When to worry about vaginal dryness with genitourinary syndrome of menopause

Lower oestrogen can make vaginal and vulval tissues thinner, drier, and less flexible. You may notice burning, itching, soreness, pain with penetration, or a need to urinate more often. These symptoms can develop gradually and may be present even when hot flushes are absent. Vaginal dryness has other possible causes too, including medicines, irritation, infection, breastfeeding, or treatments that affect hormones.

Use a plain, fragrance-free moisturiser made for vaginal use regularly if advised, and a suitable lubricant during sex. Avoid perfumed soaps, douches, and products that sting. Drink normally and do not delay care for urinary burning or recurrent symptoms. A clinician can discuss local or systemic treatments and check whether another condition is contributing, particularly if symptoms began suddenly or changed after a medicine.

Arrange a medical review for bleeding after sex, bleeding after menopause, persistent pelvic pain, sores, a new lump, unusual discharge, or urinary symptoms that recur. Seek urgent help for severe pain, fever with feeling unwell, inability to pass urine, or heavy bleeding. Treatment can be tailored if you have had hormone-sensitive cancer, unexplained bleeding, or other conditions that affect which options are appropriate.

Ask whether your symptoms fit genitourinary syndrome of menopause, whether an examination or urine test is needed, and which moisturiser, lubricant, or prescription option suits you. Tell the clinician about bleeding, urinary infections, medicines, cancer history, pregnancy possibility, and how symptoms affect comfort and intimacy.