Can lack of estrogen cause itching?

Menopause / Low Estrogen Levels Vaginal itching is a common symptom of low estrogen levels, which cause vaginal dryness. Over time, vaginal dryness leads to irritation and itching, and can even be painful. Low estrogen levels, though most often related to menopause, can also affect much younger women.

physiciansandmidwives.com - Why Am I Itchy Down There? | Physicians & Midwives ObGyn

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There are few things more uncomfortable than vaginal itching. Between the itch and irritation, many women also feel some embarrassment. Not all women find it easy to talk to someone about vaginal itching, but rest assured that there’s nothing to be embarrassed about and finding the cause of your itching IS very important. That’s what our nurse practitioners are here for and qualified to help you with. In most cases, vaginal itching isn’t serious and likely from a treatable infection or even a reaction to a product. In rare cases though, vaginal itching is a sign of vulvar cancer, so seeing someone as soon as possible is important—even if just to get some relief from that itching already!

Causes of Vaginal Itching

Irritants

Any chemical that your vagina is exposed to has the potential to cause irritation and itching. The most common culprits are soaps and bath products like body wash and bubble baths. Other feminine hygiene products can also cause vaginal itching, such as douches, feminine sprays, and lubricants. Then there are the things that you may never suspect, like your laundry detergent or fabric softeners. Topical contraceptives, like foam and even condoms can also cause vaginal itching and irritation in some women.

Skin Disorders

Skin conditions, such as eczema, can affect skin on any part of the body, including the genitals. Along with itching, skin disorders can also cause inflammation, dry skin, and even blistered skin. A referral to a dermatologist can help determine the cause if other conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections that cause similar symptoms, are ruled out. Our nurse practitioners can help you do this.

Yeast Infections

This is one of the most common things that we come across when a woman complains of vaginal itching. Yeast is present in all of us and this isn’t a bad thing. The problem begins when something causes an overgrowth of it, which leads to an infection. Antibiotics prescribed for other infections often cause vaginal yeast infections. Vaginal itching, along with a burning sensation, and discharge that has a “cottage cheese-like” appearance are common symptoms of yeast infections. You may also notice that the discharge has a strong yeast scent to it.

Bacterial Vaginosis

We all have useful bacteria in our bodies, including our vaginas. When you experience an overgrowth of one of them, it upsets the vagina’s natural balance of bacteria, leading to what is called bacterial vaginosis (BV). This is a fairly common cause of vaginal itching and inflammation in women in their reproductive years. Though we don’t yet know exactly what causes it, unprotected sex and frequent douching has been found to increase a woman’s risk of BV. Along with vaginal itching, BV also usually causes other symptoms, such as burning, inflammation, and a “fishy” smelling discharge that is thin and is greyish white in color.

Trichomoniasis

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This fairly common sexually transmitted infection is caused by Trichomoniasis vaginalis, which is a single-celled parasite. You get it by having unprotected sex with someone who is already infected. In men, the parasite infects the urinary tract and causes few to no symptoms, causing it to go undiagnosed. Vaginal itching is just one of the symptoms of Trichomoniasis. Other symptoms can include discharge, strong vaginal odor, and pain during sex, and painful urination.

Menopause / Low Estrogen Levels

You may think that menopause is still a long ways away, but women can begin to experience symptoms of menopause as many as ten years before actually reaching full menopause—that’s as early as late thirties for some women. This is referred to as perimenopause. Vaginal itching is a common symptom of low estrogen levels, which cause vaginal dryness. Over time, vaginal dryness leads to irritation and itching, and can even be painful. Low estrogen levels, though most often related to menopause, can also affect much younger women. Genetics, thyroid problems, and even excessive exercise can cause low estrogen levels. Cancer treatment can also lower estrogen levels. Depending on your other symptoms, if any, and results of tests to check for more common causes of vaginal dryness; blood tests can determine whether or not your estrogen levels are low.

Less Common Causes

As mentioned, vaginal itching can be a symptom of cancer. Precancerous changes in the vulva, known as Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) or dysplasia, can cause vaginal itching. Though not cancer, VIN can turn into cancer if not treated. Vulvar cancer can also cause vaginal itching. Other symptoms of VIN and vulvar cancer include burning and irritation, and skin changes on the vulvar area, such as change in skin color or in texture.

When to Get Medical Help

Make an appointment if there isn’t an obvious cause for your vaginal itching or it is accompanied by other symptoms. Women who experience frequent yeast infections may opt to treat it themselves at home, but if the symptoms persist even after using an over the counter remedy, then a visit is in order to rule out other possible causes. To make an appointment with one of our nurse practitioners, who are qualified to help you with any one of these conditions, give us a call at 703-370-4300 or book an appointment online.

physiciansandmidwives.com - Why Am I Itchy Down There? | Physicians & Midwives ObGyn

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