‘I’m a Gynecologist, and Here’s What You Should Know About Vaginal Dryness in Perimenopause and Beyond’

Think back: When’s the last time you had a roundtable about, um, vaginal dryness? Okay, it’s probably not the go-to topic blowing up your group text—but (PSA) it’s officially time to talk about it.

Why? Because vaginal dryness is seriously common in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond (like, if you’re taking oral contraceptives or breastfeeding or experiencing stress)—and there’s a major knowledge gap around the condition. That’s why board-certified OB-GYN Lucky Sekhon, MD, wants to shed light on the issue—from the causes to the most commonly occurring symptoms—and encourage some vagina dialogues.

Once you’ve eased into the idea that vaginal dryness is not just a *you* problem, take note of Dr. Sekhon’s simple, holistic recommendations for a bit of relief—like small diet shifts, more frequent sexual activity (yep, really), and body care with high-quality, effective ingredients such as hyaluronic acid (which, FYI, you can find in Revaree, a hyaluronic-acid-packed vaginal insert that’s clinically shown to improve dryness, relieve painful sex, and ease general discomfort, no matter what stage of life you’re in).

Keep reading to get the low-down on vaginal dryness and learn more about the benefits of hydrating inserts. Vaginal health has entered the chat.

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What causes vaginal dryness?

If your vagina feels dry, irritated, or painful, decreased estrogen levels may be to blame. “Estrogen is a hormone that helps [support] vaginal health [by] maintaining the thickness and elasticity of vaginal tissues and lubrication,” Dr. Sekhon says, “and its decline can lead to various changes, including dryness.” This happens most commonly during perimenopause—the transition period before menopause—and menopause, when your ovaries begin producing less estrogen, but it can occur at any age.

“In younger women, vaginal dryness is often linked to factors such as hormonal imbalances, certain medications (like antihistamines and antidepressants), stress, excessive exercise, smoking, breastfeeding, [and] lack of arousal before sexual activity,” she says.

In perimenopause and menopause, decreased estrogen levels cause vaginal tissue to become thinner, less elastic, and more susceptible to dryness and irritation—a condition known as vaginal atrophy. What’s more, “a lower estrogen level can lead to a higher vaginal pH, which reduces the vagina’s ability to ward off harmful bacteria and fungi, contributing to dryness and discomfort.”

For postmenopausal women, vaginal dryness can become a chronic issue that’s often accompanied by thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls, Dr. Sekhon says. “In addition to the long-term effects of decreased estrogen, other factors like medical conditions, medications for chronic diseases, and overall health status can contribute to or exacerbate vaginal dryness in older women.”

The bottom line? As you age, a whole host of factors can affect your vaginal health, so getting informed about (and a little relief for) what’s going on is essential.

A guide to vaginal-dryness relief

Before you resign to an always-dry reality, take note of the simple ways Dr. Sekhon suggests supporting your vaginal health every day: Try to stay hydrated, avoid topical irritants like scented soaps and douches, and incorporate phytoestrogen-rich foods like soy and flaxseed into your diet. Oh, and don’t give up on pleasure time. “Regular sexual activity, with or without a partner, can help maintain vaginal health by improving blood flow to the area,” she says.

Alongside these tips and tricks, Dr. Sekhon recommends vaginal inserts as an effective solution for managing dryness. “Inserts deliver active ingredients directly to the vaginal tissues [to] provide targeted relief right where it’s needed,” she says. “By alleviating dryness and discomfort, vaginal inserts can greatly improve sexual comfort and enjoyment [and] can help maintain vaginal health, preventing atrophy and irritation.”

For the highest level of hydration, she opts for inserts that contain moisturizers like hyaluronic acid. “[Hyaluronic acid] can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent hydrating agent for the vaginal tissues,” she says. Plus, “it supports tissue repair and regeneration, which is beneficial for thinning and fragile vaginal [walls].”

You can deliver a solid dose of hyaluronic acid straight to the source with Revaree—an easy-to-use, hormone-free vaginal insert from Bonafide Health that’s recommended by over 7,500 doctors and formulated to ease dryness and improve comfort for all the day’s activities (intimate ones included). According to Bonafide Health’s chief medical officer and gynecologist Alyssa Dweck, MD, FACOG, “Revaree is a wonderful option as a first-line management tool, in addition to estrogen or as an alternative. It works by binding water, and likely through angiogenesis, [or] improving blood flow to the vaginal tissue.” Just reach for the applicator-free, no-mess insert once every two to three nights, and sleep soundly knowing you’re supporting your vaginal health.

Ready to break the silence around vaginal dryness and finally reclaim some comfort (and maybe a little pleasure, please)? Use code WELL20 for 20 percent off your first month’s subscription of Revaree. Go ahead, text it to the group thread.