When to worry about vaginal dryness with perimenopause

Hormone changes can make vaginal and vulval tissues drier, more sensitive, and less flexible. This may cause burning, itching, soreness, pain with penetration, or urinary discomfort. Vaginal dryness can also have other causes, including medicines, irritation, breastfeeding, infection, or treatments that affect hormones. The symptom deserves attention when it is new, worsening, or affecting comfort.

Avoid perfumed soaps, douches, and products that sting. A plain vaginal moisturiser may help ongoing dryness, while a suitable lubricant can reduce friction during sex. Keep a note of bleeding, discharge, urinary symptoms, and when discomfort occurs. A clinician can examine you, check for infection or another cause, and discuss treatment options suited to your health history.

Arrange a review for bleeding after sex, any bleeding after menopause, unusual discharge, sores, a new lump, persistent pelvic pain, or urinary symptoms that recur. Seek urgent help for severe pain, fever with feeling unwell, inability to pass urine, or heavy bleeding. Mention pregnancy possibility, medicines, and any history that affects hormone treatment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit Perimenopause, whether an examination or urine test is needed, and which moisturiser, lubricant, or prescription option is appropriate. Ask what changes should prompt a prompt review and how to protect comfort during sex.