Feminine Burning & Itching Due to Menopause

When a woman enters into menopause she may experience vaginal itching and burning because of the drastic change that has occurred in her hormone levels. This change begins in perimenopause and comes to fruition when she stops menstruating completely. A woman is considered fully menopausal when she has gone a year without a menstrual period.

Expert Insight

• The National Institutes of Health explain that the drop in estrogen results in thinning of the vaginal wall and loss of lubrication.

Result

• A non-lubricated vagina can become itchy and burn.

Changes

• Changes in vaginal discharge are determined by the shifting hormones that a woman experiences during menopause, as well as in puberty and during her menstrual cycle. High levels of sex hormones are required to produce vaginal discharge, which helps lubricate the vagina. A fully menopausal woman does not have high levels of hormones.

Stress

• If a menopausal woman is suffering from stress, this can make her more susceptible to infections and increase vaginal itching and burning.

Prevention/Solution

• Your doctor may prescribe estrogen cream or tablets to insert into your vagina to eliminate vaginal itching and burning.