While hot flashes and irregular periods may be the most common signs of menopause, one lesser-discussed symptom may be causing you just as much strife, and, according to double board-certified gynecologist and Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine, Dr. Kecia Gaither, it’s a discomfort you shouldn’t ignore.
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“Vaginal dryness in menopause is typically related to decreasing amounts of estrogen in a person’s body, which makes vaginal tissue thinner, less elastic, and less able to produce lubrication,” Gaither said.
This ultimately leads to the burning, itching, and uncomfortable urinary symptoms you may be experiencing, as well as painful intercourse.
Other experts previously said that prolonged dryness can increase the risk of recurrent UTIs and potentially light bleeding. Additionally, they told us that, with menopause, vaginal pH rises, which disrupts the healthy lactobacilli that normally help protect the area.
Gaither said that there is no universal best choice for treating vaginal and vulvar dryness. According to her, the choice is individualized and depends on factors such as duration and purpose needed and whether it causes irritation or not. However, she said a practical non-prescription starting point may be to use a vaginal moisturizer and a lubricant for intercourse.
“They can additionally be used alongside a prescription regimen when symptoms are more significant,” she said. According to Gaither, prescription options can include items like low-hormone creams, insertable rings, and oral medications.
Gaither didn’t name any specific brands or over-the-counter products, however, she did provide some general guidance on what to look for and what not to. Take a look at some of the options that we chose based on her advice below.
As always, you should speak to your own medical provider before using any of the products below.
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
An organic balm with healing honey propolis
A board-certified gynecologist previously spoke to HuffPost about the beloved Medicine Mama vulva balm, a moisturizer that is pH-balanced, made with natural ingredients, has 4.4 stars across 15,600+ ratings on Amazon, and an impassioned following.
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The expert said that this formula is effective for mild, external vulvar dryness, but is not a substitute for medical treatment. It is formulated with beeswax, propolis, and emollients, which help create a protective barrier and prevent water loss from the area. We also learned that thicker balms like this are better for providing daily comfort, as opposed to water-based lubricants, which might require more frequent application.
A very popular silicone-based lubricant
“Silicone-based lubricants can be used during sex when longer-lasting slip is needed. [They are] generally useful for marked friction-related discomfort [and] may be preferable if water-based products dry out too fast,” Gaither said.
Überlube, a lubricant that we chose, has a fragrance-, paraben-, and glycerin-free formula — all ingredients Gaither said to avoid, as they may provoke irritation or predispose yeast infections.
This never-sticky and hypoallergenic personal lubricant stays slick even when wet and can also help prevent chafing during exercise. It’s a very popular and highly rated option with 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon across 42,640 ratings.
A hyaluronic acid water-based lubricant
According to some medical research, hyaluronic acid-containing lubricants and moisturizers performed well in randomized controlled trials, with some studies suggesting that this popular ingredient may even offer benefits comparable to those of vaginal estrogen. Based on these findings, we chose the Good Clean Love Rehydrate gel, a fragrance-free, water-based formula containing hyaluronic acid.
“Water-based [lubricant] is often the most convenient first trial,” Gaither said. “[They are] lighter and easily removed, often dry quickly, require reapplication, and are compatible with condoms or toys.”
An internal long-lasting moisturizer by Vagisil
“Products specifically labeled as vaginal lubricants, moisturizers, or FDA-approved vaginal prescription therapies are intended for internal use when used as directed,” Gaither said.
One internally administered moisturizer that we chose to highlight is Vagisil’s long-lasting vaginal moisturizer that comes with an easy applicator and claims to be effective for up to three days. This no-drip, gradual-release formula is free from estrogen, fragrance, and preservatives, and contains hyaluronic acid to effectively hydrate. It has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon.
A daily vulva lotion without glycols or hormones
Gaither said that vulval moisturizers — formulas meant for external application — are good for regular use, often several times weekly for day-to-day moisture. We chose to include the Kindra Daily V Lotion, a lightwieght moisturizer “to relieve dryness, itching, and intimate discomfort in just one hour,” according to the brand. The pH-balanced and scent-free formula contains hyaluronic acid, a skin-calming peptide, shea butter, and coconut oil — a moisturizing ingredient that Gaither approves of for vulvar applications only.
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