Itching in general seems to increase at Menopause, but there is a little more irritating – so to speak – when it occurs vaginally.

When it occurs in an area as sensitive as the vagina and vulva (the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening), it can be especially uncomfortable.

Most genital itching and irritation isn’t a major concern but because they can be symptoms of an infection, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor if it persists or is a regular occurrence.

What causes it?

There are several common causes of vaginal itching, burning, and irritation, including:

Menopause

The drop in oestrogen production that occurs at the end of a woman’s reproductive years can cause the vaginal walls to thin and dry out.

This can lead to itching and irritation.

Bacterial vaginosis

It’s normal to have a healthy mix of bacteria in the vagina but the wrong bacteria growing there can lead to an infection.

Besides itching, other symptoms that come with bacterial vaginosis are inflammation, burning, discharge, and a fishy-smelling odor.

Sexually transmitted disease (STDs)

Chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea and other organisms can cause vaginal/vulvar itching and irritation and other symptoms.

Yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis)

About three out of every four women will develop a yeast infection at some point in their lives and they occur when the yeast, candida, grow excessively in the vagina and vulva.

Pregnancy, intercourse, antibiotics, and a weakened immune system can all make women more likely to get a yeast infection.

In addition to itching and irritation, a yeast infection will produce a thick, white, cheesy discharge.

Chemical irritants

A number of chemical substances, including creams, douches, condoms, contraceptive foams, laundry detergents, soaps, scented toilet paper, and fabric softeners can irritate the vagina and vulva.

Lichen sclerosis

This is a rare condition that causes thin white patches to form on the skin, especially around the vulva. The patches can permanently scar the vaginal area.

Postmenopausal women are most likely to develop this condition.

How is it treated?

Vaginal irritation will often get better on its own. However, if the irritation continues, is severe, or comes back after treatment, call for an appointment with your doctor.

How vaginal discomfort is treated depends on what condition is causing the problem:

Vaginosis and STDs are treated with antibiotics and/or antiparasitics.

Yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications. They are inserted into the vagina in the form of creams, ointments, or suppositories, or they are taken orally.

If you’ve never been diagnosed with a yeast infection, see your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication.

Menopause-related itching may be treated with supplementary  oestrogen or a vaginal moisturiser.

Other types of itching and irritation respond to steroid creams or lotions, which reduce inflammation. A prescription-strength steroid cream can relieve the irritation of lichen sclerosis.

How to help yourself

There are a few tips for preventing and treating vaginal irritation at home so try these first.

Avoid scented pads or toilet paper, creams, bubble baths, intimate hygiene sprays, and douches.

Use water and a plain, unscented soap to regularly clean your external genital area. But don’t wash more than once a day as doing so can increase dryness.

Always wipe from front to back after having a bowel movement.

Wear cotton pants (no synthetic fabrics), and change your underwear every day.

Use condoms during sexual intercourse to help prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, use a vaginal moisturiser or oestrogen cream and try a water-based lubricant before having sex.

Avoid sexual intercourse until your symptoms improve.

Don’t scratch — you can further irritate the area.

Helpful information: 

You will certainly find some of these tips to be helpful, and often the symptoms can be managed by changing simple things, such as avoiding any potential irritant and using a moisturiser that is water-based.

However, if this is persisting, you may be better to use a combination cream which has both oestrogen and progesterone as the oestrogen will help with the dryness and the progesterone is anti-inflammatory.

If the dryness is severe, or you have vaginal atrophy, then you would also need an additional oestrogen cream alongside your progesterone.

If itching generally is an issue, then this article can be helpful.

https://anna.blog.wellsprings-health.com/is-itchy-skin-a-menopause-symptom/