If I’m nowhere near menopause, what are the most common non-menopause reasons for vaginal dryness (like breastfeeding, low estrogen, PCOS, or perimenopause), and when should I actually get it checked out?
Vaginal dryness isn’t just a menopause problem: in younger people it’s often tied to birth control, breastfeeding, low estrogen from stress or under-fueling, PCOS or thyroid issues, certain meds, and irritants. It’s time to get checked if dryness is persistent, painful, or paired with cycle chaos, unusual discharge, or big energy/weight/hair changes.
Can meds like antidepressants/SSRIs, ADHD meds, or allergy meds actually cause vaginal dryness—and if so, how do you tell it’s the meds vs just not being turned on?
Antidepressants (especially SSRIs/SNRIs), ADHD stimulants, and allergy meds can all cause vaginal dryness and low arousal, especially if symptoms start soon after a med change and show up in both solo and partnered sex. Timing and consistent patterns are your biggest clues it’s the meds, not “just you not being turned on.”
Is it normal to feel suddenly dry down there in your early 20s, or is that a sign my hormones are off (like from stress, not sleeping, or stopping/starting birth control)?
Sudden vaginal dryness in your early 20s is super common and not automatically a sign something is “wrong” with your hormones. It often tracks with normal cycle shifts, stress, sleep, and birth control changes; it’s more concerning when dryness is constant, painful, or comes with other symptoms.