Gynaecology · 4 min read

Vaginal dryness after menopause: common, and treatable

Hot flushes get most of the attention, but vaginal dryness is one of the most common changes after menopause. Unlike flushes, it usually does not settle with time. Many women never mention it to a doctor. They should, because it is treatable.

Why it happens

Oestrogen keeps the tissues of the vagina, vulva and bladder outlet thick, moist and elastic. As oestrogen falls, these tissues become thinner and drier. Doctors call this the genitourinary syndrome of menopause. It can also happen while breastfeeding, and with some medicines and cancer treatments.

What you may notice

Dryness, itching or burning; discomfort when walking or sitting; pain during intercourse; light bleeding after intercourse; needing to pass urine more often; and repeated urine infections.

What helps

Vaginal moisturisers used regularly, and lubricants during intercourse, help many women. Low-dose vaginal oestrogen, as a cream, tablet or ring, treats the cause and acts mainly on the local tissue; your doctor will tell you whether it suits you.

Other options exist for women who cannot use hormones or prefer not to, including non-hormonal medicines and, in selected cases, newer treatments such as PRP or laser — where the evidence is still limited, and which we discuss honestly.

When to see a doctor sooner

Any bleeding after menopause should be checked promptly, even if it seems to follow intercourse or dryness. So should a lump, a sore that does not heal, or white patches on the vulva.

Written and reviewed by Dr. Jigna Jasoliya, M.S. (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), Gujarat Medical Council Reg. G/25348. Published 2026-10-05. Last checked 2026-10-05.

This article is general information, not medical advice about your own situation. If something here applies to you, come and talk to us.