Your girlfriend's sudden dryness could stem from several reasons, with hormonal changes being a primary factor.
One significant cause of vaginal dryness is a decrease in estrogen levels.
Estrogen and Vaginal Dryness
- Falling estrogen levels are the chief cause of vaginal dryness. According to the provided reference, as women age, they naturally produce less estrogen.
- This decline in estrogen often leads to the end of menstruation during a period called perimenopause. This phase can cause significant changes in vaginal lubrication.
Other Potential Causes
While declining estrogen is a key factor, other elements can also contribute:
- Medications: Certain medications, like antihistamines and decongestants, can dry out mucous membranes, including those in the vagina.
- Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress or anxiety can impact hormonal balance and vaginal lubrication.
- Lack of Arousal: Insufficient foreplay or a lack of sexual arousal can result in dryness during sexual activity.
- Certain Health Conditions: Conditions like Sjogren's syndrome can cause dryness in various parts of the body, including the vagina.
- Douching: Douching can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina and lead to dryness.
What to Do
If your girlfriend is experiencing sudden dryness, here are some steps you can take:
- Communicate: Talk openly with her about what she is experiencing.
- Lubricants: Use water-based or silicone-based lubricants during sexual activity.
- Medical Consultation: Encourage her to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions or hormonal imbalances.
- Consider Hormone Therapy: If the dryness is due to low estrogen levels, hormone therapy might be an option after consulting with a healthcare professional.
