When Is Vaginal Dryness a Medical Condition?
Occasional vaginal dryness is usually nothing to worry about, common depending on where a woman is in her cycle, but when it becomes bothersome, it may be due to a medical condition. Perimenopause aside (because it's not a medical condition), vaginal dryness can be the result of kidney disease, insulin resistance and certain autoimmune disorders. Medications prescribed to treat certain health issues can also be to blame, as can douching and smoking cigarettes. Get the full story on when dryness can be related to a medical condition in the article below.
Medical Conditions That Can Cause Dryness
It almost goes without saying, but perimenopause is the most likely culprit behind vaginal dryness. Women in their forties who are in good health should rule out naturally lowering estrogen levels before suspecting serious disease. Other symptoms of perimenopause are hot flashes, night sweats, changes in mood and trouble sleeping.
But if perimenopause isn't to blame, vaginal dryness can also become frequent in women with illnesses that affect estrogen or discharge levels. Kidney disease, insulin resistance and other conditions that deplete estrogen levels can cause problems with dryness. Autoimmune disorders that affect the mucous membranes, such as Sjogren’s syndrome and scleroderma, can have similar effects.
Medications and Other Influences
Sometimes vaginal dryness is an indirect result of illness due to the side-effects of certain medications. According to AARP, some antidepressants, anticonvulsants and blood pressure medications can cause vaginal dryness. Cleveland Clinic warns that antihistamines, chemotherapy and treatments for endometriosis or uterine fibroids are other common culprits. You can also increase your risk of vaginal dryness by douching and smoking cigarettes.
When to See a Doctor
Make sure to report any changes from the norm. Dryness may be the symptom that alerts a woman to other more serious conditions, so talking to a doctor at the early changes is a good first step. Depending on the cause, there are treatment options are available — or even ways to alleviate symptoms. But checking with a doctor might even catch an underlying condition before it has a chance to become a more serious ailment.
Vaginal dryness affects many of us from time to time, but when it becomes noticeable, it could be the result of a medical problem. Consider the conditions above, along with any current or recent medications, and talk to a doctor about any concerns.
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