menopause Charity [Internet]. The Menopause Charity. 2025. Available from: https://themenopausecharity.org/information-and-support/symptoms/vaginal-dryness/
9. Danan ER, et al. Hormonal treatments and vaginal moisturizers for genitourinary syndrome of menopause: A systematic review. Ann Intern Med. 2024;177(10):1400–14. https://doi.org/10.7326/annals-24-00610
10. NHS inform. Sexual wellbeing, intimacy and menopause [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 3]. Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/sexual-wellbeing-intimacy-and-menopause
11. NHS. Devon Sexual Health – genital hygiene: our tips [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 22]. Available from: https://www.devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk/your-sexual-health/genital-hygiene-our-tips/
12. Effects of sea buckthorn oil intake on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Maturitas [Internet]. 2014 Nov 1;79(3):316–21. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512214002394
13. Da Silva AS, et al. Modern management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Fac Rev. 2021;10:25. https://doi.org/10.12703/r/10-25
14. Edwards D, Panay N. Treating vulvovaginal atrophy/genitourinary syndrome of menopause: how important is vaginal lubricant and moisturizer composition? Climacteric. 2015 Dec 26;19(2):151–61.
15. NHS. Menopause. Treatment [Internet]. [cited 2025 Apr 22]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/treatment/
