Identification

The vagina is usually lubricated with a small amount of clear fluid. Estrogen, a hormone produced by a woman's body, helps maintain the level of that fluid. When estrogen levels drop, it can result in less fluid to lubricate the vagina.

Menopause

One of the most common causes of vaginal dryness is menopause. During menopause, women may experience unpleasant side effects such as hot flashes, unstable moods and an increase in facial hair. Menopause causes estrogen levels to drop, often resulting in vaginal dryness.

Other Causes

Other causes of vaginal dryness may include childbirth, breastfeeding, cancer treatment, and removing the ovaries. Certain medications can also cause vaginal dryness such as anti-estrogen medicines and allergy and cold medications.

Treatment

If menopause is the reason for vaginal dryness, the most effective treatment is topical estrogen therapy. This helps replace estrogen that is no longer being made by a woman's body. Examples of this type of treatment are the vaginal estrogen ring, vaginal estrogen tablet, or vaginal estrogen cream.

Considerations

There are products that can help to keep the vagina lubricated. A vaginal moisturizer can be found at most drugstores. It is important to avoid douching, scented soaps, bubble baths and lotions in the vaginal area because they can worsen vaginal dryness.

Source:

WebMD: Vaginal Dryness Causes and Moisturizing Treatments

Epigee: Vaginal Dryness