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Why does my vagina itch *days* before my period?

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 on Why does my vagina itch *days* before my period?

  • Larie
    Larie October 11, 2022

    I used to suffer from BV. I stopped using tampons and I stopped wearing underwear (mainly thongs). I haven’t had BV in 7 years!

    I also developed what I thought was yeast infections after I took my Birth Control out.
    I just contributed them to trying to get pregnant. At first it was every few months. Then, it became every single month! I went to my very loved and experienced gynecologist. She put me on Diflucan daily, said get OTC yeast meds. The over the counter yeast infection meds did nothing but make me feel like I was on fire.
    So at this point, it has been YEARS of being miserable! I spoke with my fertility specialist, she didn’t really have anything else that hasn’t been tried.
    I was so freaking miserable and emotionally drained from all the itching and telling my husband for another month, no, we aren’t pregnant AND my vagina is messed up again! 😭

    I was grazing at the store and saw hydrocortisone cream. On the front of the box it said STOPS ITCHING.
    I really thought, I have ZERO to lose. I’m already itching, it can’t get worse than that!
    I put it on before bed, the next day…… my vagina wasn’t itching!!!!!
    I have been using that method for over a year now. I haven’t had to use anything else but that for a freaking year now! 🎉
    When I notice I’m close to my period 😞, I apply it when I feel it starting to itch.
    It really has been my saving Grace!

  • Leah
    LeahMarch 28, 2022

    This happens to me every time before my period like a week before the external area itches and burn with hives I’ve used aloes to soothe it but it keeps coming back each and every time before my period comes.

  • Lauren
    LaurenOctober 25, 2021

    Miechelle, cisgender women aren’t the only people with vaginas. Educate yourself before going on an ignorant tirade.

  • JOY

    WHAT IS KEVITA KOMBUCHA AND I DO I GET IT

  • Leila
    LeilaAugust 23, 2021

    Is Miechelle okay? Considering her sensitivity toward a totally inoffensive, three-sentence comment, I’m worried she may have had an aneurysm the second anything substantial occurred in her life. Hm.

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