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!
Clearly you don’t moderate your comments if you allow “ Miechelle Hart April 16, 2021”‘s comment through.
I’m having the same issues, itching and irritation burning sensation before my period. I’ve been tested for stds and I seem to Always have BV, what are the chances it could be herpes? I don’t have any sores or anything like that but I’ve been checked so many times and don’t know what else it is.. the burning inside is annoying and depressing me.. stopping me from everyday activities.
Hi Alice! We’re so sorry to hear you’re struggling with itching every month! Unfortunately we cannot offer diagnoses as we are not medical professionals. Your doctor is the best person to consult with this question. 💙
-Team Lunette
I have been struggling with vaginal pain and swelling for two years. Just like many of you I have seen numerous gynecologists, they have done Paps, cultures, ultrasounds, and blood tests; according to them I am the healthiest human on the planet. I am here to tell you it is not yeast (I have been tested for all resistant forms of yeast), it is not bacteria (again, all tests normal), and I have nearly starved on elimination diets, I have been vegan, I have stopped drinking alcohol, anything with sugar, and removed all bread from my diet…nothing. I was also tested for diabetes and arthritis; again, normal. The one thing that stands out in my mind is I had my tubes removed to prevent anymore pregnancies and the symptoms began 6 months after that surgery. I will also tell you that topical estrogen creams help on the worst days. My symptoms begin 4-10 days before my period. The 3 days before my period are agonizing. This is something that is affecting so many of us. I simply cannot understand why more research is not being done.
Hello :) I’ve been suffering itchiness on my external vagina since some months ago. I called my doctor and she told me to use Saforelle gel. It kinda works when I use it (it surely helps) but the symptoms are still there, always some days (4-8) before my period. I also increased my intake of probiotics.
I don’t have any other gynecological problems, as my vaginal discharge is ok and I don’t have any pain, but although this might not be serious, it disrupts my daily life every month.
I’m curious if this could be caused by anemia. I know I have a low iron level right now (maybe since some time ago), and my doctor prescribed some pills. Do you think this itchiness will disappear when my iron level improves??
Thank you