· Hormones · 2 min read
Hormonal changes and vaginal discomfort: what every woman over 40 should know
Hormones affect more than mood and periods - they also shape vaginal health. Here's how perimenopause contributes to symptoms like itching, dryness and discomfort.
Is something starting to feel different? It might be subtle - a little dryness, a little irritation, it comes and goes. Or perhaps that feeling after intimacy doesnt sit quite as comfortabley as it used to. These shifts are small and easy to ignore at first. Often they can be blamed on a new soap, or just ‘being sensitive’. But for many women in their 40’s and beyond, these symptoms are not just surface level. They are hormonal and can feel like they zap the fun out of life.
Why is everything blamed on perimenopause? When oestrogen starts to decline in the years leading up to menopause (that is the 10 or so years before periods stop altogether), it affects far more than just mood and menstrual cycles. One of the less talked about areas it affects is vaginal health.
As oestrogen drops, the vaginal tissue becomes thinner and more delicate. Moisture levels reduce, even in women who are otherwise healthy and hydrated. The natural acidity that helps protect against irritation begins to shift, and the balance of good bacteria can change making symptoms worse. Its like a perfect storm for symptoms like itching, discomfort, discharge, smell and even recurring thrush-like sensations - even when no infection is present.
Why it’s not “just a hygiene issue” It’s incredibly common for women to respond to these symptoms with topical creams, washes or antifungal treatment - and sometimes, those will help temporarily. But when the symptoms and discomfort keeps returning, or never quite goes away, there’s often something deeper going on.
The challenge is, many women never hear this from their health practitioner. The hormonal connection often gets missed, especially when the conversation feels awkward or rushed.
What can actually help? This is where personalised care makes such a big difference. Testing can help identify what hormones and/or microbiome imbalances are contributing to symptoms. A thoughtful, targeted plan - using evidence based herbal and nutritional support - can reduce discomfort and restore confidence. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause.
More importantly, support should come with space to spak openly. Without shame. Without being dimissed. And wihtout rushing to another round thats just antifungal creams.
Ready to understand what’s really going on? You can book a free, confidential chat so we can see if naturopathic care is right for you. Go to https://healthbank/p/alison-patchett and book today.
