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Vaginal Dryness
Vulvovaginal dryness, GSM
“It feels like sandpaper—and I used to feel totally normal down there.”
Vaginal Dryness
Vulvovaginal dryness, GSM
“It feels like sandpaper—and I used to feel totally normal down there.”
Vaginal Dryness
Vulvovaginal dryness, GSM
“It feels like sandpaper—and I used to feel totally normal down there.”
What it feels like
You feel dry, uncomfortable, or even itchy—sometimes painful during sex. The simple act of sitting down might even make you aware of how much things have changed
Why it catches you off-guard
You may not associate dryness with hormones—or may feel caught off guard if sex suddenly becomes uncomfortable despite no change in desire.
What it feels like
You feel dry, uncomfortable, or even itchy—sometimes painful during sex. The simple act of sitting down might even make you aware of how much things have changed
Why it catches you off-guard
You may not associate dryness with hormones—or may feel caught off guard if sex suddenly becomes uncomfortable despite no change in desire.
What it feels like
You feel dry, uncomfortable, or even itchy—sometimes painful during sex. The simple act of sitting down might even make you aware of how much things have changed
Why it catches you off-guard
You may not associate dryness with hormones—or may feel caught off guard if sex suddenly becomes uncomfortable despite no change in desire.
You're not alone
Around 50% of postmenopausal women report vaginal dryness, and only a fraction seek treatment.
Reminder:
This is incredibly common and highly treatable—there’s no need to “just live with it.”
You're not alone
Around 50% of postmenopausal women report vaginal dryness, and only a fraction seek treatment.
Reminder:
This is incredibly common and highly treatable—there’s no need to “just live with it.”
You're not alone
Around 50% of postmenopausal women report vaginal dryness, and only a fraction seek treatment.
Reminder:
This is incredibly common and highly treatable—there’s no need to “just live with it.”
What's really happening
Vaginal dryness is one of the most common and under-discussed symptoms of menopause. As estrogen levels decline, the vaginal walls lose moisture, elasticity, and natural lubrication. This can lead to discomfort during sex, itching, burning, or a general feeling of tightness or friction—sometimes even just from walking or sitting.
Vaginal dryness is one of the most common and under-discussed symptoms of menopause. As estrogen levels decline, the vaginal walls lose moisture, elasticity, and natural lubrication. This can lead to discomfort during sex, itching, burning, or a general feeling of tightness or friction—sometimes even just from walking or sitting.
But why?
Estrogen helps maintain vaginal moisture and elasticity. Less estrogen = less lubrication.
Estrogen helps maintain vaginal moisture and elasticity. Less estrogen = less lubrication.
Scientific Breakdown
The vaginal epithelium is highly estrogen-sensitive. As hormone levels fall in perimenopause and menopause, the tissue becomes thinner, drier, and more prone to micro-tears. This condition is part of a broader set of changes called Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), which also includes urinary symptoms and reduced sexual sensation.
• ↓ Estrogen → thinner vaginal walls
• ↓ Blood flow → less natural lubrication
• ↓ Vaginal acidity → more irritation and infections
• ↓ Collagen and elasticity → tight, fragile tissue
The vaginal epithelium is highly estrogen-sensitive. As hormone levels fall in perimenopause and menopause, the tissue becomes thinner, drier, and more prone to micro-tears. This condition is part of a broader set of changes called Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), which also includes urinary symptoms and reduced sexual sensation.
• ↓ Estrogen → thinner vaginal walls
• ↓ Blood flow → less natural lubrication
• ↓ Vaginal acidity → more irritation and infections
• ↓ Collagen and elasticity → tight, fragile tissue
Essentially…
Think of estrogen like moisturizer for your vaginal tissue—it keeps things plump, flexible, and self-lubricating. When estrogen drops, things get dry and tight, and that can make everyday life—and sex—uncomfortable.
Think of estrogen like moisturizer for your vaginal tissue—it keeps things plump, flexible, and self-lubricating. When estrogen drops, things get dry and tight, and that can make everyday life—and sex—uncomfortable.
See a doctor if …
• Sex is painful
• You experience burning, irritation, or UTIs frequently
• OTC moisturizers or lubes aren’t enough
• You’re avoiding intimacy due to discomfort
• Sex is painful
• You experience burning, irritation, or UTIs frequently
• OTC moisturizers or lubes aren’t enough
• You’re avoiding intimacy due to discomfort
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal Dryness
Q: What’s the difference between vaginal estrogen and hormone therapy?
Vaginal estrogen works locally with minimal absorption. It’s not the same as systemic HT.
Q: Can I still have sex with dryness?
You can—but it may be uncomfortable. Treating the tissue can make a huge difference.
Q: How long until vaginal estrogen works?
Some people notice relief in days, but full tissue rebuilding can take weeks to months.
Q: What’s the difference between vaginal estrogen and hormone therapy?
Vaginal estrogen works locally with minimal absorption. It’s not the same as systemic HT.
Q: Can I still have sex with dryness?
You can—but it may be uncomfortable. Treating the tissue can make a huge difference.
Q: How long until vaginal estrogen works?
Some people notice relief in days, but full tissue rebuilding can take weeks to months.
“I felt broken. I was scared to be touched. But once I started using vaginal estrogen, I didn’t even realize how much better things got—until intimacy didn’t hurt anymore.”
— FLUXX community member, age 55
FLUXX Recommendations
1. Start with a vaginal moisturizer for daily hydration
2. Use lubricant before sex (water or silicone-based)
3. Consider local vaginal estrogen for long-term tissue support
1. Start with a vaginal moisturizer for daily hydration
2. Use lubricant before sex (water or silicone-based)
3. Consider local vaginal estrogen for long-term tissue support
Non-Hormonal Medications
• OTC vaginal moisturizers (like Replens or Hyalo Gyn)
• Prescription non-estrogen vaginal inserts (like prasterone/DHEA)
• OTC vaginal moisturizers (like Replens or Hyalo Gyn)
• Prescription non-estrogen vaginal inserts (like prasterone/DHEA)
• Aloe-based or oil-based vaginal moisturizers
• Evening primrose oil (with doctor’s guidance)
• Plant-based lubricants (avoid ones with glycerin, parabens, or fragrance)
• Aloe-based or oil-based vaginal moisturizers
• Evening primrose oil (with doctor’s guidance)
• Plant-based lubricants (avoid ones with glycerin, parabens, or fragrance)
Lifestyle Suggestions
• Regular sexual activity or gentle stimulation to promote blood flow
• Hydration, pelvic floor exercises, gentle yoga
• Cotton underwear, fragrance-free soaps
• Regular sexual activity or gentle stimulation to promote blood flow
• Hydration, pelvic floor exercises, gentle yoga
• Cotton underwear, fragrance-free soaps
Myth-Busting
This isn’t about aging—it’s about estrogen. You don’t have to “just live with it.”
This isn’t about aging—it’s about estrogen. You don’t have to “just live with it.”
Modern Guidance
The Menopause Society and ACOG both recommend local estrogen as a safe and effective treatment—even for many cancer survivors. Vaginal estrogen is the most effective treatment, and it’s safe for long-term use. Water-based lubricants can provide temporary relief.
The Menopause Society and ACOG both recommend local estrogen as a safe and effective treatment—even for many cancer survivors. Vaginal estrogen is the most effective treatment, and it’s safe for long-term use. Water-based lubricants can provide temporary relief.
Ask yourself
• “Do you want relief without hormones?”
• “Is sex uncomfortable, even with lube?”
• “Would a low-risk local treatment work for your goals?”
• “Do you want relief without hormones?”
• “Is sex uncomfortable, even with lube?”
• “Would a low-risk local treatment work for your goals?”
Ask your doctor
• “Could this be GSM?”
• “Would vaginal estrogen or DHEA help me?”
• “What are the safest and most effective moisturizers?”
• “Could this be GSM?”
• “Would vaginal estrogen or DHEA help me?”
• “What are the safest and most effective moisturizers?”
Local estrogen is extremely low risk and doesn’t raise blood estrogen levels significantly.
Local estrogen is extremely low risk and doesn’t raise blood estrogen levels significantly.
Feel like yourself again.
Fluxx © 2025
Feel like yourself again.
Fluxx © 2025
Feel like yourself again.
Fluxx © 2025