Vaginal Dryness: Causes, Treatments, And Natural Remedies

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Medical News TodaySubscribeCauses of vaginal dryness and how to treat it

Medically reviewed by Tahirah Redhead MPAS, PA-C, MPH — Written by Shannon Johnson — Updated on August 12, 2025

Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Home remedies
Summary

Vaginal dryness can occur during and after menopause. Other possible causes include certain medications, some cancer treatments, stress and anxiety, and more.

Vaginal dryness usually results from low estrogen levels. Estrogen is the hormone that keeps the lining of the vagina lubricated, thick, and elastic.

Vaginal dryness can lead to pain during intercourse, contributing to a loss of sexual desire. It can also cause discomfort during sports and other physical activities and increase the risk of vaginal infections.

It is a common problem, but people may not realize it is a health issue or may not seek treatment due to feelings of embarrassment.

Causes of vaginal dryness

A person stretching their arm above their head outside.-2 — mapodile/Getty Images

Vaginal dryness usually results from a drop in estrogen levels. Estrogen levels begin to decrease as menopause approaches.

The ovaries produce estrogen, which controls the development of female body characteristics such as breasts and body shape. It also plays a key role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Estrogen helps keep the tissues lining the vagina thick, moisturized, and healthy. As levels decline, the lining becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. These changes are known as vaginal atrophy.

Estrogen levels can drop for various reasons, including:

menopause
surgical removal of the ovaries, which can trigger menopause
childbirth and breastfeeding
treatments for cancer, including chemotherapy and radiation
anti-estrogen drugs for treating breast cancer or endometriosis

When vaginal dryness occurs due to menopause, healthcare professionals call it genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

Other potential causes

Other causes of vaginal dryness can include:

Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that involves inflammation of the salivary and tear glands
antihistamines
antidepressants
stress and anxiety
reduced blood supply to the vagina
dehydration
Flammer syndrome, in which blood vessels react in an unusual way to stimuli such as cold and stress

People who smoke or experience indoor air pollution may experience menopause earlier than those who do not, and so vaginal dryness may occur at an earlier age in this group.

Symptoms of vaginal dryness

People with vaginal atrophy and vaginal dryness may experience:

vaginal itching
burning
irritation
pain during sex
discomfort during physical activity
a higher risk of vaginal infections and urinary tract infections

If the dryness is due to a fall in estrogen levels, they may also have:

lower levels of natural vaginal secretions
a tightening of the vaginal opening
a narrowing of the vagina

Together, these changes are known as dyspareunia. They can lead to pain during penetrative sex.

Diagnosing vaginal dryness

People should seek medical advice if they experience the following symptoms or other signs of change in their vaginal health:

burning
itching
dryness
intercourse pain
irritation

The doctor will likely:

ask about vaginal and other symptoms
ask about menstrual changes
do a pelvic examination
in some cases, take a swab for a lab test

No single test can diagnose vaginal atrophy and vaginal dryness. A doctor will usually base the diagnosis on a person’s symptoms.

It might feel embarrassing and uncomfortable to discuss such personal details, but doctors are used to having these types of conversations. Seeking help is the first step toward managing symptoms.

»Find care:Find an obstetrician or gynecologist in your area today.

Treatment for vaginal dryness

The best treatment for vaginal dryness may depend on the underlying cause. Below are some options a doctor may suggest.

Local estrogen treatments

Local estrogen treatments are treatments that a person applies directly to the vagina. Examples include:

Vaginal ring (Estring): The person inserts a flexible ring into the vagina where it continually releases low amounts of estrogen into the tissues. The person should replace the ring every 90 days.
Vaginal cream (Estrace, Premarin): People may use an applicator to apply the cream into the vagina. Doctors may also recommend gel or spray products.
Vaginal tablet (Vagifem): The person will use an applicator to place a tablet into the vagina.

Doctors will consider topical estrogen therapies before oral estrogen for people with vaginal atrophy.

People with a history of breast cancer, who are or may be pregnant, or who are breastfeeding should talk with their doctor about the safety of topical estrogen therapy. The doctor may recommend nonhormonal treatments instead.

Over-the-counter treatments

Over-the-counter treatments may help with vaginal dryness.

For example, people can use artificial lubricants during intercourse to increase moisture.

People can also use vaginal moisturizers daily or several times a week to help maintain the vagina’s natural moisture.

Home remedies for vaginal dryness

The following lifestyle changes can help combat vaginal dryness and discomfort.

Avoid fragrances: The vagina contains a delicate balance of good bacteria and is self-cleaning. There is no need for douching or using fragrant soaps around the sensitive vaginal area; these may cause irritation or dryness.
Regular sex: Regular sexual activity, whether alone or with a partner, can help manage vaginal dryness. Blood flow to the vaginal tissues increases during arousal, and this helps stimulate moisture production.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration can lead to vaginal dryness. Drinking six to eight glasses of water daily, and potentially more in hot weather or when exercising, may help prevent vaginal dryness.
Phytoestrogen supplements: Phytoestrogens are compounds that act similarly to estrogen in the body. They occur in plant-based foods, including soy, nuts, seeds, and tofu.

It is still a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional if someone experiences vaginal dryness. They can diagnose potential underlying health issues and approve any home management strategies a person wants to try.

Summary

Vaginal dryness is a common symptom often linked to a drop in estrogen levels, including at the start of menopause. It is not likely to have significant health consequences, but it can be a source of discomfort.

Topical estrogen cream is a potential treatment. People may be able to manage mild symptoms with over-the-counter options, including regularly applying vaginal moisturizers and trying lubricants during sexual activity.

People can speak with a trusted healthcare professional if they experience vaginal dryness. A doctor can diagnose any underlying issues and suggest suitable treatments to help someone manage their symptoms.

Menopause
Women's Health / Gynecology

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Abraham C. (2024). Experiencing vaginal dryness? Here's what you need to know.https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/experiencing-vaginal-dryness-heres-what-you-need-to-know
Carlson K, et al. (2024). Genitourinary syndrome of menopause.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559297/
Flores SA, et al. (2025). Atrophic vaginitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564341/
Goncharenko V, et al. (2019). Vaginal dryness: Individualised patient profiles, risks and mitigating measures.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6459457/
Halder P, et al. (2025). Association of early menopause with indoor air pollution: A multilevel modelling analysis of the nationally representative cross-sectional study in India.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11844942/
Valdes A, et al. (2025). Estrogen therapy.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541051/
Water, drinks and hydration. (2023).https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/

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Medically reviewed by Tahirah Redhead MPAS, PA-C, MPH — Written by Shannon Johnson — Updated on August 12, 2025

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Vaginal Dryness: Causes, Treatments, And Natural Remedies

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Causes of vaginal dryness

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