There is a symptom of menopause that is rarely talked about, invisible from the outside, yet has a profound impact on the daily life, mood, and intimacy of those who experience it: vaginal dryness.
According to official data and fact sheets from the International Menopause Society (IMS), this condition affects more than half of postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 60. Yet, in the Western world, only 1 in 4 women finds the courage to speak up and seek medical advice. Too often, it is assumed that intimate burning or pain during menopause is "normal" or something to simply resign oneself to. In our Solvialuna Safe Space, we are breaking this taboo.
Vaginal Atrophy: What Happens to Your Body According to Science?
Dryness is not a psychological factor or a lack of desire, but a real physiological condition known in the medical field as "vaginal atrophy."
As experts from the International Menopause Society (IMS) explain in detail (for instance, in the clinical recommendations by Sturdee D.W., Panay N. et al., 2010), uro-genital tissues undergo profound changes due to the drop in estrogen production:
- Tissue thinning: The vaginal mucosa becomes thinner, less elastic, and loses its natural ability to retain water due to a reduction in collagen.
- Altered pH and bacterial flora: Without estrogen, "Döderlein's lactobacilli" (the good bacteria that protect the vagina) drastically decrease, leading to an increase in vaginal pH.
- Increased vulnerability: This new, thinner, and less acidic environment becomes much more susceptible to irritation, micro-lesions, and infections.
The Symptoms: You Are Not Alone, and It's Not "In Your Head"
- This thinning translates into very specific and bothersome symptoms, well-documented in the clinical literature of the Australasian Menopause Society and diagnostic studies by Dr. A. Baziad:
- Chronic vaginal dryness and insufficient lubrication.
- A constant sensation of intimate burning or itching.
- Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), which can lead to a decrease in desire.
- Minor bleeding (spotting) caused by tissue fragility after friction.
What Makes It Worse? Mistakes in Intimate Hygiene
In an attempt to find relief, many women make a very common mistake: washing too frequently with the wrong products.
The medical handbook by O.N.Da (National Observatory for Women's Health) highlights an essential point in this regard: during fertile years, the ideal intimate wash has a highly acidic pH. However, because the natural environment of the vagina changes and the pH rises during menopause, using an overly acidic cleanser can cause further burning. Experts and clinical guidelines strictly recommend using products specifically designed for menopause, formulated with a slightly higher pH (around 5.5) and enriched with soothing ingredients.
Your New Care Ritual: D'AVEIA Ginecologico Menopause
To offer you the highest quality without compromise, we have carefully selected D'AVEIA Ginecologico Menopause lotion from our European high-pharmacy portfolio. This exclusive intimate cleanser was clinically formulated precisely for the needs of the postmenopausal mucosa.
Hormone-free, it is calibrated exactly to the new physiological balance of menopausal women (respecting the pH 5.5 recommended by medical guidelines such as those of O.N.Da), preventing the uncomfortable burning caused by traditional cleansers and relieving the sensation of vulvar dryness.
Conclusion
Do not let discomfort or embarrassment rob you of your peace of mind and intimacy. Vaginal dryness is a common condition, but today there are cutting-edge cosmetic solutions to manage it successfully. Speak openly with your doctor and start caring for your femininity with products specifically formulated for this new, precious phase of your life.
(Want to discover all our products dedicated to your intimate well-being? Explore the Solvialuna boutique and subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive health tips).
Sources and Scientific References:
- International Menopause Society (IMS): Factsheet "Vaginal Dryness". Italian adaptation by the Italian Menopause Society.
- Sturdee D.W., Panay N. et al. (IMS): Recommendations for the management of postmenopausal vaginal atrophy (2010). Analysis of estrogen decline, pH increase, and clinical symptoms (burning, dyspareunia).
- O.N.Da (National Observatory for Women's Health): Well-being in Menopause: The Handbook. Guidelines on the importance of pH 5.5 for intimate cleansers in menopause and vaginal atrophy.
- Baziad A.: Diagnosis and management of vaginal dryness in menopause. Majalah Obstetri & Ginekologi (2016).
- Australasian Menopause Society: Vaginal Atrophy Factsheet. Practical guidelines to minimize vulvar irritation.
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