Itching before periods : how to reduce it?

The menstrual period can bring with it a whole host of inconveniences, such as itching. Although it can appear at any time during the menstrual cycle, itching is most often experienced before periods.

What is itching before periods ?

Hormones during the cycle cause numerous upheavals and disturbances at periods, impacting the body with various disorders. For example, many women experience genital irritation before their period.

What are the symptoms of itching before periods ?

Several symptoms emanate from pre-menstrual itching, in menstruating women of all ages.Itching before periods is characterized by :

• an irrepressible urge to scratch and a tingling sensation at the vulva and vaginal entrance: this is a constant source of discomfort,
• white discharge with a thick, creamy texture,
• pain or discomfort during intercourse,
• a red, swollen vulva,
• a burning sensation outside the vagina.

Is it normal to be itchy?

As mentioned above, itching before menstruation is completely normal and not serious. As menstruation approaches, hormonal changes cause a change in vaginal pH. Most of the time, until the menopause, it's the increasedblood flow before menstruation that causes tingling and irritation. This discomfort usually passes within a few days. On the other hand, if you experience discomfort during your menstrual period, the causes may be other than a heavy blood flow.

What causes vaginal itching?

To treat vaginal itching, it's essential to know the cause. That way, treatment can be tailored to the problem and results achieved more quickly. We've put together a list of causes of vaginal itching.

Abundant blood flow

Lhe influx of blood around the time of menstruation and premenstrual syndrome can make you feel tingly and itchy. All the more so if your flow during your periods is abundant. If the cause of your itching before blood loss is an influx of blood, the discomfort should disappear within a few days. If not, there may be other reasons.

Vaginal mycosis

If your irrepressible urge to scratch persists during and after periods, vaginal mycosis may be the cause of your irritation. Vaginal mycosis is caused by a disturbance in the vaginal pH and flora. As menstruation approaches and the uterus contracts to evacuate the endometrium, hormonal changes in the ovaries have an impact on the vaginal flora and its balance. These changes make it easier for bacteria and yeast to develop and proliferate in the vagina. Generally speaking, it's the fungus Candida Albican that's responsible for mycosis in women. But don't panic, mycosis is a common infection, and most of the time without risk.

Other symptoms include discomfort during intercourse, changes in the appearance and odor of vaginal discharge, and swelling of the labia. There are several types of mycosis (even breast mycosis, which affects the breasts of breast-feeding women), so consult your doctor so he or she can prescribe a suitable treatment!

Vaginosis

Irritation before, during and after menstruation can also result from another condition, vaginosis. This gynecological condition affects one in 5 women.

Vaginosis is caused by an imbalance in the vagina's microbial flora, which results in the disappearance of lactobacilli (which ensure an appropriate level of acidity in the vagina to prevent germs from sdeveloping) and the multiplication of germs such as Gardnerella Vaginalis. This germ is naturally present in the flora, but in balanced quantities. When it is out of balance with the vaginal flora, vaginosis occurs. Vaginosis results in inflammation of the vaginal mucosa. It also causes vaginal itching, pain and redness. Discharge may also change in appearance and color, and have a foul odor.

How to treat itching before periods ?

Of course, itching before periods is not inevitable. There are many things you can do about it.

Good personal hygiene

Lntimate hygiene is very important in the fight against intimate discomfort. Make sure you use suitable, pH-neutral products. Be careful never to wash the inside of the vagina: this unbalances the vaginal flora and encourages the proliferation of bacteria and yeast.

Drink lots of water

Drinking enough every day is very important for your body's overall health. It also helps to combat pre-menstrual irritation and uterine cramps, since by drinking a lot you urinate more. And by urinating more, you eliminate bacteria and bad toxins. Drinking a lot helps to prevent the risk of irritation and heal in advance. It's recommended to drink around 1.5 liters of water a day (to be adapted according to your daily activities). This will also help prevent the dryness of your skin that could be at the root of this discomfort.

Taking medication

In the event of persistent itching before, during and after periods , medication can be a solution. However, be sure to consult your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional for advice.

What to do if itching persists during or after periods ?

If the itchy skin persists during or after periods, it may be due to another illness or infection, such as vaginitis, vaginosis or mycosis. s It's important to make an appointment with your gynecologist if these symptoms don't go away, or to have a test or sample taken.

The FAQ for itching during periods

What does itching before periods mean?

How can you tell if itching during periods is irritation or fungus?

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