Vaginal dryness can occur at any time in your adult life, while cases of vaginal dryness occur during perimenopause and menopause. Your body produces less estrogen during menopause, which accounts for the majority of vaginal dryness experienced in women.
Symptoms that indicate vaginal dryness include:
vaginal itching
vaginal burning
Vaginal discomfort or irritation
painful intercourse
bleeding during intercourse
Other causes of vaginal dryness include certain medications, tampons with higher degrees of absorption than you actually need, vaginal douching, nicotine addiction, excessive alcohol consumption, and Sjogren's Syndrome. Mental health issues such as anxiety can also cause vaginal dryness. If you're breastfeeding or have recently given birth, your estrogen levels may be below average, which can cause dryness. Fragrant soaps, bubble baths and body lotions used in the vaginal area can also increase vaginal dryness.