Why does my vagina itch *days* before my period?
Have you ever noticed your vagina starts to itch a few days before your period…? Could it be a yeast infection? Maybe, maybe not. Many menstruating humans experience vaginal itching in different stages of their menstrual cycle. Remember, the menstrual cycle lasts ~28 days, having different functions in each stage, and every uterus is different! But why is it so common for people to experience that deadly itch before menstrual bleeding?
It could be many reasons, but it always links back to vaginal pH levels. A normal pH level for your vagina ranges from 3.5-4.5, which means it is acidic. If your pH levels are higher than 7, it is considered alkaline, which means your pH levels are too high and infection has risen. You’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it again – your vagina is a self-cleaning oven, which means it doesn’t need any scented soaps or creams (that will mess with your pH balance) to get clean.
Is it yeast infection?
Yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, occur when there is an overgrowth of the Candida fungus in the body. While Candida is naturally present in various parts of the body, such as the mouth, intestines, and genital area, an overgrowth can lead to uncomfortable symptoms and complications. Symptoms like itching, burning sensation, redness, swelling, and abnormal vaginal discharge that is typically thick, white, and odorless. Learn more how to detect yeast infection and how to treat it from our blog.
Hormones also play a key role in your itchy vagina
Your vagina experiences a decrease of estrogen levels during the start of your period (the follicular phase). This change in estrogen is making your vaginal wall go all kinds of crazy, causing the vaginal wall to thin, increase inflammation, and create more acid in your vagina. Guess what? Yeast loves acidity, which could be one of the reasons why you feel itchy down there.
Aside from itching, many people also experience stinging and irritating sensations just days before or during their period. They could be experiencing cyclic vulvovaginitis.
We’ll elaborate.
Cyclic vulvovaginitis
Cyclic vulvovaginitis refers to the recurrent burning *and itching* happening down there before or during menstrual bleeding. It could mean that your vagina is experiencing intense burning, stinging, and overall irritation due to candida infection. How lovely does this sound? Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse, don’t even THINK about having sexual intercourse – your vaginal walls will scream Bloody Mary.
Are you boiling your menstrual cup before and after every cycle?
If you want to prevent your vagina from getting a yeast infection or other unwanted cause for itch, you've got to make sure you're boiling your menstrual cup consistently and cleaning it properly! Our Lunette Cup Cleanser not only cleans your cup, but it doesn't have any harsh chemicals that will mess with your pH levels! It's a win-win situation.
So how can we treat an itchy vagina, especially before menstruation?
Hopefully you don’t always experience discomfort before or during your period, but if you do, there are many ways to prevent itchiness and keep your pH levels balanced. Raw probiotic pills are a vagina’s best friend. Eating probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, or miso can also make a great impact. Let’s not forget about cranberry juice – that stuff is full of acidic compounds that will fight off bacteria and keep your vagina happy. Also, tight, synthetic underwear can suffocate your vagina and create moisture, so remember to let it breathe. It's important to clean your vulva (external area) with lukewarm water or products that are meant for the delicate genital area, like Lunette Intimate Wipes or patented Lunette Intimate Cleanser.
If you’re eating healthy, exercising, cleaning your cup right, and taking care of yourself, then you're doing it right!
57 comments
Mona,
Did you every go to the doctor? I am having the same situation and it’s really uncomfortable. Let me know if you found out anything.
Appreciate the info and not gendering menstruation! I and guys like me appreciate it.
Hi, Mona! We recommend contacting a healthcare professional for the itching that is happening all over your body. As we are not medical professionals we unfortunately cannot offer diagnosis.
-Team Lunette
I have been having itching mostly in my vaginal and genital region and when i get my period, the itch happens all over the body like a pins and needles sensation. I am concerned because i got my period three times.
Hi Cindy, As we are not medical professionals we unfortunately can’t offer diagnosis or treatment. It is best to consult a doctor so that they can provide relief for your concern. :)
-Team Lunette
Hey, i have an itchy vagina. It has been 6 months now the vulva is having blisters. This happens after ovulation up until my periods. Please help
Hi Shuzane!
We highly recommend you visit a doctor so that they can diagnose and treat the cause of these annoying symptoms. :)
Wishing you all the best!
Team Lunette
From 1 year have been experiencing itching on my clitorius and on vagina and rashes on underthighes before 1 week of my periods and during periods what whould be the reason
For those of you suffering with BV I suffered with it for over 6 years Until one day I change my soap and I stopped wearing tampons . It’s been 3 years and I haven’t had BV . Stop wearing tampons and use Dr Bronners. I live by this . Hope this can help someone .
Hi Victoria,
So sorry to hear you’ve been suffering from BV for so long- that’s no fun! We recommend reading our post titled “Vagina: Expectation vs Reality”. It has plenty of helpful tips by the amazing Dr. Sherry :)
Best,
Team Lunette
Hi Tay,
We recommend discussing this itching with your doctor. As we are not medical professionals we cannot offer advice related to medical surgical procedures.
Apologies we weren’t able to help further!
Best,
Team Lunette
This is for Kelly. I have had some of the same issues recently which is crazy because I have never had a yeast infection and I am 37. During my research found “Lichen Sclerosus”. It is an inflammatory disease. It is kind of rare and chronic. Maybe go to a specialist to check it out. Mention the disease. Looks like steroid cream is mainly used. And also try what Brittany said. Keep the area dry, wear cotton, and try to put ointment on the area to keep it dry.
Kelly,
I’m having the same problem. I’ve been dealing with this for about 10 months now. I’m starting to get depressed because it. It’s a recurring issue with no answers and the same meds over and over. I almost want to give up and suffer in silence. I can’t imagine this going on as long as yours is. I really hope we both get answers soon. This feels horrible and it’s kinda scary. Every month the infection comes back. And every month I cry. There has been a couple things I thought of was gone then boom, it’s back. This is beyond frustrating.
Kelly- I have been experiencing yeast infections almost every month for 5 years – it has impacted my life in so many ways. From all the research I e done it all comes back to your diet
Help! Whenever I am two days into my period, my whole vagina gets red and swollen, and feels like it’s tearing. I’ve had 4 children, and even after giving birth naturally 4 times, this pain is far worse than the healing process of That. I’ve tried everything, and now it’s worse. The right side of my vulva is completely red and very swollen. It stings when I urinate and sitting/walking hurts really bad. If anyone had suggestions, please tell me!!!
Hi Jennifer!
Because everybody, and every BODY, is different we recommend visiting your doctor if you’re experiencing something of concern.
Wishing you all the best!
-Team Lunette
I’ve been suffering from bacteria vaginoses for 1 year now can you help me out what can i do to prevent it & how to keep my ph balance before and after my period help please 🙏
Kelly, I also experienced something similar to you. It’s incredibly frustrating and discouraging. I’m sorry. The only thing that helped me was emuaid first aid ointment. Hopefully that’s helpful!
So about a year ago iv got my tubes tied an iv been feeling this irritation stinging feeling never had this feeling before when I was starting my period ever I’m thinking because of my tubes being tied it has something to do with these feelings that have to do with your beginning of your period an it always happens to me mostly the stinging part not much itchiness but stinging an it makes it Irritated what do I do it’s a before an after thing
I saw someone mentioned drinking Kombucha, but Kombucha has yeast in it. I can’t imagine that would be good for a yeast infection, does anyone have an opinion on that?
For some weeks now have been epirencing itches on my clitoris without any rashes or redness sometime all over my body my virgina still smell good dont know the causes or tratment
Hey Lea,
I’m sure there are a number of reasons that could have contributed to this, with the possibility even being something your boyfriend touched that had nothing to do with your vagina.
That being said, we recommend reaching out to your doctor if you continue experiencing anything of concern.
All the best. <3
This is great information. Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Leticia! <3
Hi there! My boyfriend and I had sex recently and he said he noticed a change in my vaginal fluids, that it was causing him a stinging sensation on his fingers. He said everything else was normal (smell, taste), but the stinging sensation on his fingers was new. I was about a week from starting my period. Have you ever come across this?
This message is to Kelly who posted about being on antibiotics for 6yrs. I don’t know if this will help, but honestly by this point in what you are experiencing, I don’t think it can hurt. I would really recommend getting completely off those antibiotics, they really do a number on your gut health which can possibly be making your infections worse. I would really recommend either making your own kefir water or Kombucha tea, they are full of live healthy probiotic strands that might get your gut and vaginal bacteria back to healthy levels. I started making my own kefir water a few years ago and it has done wonders for my whole family and their health. I would highly recommend you at least look into it and if you cant make your own there are some good ones they sell at health food stores and most super markets. I really hope this info helps some, I hate that you are going through such pain :(
