What is Vaginal Dryness?
Vaginal dryness is usually experienced by women who have undergone menopause, but can occur at any time. The main culprit of a burning vagina is a decrease of estrogen, a female hormone, which can occur as a result of a variety of hormonal or external factors. Childbirth, breastfeeding, perimenopause, and menopause are all causes of vaginal irritation due to a change in hormonal health as a result of major reproductive events. Any time the chemical balance of the vaginal tissue is disturbed, vaginal dryness can result. Birth control medication, antihistamines, and antidepressant therapy can lead to a dry vagina. Birth control may affect the natural balance of vaginal tissue, much like any other hormonal change. Antihistamines are designed to decrease the moisture in the body, and some antidepressants have the same effect, leading to vaginal irritation and vaginal dryness. Immune disorders, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also culprits in vaginal dryness. Sjogren’s Syndrome, an i