Six common causes of dry mucous membranes & atrophy

I received an email a few weeks ago from a concerned customer who described that after starting to use VagiVital AktivGel, she had started to have vaginal discharge again. She had long considered "dry mucous membranes" to be the "normal" state of her abdomen, which naturally caused concern when, after a few weeks of using AktivGel, she discovered that she was starting to discharge again, just as she had before menopause. We adjust to many things, and women can be particularly 'proficient' at accepting the situation they find themselves in.

I continue to be fascinated by how difficult it is for most of us to talk openly about intimate issues. But while we try, it's not always easy, precisely because it's a private matter. It's intimate and often associated with 'problems'. In addition, there are still many taboos. We're also not used to using certain words or expressions. Most of us haven't had that training, but it can be practiced. I can also feel shy, and of course I wouldn't sit next to a strange woman on the bus and start talking about my genitals or asking questions about her intimate health 😊 I honestly don't talk to anyone on the bus. But if a woman had started talking to me on the bus about dry mucous membranes, I would have been immediately interested and we would probably have had a very rewarding and interesting conversation, which would have stayed with me for a long time. Because that's how it is. Most of us long for a real conversation where we can meet and share experiences ❤️

How we express ourselves and the words we use matter a lot. The word 'atrophy' (dry mucous membranes), like many other words, comes from the Greek, where 'a-' means 'without' or 'lack of' and 'trophē' means 'nutrition' or 'growth'. Thus, "atrophy" in its original meaning refers to a state of nutritional deficiency or lack of growth. So let's discuss more about vaginal mucosa suffering from a lack of nutrition, or do you prefer the term atrophy? And you know, it's actually not uncommon to start having vaginal discharge again after using AktivGel, as the mucous membrane is re-moisturized❤️.

DRY MUCOUS MEMBRANES & ATROPHY

Dry mucous membranes are a common condition that can affect women of all ages, but is particularly common among those approaching or past menopause. There are, however, several causes of dry mucous membranes besides hormonal changes. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. HORMONAL CHANGES

🌸Menopause

The most common cause of dry mucous membranes is the decrease in oestrogen production that occurs naturally during menopause. During menopause, the ovaries' production of oestrogen decreases significantly, which directly affects the elasticity and moisture level of the vaginal tissues. This hormonal change leads to the tissues becoming thinner, less elastic and more prone to irritation and dryness, resulting in a feeling of discomfort in the vaginal area.

🌸Premenopause (Perimenopause)

The years leading up to menopause (premenopause) can also cause fluctuations in oestrogen levels, leading to dry mucous membranes. In premenopause, many women experience irregular hormonal fluctuations, with oestrogen levels fluctuating widely before dropping steadily. These fluctuations contribute to a decrease in vaginal moisture and lubrication, which can cause discomfort and dry mucous membranes even before menopause officially begins.

🌸 After childbirth

After childbirth, many women go through a period of hormonal adjustment where oestrogen levels drop temporarily. This can reduce vaginal lubrication and elasticity, resulting in dry mucous membranes during this recovery period.

🌸During breastfeeding:

During breastfeeding, the body produces high levels of prolactin, a hormone that stimulates milk production but can also suppress oestrogen production. This reduction in oestrogen contributes to the dryness of the mucous membranes, which is a common experience among breastfeeding mothers.

2. MEDICAL TREATMENTS

🌸Cancer treatments

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can directly affect the body's hormonal balance and damage the ovaries, resulting in a reduced production of oestrogen. Hormone therapy, often used to treat hormone-sensitive breast cancer, specifically aims to lower or block oestrogen to inhibit the growth of the cancer, which can lead to dry mucous membranes as a side effect.


🌸Surgical procedures

In a hysterectomy, where the uterus is removed, the function of the ovaries can be affected even if they are left behind, which can lead to a decrease in oestrogen production. This reduction can in turn contribute to the development of dry mucous membranes, as oestrogen plays a key role in maintaining vaginal health and moisture.

3. MEDICINES

🌸Certain medicines

Antidepressants, especially those belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, can affect the body's sexual functions and thus reduce natural lubrication. Antihistamines, used to treat allergies, can reduce moisture in the body's mucous membranes by blocking histamine, which can lead to dryness. Similarly, some hormonal contraceptives can affect the body's natural hormonal balance and thus contribute to dry mucous membranes by reducing oestrogen production.

4. DISEASES AND HEALTH STATUS

🌸 Sjögren's syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own moisture-producing glands, resulting in severe dryness of the eyes and mouth. As the disease affects the glands that produce moisture, other mucous membranes, including the vaginal ones, can also suffer from dryness. This is because the reduced functions of the salivary and lacrimal glands are often mirrored by similar impairment of the glands responsible for vaginal lubrication, resulting in dry mucous membranes.

"I have Sjögren's syndrome and I didn't know I had dry mucus membranes, it wasn't something I noticed at first, I was used to sores and blisters and discomfort in my vagina. But then our relationship started to suffer and I sat down at the computer looking for what could be wrong. Found VagiVital's website, ordered the cream and soap and tried it .... Wow, it helps. The genital area felt much better, sores and blisters started to heal, I don't have them as often anymore and our relationship improved. So now I always have it at home❤️" - Carina

🌸 Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin disease that often affects the genitals and leads to whitish patches on the skin, which can become thin and fragile. It can cause itching, pain and sometimes ulcers, which can contribute to discomfort and pain, especially during sexual intercourse. While the cause of lichen sclerosus is not fully understood, autoimmune mechanisms, hormonal factors and genetic predispositions are thought to play a role. Treatment often focuses on relieving symptoms and may include steroid creams and other medicated ointments.

"My problems started somewhere around summer 2008, with some itching, burning and a general feeling that something was wrong. Went to a gynecologist who couldn't even examine me. I fainted. Several gynecologists later it was found that I had Lichen sclerosus. Not a fun disease anywhere. There have been ointments, cortisone and various drugs. By chance, I saw an advertisement for VagiVital and tried it. What a difference! I am not healthy but so much better." - Pernilla

🌸 Vestibulitis/Vulvodynia

Vestibulitis, also known as vulvodynia, is a painful condition characterized by chronic pain or discomfort in the vulvar area, often with no apparent cause. The pain, which can be burning, stinging or cutting, is usually aggravated by touch, intercourse or tampon use. The causes of vestibulitis/vulvodynia are not fully understood, but treatment may include medication, physiotherapy and lifestyle changes to relieve symptoms.

"The road to healing feels easier now. I have had problems with abdominal pain for about a year. I have been trying to get an appointment with a gynecologist for 6 months but have been sent back and forth between the health center and the hospital. Thus, I have not received any investigation of my pain via the healthcare system. Pain-related anxiety has been my everyday life throughout the year and lowered my quality of life immensely. Since I didn't get any help, Google has been my best friend, I've tried everything. When I got VagiVital AktivGel and started using it, the pain decreased by 60%. This has led to the fact that today I can sit up without problems and no longer have pain every day. My pain-related anxiety has also been drastically reduced. Without VagiVital AktivGel, I honestly don't know how I would cope with my severe pain. The road to healing now feels easier." - Hannah

🌸 Diabetes

Diabetes can disrupt the body's normal regulation of blood sugar, which can indirectly affect hydration levels and lead to dehydration. This imbalance can contribute to reduced production of natural lubricants in the body, including in the vagina, resulting in dry mucous membranes. In addition, high blood sugar levels can affect small blood vessels and nerves, which can further deteriorate the health of the mucous membranes.

Discover VagiVital AktivGel, a Swedish, hormone-free vaginal gel designed to relieve symptoms such as dryness and irritation in the intimate area. Its unique formula restores pH balance and promotes cell growth, with clinically proven results recommended by gynecologists. 

VagiVital AktivGel can be found here!

5. LIFESTYLE FACTORS

🌸 Smoking

Smoking negatively affects blood circulation by impairing the function of blood vessels and reducing blood flow throughout the body, including to the vaginal area. This reduced blood flow can lead to an impaired supply of nutrients and oxygen to the vaginal tissue, which in turn can contribute to a decrease in vaginal lubrication and result in dry mucous membranes.

🌸Poor diet and too little water

A poor diet and lack of water and essential nutrients, can lead to dehydration and affect the body's overall moisture balance, including the health of the mucous membranes. Hydration is essential for maintaining the body's hydration and helps keep the mucous membranes in the vaginal area, among others, moist. Insufficient intake of specific vitamins and minerals can also impair the condition and elasticity of the mucous membranes, further contributing to dryness.

🌸 Use of strong soaps and hygiene products

The use of harsh soaps and hygiene products containing harsh chemicals can disrupt the natural pH balance of the genital area, which is essential for healthy vaginal flora. This disruption can lead to irritation, inflammation and a decrease in natural moisture, resulting in dry mucous membranes. Products that are not adapted to the sensitive skin of the genital area can remove the natural oils and lubricants that protect against dryness.

VagiVital V Cleanser is far more than a traditional intimate wash! It is not a soap nor an oil, but a unique intimate CLEANSER ❤️ By combining the clinically proven VagiVital Active Gel with mild rapeseed oil, this Cleanser has the ability to effectively clean both oil and water-based impurities. At the same time, it moisturizes the mucous membrane and maintains a balanced pH value, without disturbing the delicate microflora in the genital area.

VagiVital V Cleanser intimate wash can be found here!

6. PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS

🌸 Stress reactions

When you experience stress, your body's 'fight or flight' response is activated, leading to the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones are designed to prepare the body for an immediate reaction by increasing heart rate, blood pressure and energy supply to the muscles. At the same time, non-acute functions, including the reproductive system, are de-prioritized. This can reduce blood flow to the vaginal area and thus affect the ability to produce natural lubrication.

🌸 Anxiety and its effects

Anxiety can lead to prolonged stress which, if it becomes chronic, can disrupt the balance of the body's systems, including the endocrine system that regulates hormones. Chronic stress and anxiety can also affect oestrogen levels, which are crucial for vaginal health and lubrication. A decrease in oestrogen can directly contribute to dry mucous membranes and atrophy.

🌸 Sleep disorders

Sleep disorders can negatively affect the body's natural recovery and hormonal balance. During sleep, important rebuilding and healing processes take place, including the adjustment and balancing of hormones such as oestrogen, which is critical to vaginal health. Insufficient or disrupted sleep can thus lead to imbalances in these hormones, which can exacerbate or contribute to the development of dry mucous membranes.

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE WITH VAGIVITAL AKTIVGEL

VagiVital AktivGel, a hormone-free gel specifically designed to effectively relieve and treat symptoms such as dryness, irritation, itching, discomfort during intercourse, and pain when urinating in the intimate area, offers a revolutionary solution for women of all ages. Its unique formula, which is crystal clear and releases water to the mucosa over time, helps to restore the pH balance and stimulate cell growth in the mucosal surface. This effectiveness is largely due to the physical properties of the gel, including its optimal consistency which is essential for a good effect.

Our clinical studies on VagiVital AktivGel show very positive results already after 30 days (4 weeks) of daily use, with further improvements at the 12-week follow-up. Therefore, we recommend a continuous daily use of three tubes over 12 weeks, after which switching to on-demand use is common.

Take care & Stay Pussytive ❤️

/Fanny Falkman Grinndal

Business Manager Nordics

Peptonic Medical AB

fanny.falkman-grinndal@peptonicmedical.se