Vaginal Dryness: Causes and What Can Help
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
Vaginal dryness is common, treatable and nothing to be embarrassed about, yet many women suffer in silence. It most often follows the fall in oestrogen at menopause, but breastfeeding, some medications, and other factors can cause it at any age. Effective help ranges from simple lubricants and moisturisers and, where appropriate, local oestrogen from your doctor, to the Chinese medicine approach of nourishing Yin, Blood and Kidney fluids from within.
Vaginal dryness can cause itching, soreness, discomfort during sex and irritation day to day — and it is far more common than open conversation suggests. This article explains the causes, when to see your doctor, the practical options that work, and how Chinese medicine understands and supports it. It is educational and not a substitute for personal medical advice.
On this page
- What vaginal dryness is
- Common causes
- When to see your doctor
- Practical steps that help
- The Chinese medicine view
- Diet and lifestyle
- Acupuncture and herbal support
- Frequently asked questions
1. What vaginal dryness is
Vaginal dryness happens when the tissues lose their natural moisture and become thinner and less elastic. It can cause itching, burning or soreness, discomfort or pain during sex, and general irritation, and it can make you more prone to urinary and vaginal infections. When it is due to falling oestrogen around menopause it is part of what is now called the genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
It is very common — a large proportion of women experience it at some point — and, importantly, there are effective options.
2. Common causes
- Menopause and perimenopause — falling oestrogen is the most common cause; see menopausal symptoms.
- Breastfeeding and after childbirth — oestrogen is naturally lower during this time.
- Some medications — certain contraceptives, antidepressants, antihistamines and breast-cancer treatments.
- Not enough arousal time, or stress and tiredness affecting the body’s response.
- Irritants — perfumed soaps, washes and douches that strip natural moisture.
- Some medical conditions, including Sjögren’s syndrome and diabetes.
3. When to see your doctor
It is worth seeing your doctor if dryness is persistent or affecting your comfort, sex life or confidence — not least because effective treatments exist. Local vaginal oestrogen (creams, pessaries or a ring) is safe and highly effective for menopausal dryness in most women, including many who cannot or prefer not to take systemic HRT, and non-hormonal prescription options are also available.
See your doctor promptly if you have any unusual bleeding, discharge, sores or persistent pain, which need assessment in their own right. This article is educational; your doctor can advise on what is right for you.
4. Practical steps that help
- Vaginal moisturisers — used regularly (not just for sex), these rehydrate the tissues over time.
- Lubricants — for comfort during sex; water- or silicone-based, fragrance-free.
- Avoid irritants — perfumed soaps, shower gels, washes and douches; wash with water or a plain emollient.
- Allow more time for arousal, and stay generally well hydrated.
- Regular gentle sexual activity (alone or with a partner) helps maintain blood flow to the tissues.
5. The Chinese medicine view
Chinese medicine understands the body’s moisture as depending on Yin, Blood and the fluids governed by the Kidney. Vaginal dryness is usually seen as Yin deficiency or Blood deficiency, in which the moistening, nourishing aspect has become depleted — something that naturally occurs as Kidney essence declines at menopause, and after the demands of childbirth and breastfeeding.
The Chinese medicine approach works “from the inside”, nourishing Yin and Blood and supporting the Kidney to restore the body’s own fluids, which fits well alongside the local measures above.
6. Diet and lifestyle
- Yin- and Blood-nourishing foods — pears, apples, tofu and soya foods, sesame, black beans, eggs, oily fish, and dark leafy greens.
- Healthy fats — oily fish, nuts, seeds and olive oil support the body’s moisture and tissue health.
- Stay well hydrated and moderate alcohol and caffeine, which are drying.
- Protect sleep and manage stress, both of which consume Yin over time.
7. Acupuncture and herbal support
Chinese herbal medicine is used to nourish Yin, Blood and Kidney fluids, with classic Yin-nourishing formulas such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan adapted to the individual. Acupuncture is used alongside to support the transition and general wellbeing.
Chinese herbal medicine is a complementary therapy and should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner; it works well alongside local oestrogen or moisturisers rather than as a replacement, and any unusual bleeding, discharge or pain should always be assessed by your doctor. Online consultations are available. See also vaginal health.
8. Frequently asked questions
What causes vaginal dryness?
The most common cause is falling oestrogen around menopause and perimenopause, but it also occurs during breastfeeding and after childbirth when oestrogen is naturally lower, and can be caused by some medications such as certain contraceptives, antidepressants and breast-cancer treatments. Perfumed soaps and washes, insufficient arousal time, stress, and conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome or diabetes can also contribute.
What is the best treatment for vaginal dryness?
For day-to-day comfort, regular use of a vaginal moisturiser rehydrates the tissues over time, and a fragrance-free lubricant helps during sex. For menopausal dryness, local vaginal oestrogen from your doctor is safe and highly effective for most women, including many who cannot take systemic HRT. Avoiding perfumed soaps and washes also helps. Your doctor can advise what is right for you.
Can Chinese medicine help with vaginal dryness?
Chinese medicine understands vaginal dryness as Yin or Blood deficiency, where the body's moistening, nourishing aspect has become depleted, and uses Yin- and Blood-nourishing herbs and acupuncture to support the body's own fluids from within. This works well alongside local measures such as moisturisers or oestrogen rather than as a replacement, and treatment is matched to the individual.
Is vaginal dryness a normal part of menopause?
Yes, vaginal dryness is a very common part of the menopause transition because of falling oestrogen, and a large proportion of women experience it. It is not something you have to simply put up with, as effective treatments exist, so it is worth discussing with your doctor if it affects your comfort or confidence.
When should I see a doctor about vaginal dryness?
See your doctor if dryness is persistent or affecting your comfort, sex life or confidence, since effective treatments are available, and promptly if you have any unusual bleeding, discharge, sores or persistent pain, which need assessment in their own right.
