Vaginal dryness shows up for many women somewhere in the decade before menopause. It can feel like irritation, tightness, itching, or burning. Sex might become uncomfortable. Everyday activities like exercise, sitting for long periods, wearing certain fabrics can trigger awareness of something that was not there before.

This is perimenopause. Your estrogen is shifting. The vaginal tissue, which depends on estrogen to stay plump and moist, is changing too. And yes, this is normal.

This article explains why vaginal dryness happens during perimenopause, what you might feel, and what actually works to keep yourself comfortable. You are not alone in this, and there are straightforward things you can do. 

Why vaginal dryness happens in perimenopause

The vagina maintains its moisture through a delicate balance of hormones, blood flow, and the tissue itself. Estrogen helps the vaginal lining stay thick and elastic, and it supports the glands that produce the fluid that keeps the vagina lubricated [1]. 

As you move through perimenopause, estrogen begins to fluctuate. Some months it is higher, some months lower. This unpredictability means the vaginal tissue gets less of the hormonal support it is used to. The tissue becomes thinner and drier. The vagina produces less fluid. Blood flow to the area can decrease.

This shift is not a sign that something is wrong. It is a predictable part of how your body changes as your reproductive hormones transition. 

What vaginal dryness feels like

Dryness can show up as itching, burning, or irritation around the vulva or inside the vagina. Some women notice discomfort during sex. Others feel aware of tightness or rawness during everyday activities. A few notice changes in vaginal discharge—it may become scant or watery instead of the consistency it was before.

Not every woman experiences dryness, and not every woman experiences it to the same degree. Where you are in your cycle during perimenopause also matters. A month with higher estrogen might feel different from a month with lower estrogen. This variability is typical.

If dryness becomes painful or interferes with your quality of life, that is worth addressing. Discomfort is not something you have to accept as inevitable.

What actually helps: moisturisers and lubricants

Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants work in different ways, and both have a place.

Moisturisers are used regularly, several times a week or daily, to add hydration to the vaginal tissue itself. They absorb into the tissue and help it retain moisture over time. Many contain hyaluronic acid, which draws water into the tissue and keeps it there. If you use a moisturiser consistently, you may notice less dryness overall [2].

Lubricants are used in the moment—before sex, before exercise, or whenever you need comfort. They provide immediate slip and reduce friction. They wash away after use, so they do not offer long-term hydration the way a moisturiser does [2].

Many women find that using both makes sense. A regular moisturiser keeps the tissue more comfortable day to day. A lubricant makes specific activities like sex, exercise, any time friction matters feel easier and more pleasant.

If you have a history of recurrent thrush or urinary tract infections, pay attention to ingredients. Some moisturisers contain glycerin, which can trigger thrush in people prone to it. Others do not. If you know your history, you can choose accordingly [2].

Making yourself comfortable: practical steps

Start with a moisturiser if dryness is constant. Use it several times a week, or daily if you prefer. Consistency matters more than intensity—a small amount used regularly does more than an occasional heavy application.

Add a lubricant for sex or any activity where friction might be uncomfortable. This is not a sign of anything wrong. It is a practical choice that makes the experience more pleasant.

Pay attention to what feels good. Different products suit different people. If something irritates you, switch it. If something works, keep using it.

Staying hydrated, moving your body, and managing stress all support vaginal health too, since blood flow and the nervous system are connected to what happens in the vagina [3]. None of this requires dramatic change. Small shifts compound over time.

If dryness is severe, or if it comes alongside other symptoms that worry you, talk to a doctor. There are other options available, including prescription treatments such as vaginal oestrogen cream, if over-the-counter products are not enough.

In short

• Vaginal dryness in perimenopause is caused by shifting estrogen and is completely normal.
• It can feel like itching, burning, irritation, or discomfort during sex.
• Moisturisers add hydration to the tissue and work best when used regularly.
• Lubricants provide immediate comfort during specific activities.
• Using both, alongside general habits that support blood flow, keeps most women comfortable.

FAQ

Is vaginal dryness a sign that something is wrong? No. It is a normal response to changing estrogen during perimenopause. Many women experience it. If dryness becomes painful or affects your quality of life, it is worth addressing with practical steps or talking to a doctor, but dryness itself is not a sign of illness.

Can I use a regular skin moisturiser on my vagina? The vagina is a different environment than skin. It has its own pH balance and tissue structure. Use a product designed for vaginal use. Regular moisturisers are not formulated for this and may disrupt the vaginal environment [2].

Do I need to choose between a moisturiser and a lubricant? No. Many women use both. A regular moisturiser keeps the tissue more comfortable over time, while a lubricant provides immediate slip when you need it. Using them together is safe and effective [2].

Will a moisturiser make dryness go away completely? Moisturisers reduce dryness and discomfort, but they do not restore estrogen or completely reverse what perimenopause is doing. Think of them as support, not a cure. Some women find them enough. Others find that a combination of moisturiser, lubricant, and other approaches works best.

Is it normal to need these products during perimenopause? Yes. Your body is changing, and using a moisturiser or lubricant is a practical, normal response. 

Sources

• [1] Kingsberg, S.A., Wysocki, S., Magnus, L., Krychman, M.L. Vulvovaginal Atrophy: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause. Life. 2019.

• [2] Nachtigall, L.E. Vaginal Atrophy and Atrophic Vaginitis. UpToDate. 2024.

• [3] Worsley, R., Bell, R.J., Gartoulla, P., Davis, S.R. Prevalence and Predictors of Androgen Deficiency, Low Libido, Depressive Symptoms, and Hot Flushes in a Community-Based Sample of Midlife Women. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2016.