Vaginal dryness is characterized by burning or itching in the genital area, pain during sex, and a general lack of moisture. Women may also have bleeding after intercourse or burning when urinating. The tissue of the vaginal walls becomes thinner and inflamed due to a lack of lubrication. This symptom is sometimes referred to medically as atrophic vaginitis.

Research published in the medical journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings in 2010 examined a body of studies to paint a picture of the prevalence of vaginal dryness. They found that:

  • About 47% of postmenopausal women experience vaginal dryness.
  • Only around 4% of women have this symptom before the menopause transition.
  • The likelihood of experiencing vaginal dryness is higher in breast cancer survivors. About 23% of premenopausal survivors suffer from this symptom, and 62% of postmenopausal survivors do.

What Causes Vaginal Dryness?

Vaginal dryness is caused by a decrease in estrogen levels. During the menopause transition, hormone levels fluctuate up and down, often even more drastically than the natural fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. Then, after menopause, estrogen production is consistently very low. The vaginal tissues need estrogen to stay lubricated and maintain ample blood flow. When estrogen levels fall during the menopause transition, the tissues may become dry and otherwise uncomfortable.

In surgical or induced menopause, estrogen levels abruptly drop, typically leading to vaginal dryness.

Vaginal Dryness Triggers

Other factors besides menopause can lower estrogen levels or simply irritate the vaginal tissue. These triggers include:

  • Smoking tobacco
  • Using tampons
  • Douching, washing with harsh soaps, or using lotions in the area
  • Using condoms

How Macafem Relieves Vaginal Dryness

Macafem naturally balances hormone levels, addressing the cause of vaginal dryness at the root. This herbal supplement contains essential micronutrients and unique alkaloids that nourish the hormonal glands. This helps them produce estrogen and other hormones at the levels required by the body to maintain overall health. It does not contain any plant-based or synthetic hormones, but rather supports the body’s own hormone production.

Find out more about how Macafem works.

Vaginal Dryness FAQs

1. When do women typically experience vaginal dryness?

Women usually experience this symptom during perimenopause and particularly postmenopause. The perimenopause stage typically happens in a woman’s forties and early fifties, with the average age of menopause being 51. Women may also experience dryness right before or during their periods.

2. Are there topical treatments for vaginal dryness?

Vaginal moisturizers are water-based and are used regularly in the form of liquid, gels, or ovules to relieve vaginal dryness. Water-based lubricants can be applied before or during sex to make it more comfortable and relieve dryness in the moment.

3. Do hormone treatments for vaginal dryness have side effects?

It is possible for these treatments to have side effects, such as an increased risk of blood clots. However, because the estrogen is administered only in the vaginal area, there is a lower risk of side effects than with hormone replacement therapy pills.

4. How is Macafem taken to relieve vaginal dryness?

The typical dose of Macafem for relieving vaginal dryness and other menopause symptoms is three tablets per day taken with breakfast, though the dosage may vary by individual from one to six tablets daily. If results are not seen within 30 days, the dosage may be doubled to six tablets a day, typically three taken with breakfast and three taken with lunch.

Other Symptoms of Menopause

Each woman may experience different symptoms during the menopause transition. Like vaginal dryness, the other symptoms of menopause are also due to hormonal imbalance.

Macafem can naturally relieve the various symptoms of menopause, including: