Hot flashes, dryness, mood swings—oh my! No matter what you’ve read about it, menopause is no picnic, nor is the perimenopausal lead-up to it, which may last several years. Those years give you a taste of what’s to come, with varying symptom escalation before “the change” lands in full force. But before we unpack the party favors, let’s just say that vaginal dryness is something every woman will experience at some point in their lives. There could be other reasons you’re experiencing it besides menopause or perimenopause, so it’s always recommended to speak to your gynecologist if you feel something’s not quite right. In the meantime, usi ng a personal moisturizer can help, and it’s a simple way to ease the symptoms of vaginal dryness. If you’re experiencing more complex symptoms, like sleep disruption, hot flashes, night sweats, or incontinence, make that appointment and speak to your doctor right away. What Can Cause Vaginal Dryness? Here are some reasons you might be experiencing