Struggling with vaginal itching before period? Find out the common causes and discover natural remedies to help soothe your discomfort before it starts.
Have you ever experienced vaginal Itching before your period and had no idea why it was happening?
If so, you’re not alone.
Vaginal Itching and discomfort are prevalent issues for women of all ages.
It usually occurs due to hormonal imbalances, yeast overgrowth, or pH level changes in your yoni around the menstrual period.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into what causes vaginal Itching before period and how to manage it and get your body back in balance.
So,
If you want to know how to combat uncomfortable itching before your period.
Keep reading.
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What Causes Vaginal Itching Before Period?
You may wonder, Is it normal to itch before menstruation?
Well, mama,
Although quite unpleasant, vaginal Itching before your menses isn’t uncommon.
There are a few key possible causes for this type of Itching in women. These factors may include pH imbalance, an allergic reaction to products, or vaginal infections.
According to medics, you can resolve most causes of constant vaginal itching before period by observing certain conditions or with treatment.
Before discussing your best treatment options at home, let’s look into the possible causes of vaginal itching before period starts.
1. Hormonal Changes
The menstrual cycle involves the interaction of reproductive hormones in your body. The reproductive hormones include;
- luteinizing hormone
- follicle-stimulating hormone
- female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Days before your menses, you’ll experience a decrease in estrogen levels. According to the Cleveland clinic, low estrogen can result in low libido, vaginal dryness, dry skin, and moodiness.
With vaginal dryness, you’ll probably experience vulva stinging sensation, irritation, and itchiness.
Do not even try to collaborate with your partner for bedroom matters without a good lube. You may be signing up for the craziest stinging sensation feeling ever after lovemaking.
2. Vaginal pH Changes
The change in your yoni pH is also one of the reasons why you experience vaginal itching before period.
An average vaginal pH level ranges from 3.5-4.5, which means it is acidic.
The desirable vaginal pH is attributed to the presence of good bacteria like Lactobacilli species.
The lactobacilli bacteria can produce acidic pH to protect women from common infections.
Similarly, it produces bacteriocins that kill other harmful bacteria in the vagina.
According to research, the concentration of non-Lactobacillus species tends to be higher around your periods.
This is evidence that the vaginal flora becomes less stable when you’re about to menstruate.
Also, the menstrual blood could contribute to your yoni’s alkalinity during periods. As such, your pH levels may rise above 7, which is quite alkaline.
This can cause itchiness, mama, because your powerful solder, the lactobacilli species, is weak. And your Miss. V is now a conducive environment for harmful pathogens to thrive.
How do you know that your vaginal pH has changed?
The Symptoms of unbalanced vaginal pH include;
- change in vaginal discharge odor. You may experience a Strong fish odor from your yoni.
- Change in discharge color. You may notice your vaginal discharge changing from clear or white to gray or green.
- Itching and irritation around the vulva.
- Burning sensation during intercourse or while urinating.
3. Cyclic Vulvovaginitis
Cyclic vulvovaginitis is a type of yeast infection you experience due to your cycles.
Though not common to all, some women experience a burning and itching sensation on the vulva when they are about to get their menses.
The itchiness may extend inside the vagina, and it usually intensifies at the same time of every menstrual cycle.
So,
What causes cyclic vulvovaginitis?
According to research, Candida fungus overgrowth is the main cause of cyclic vulvovaginitis.
Candida grows naturally in your vagina. However, its kept in check by Lactobacillus species, or “good bacteria” in this environment.
Throughout your cycle, your reproductive hormones fluctuate. This can affect your vaginal pH balance, affecting your yoni microbiota composition.
When good bacteria like Lactobacillus can’t function optimally in an alkaline environment, Candida fungus grows out of control. as such you will experience some discomfort including itchiness in your yoni.
Apart from Itching, other symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include the following:
- Swelling and rash around the vulva
- Abnormal whitish discharge that resembles cottage cheese
- burning sensation during urination or sex
Related:7 Powerful Natural Remedies To Get Rid of Vaginal Yeast Infection in Just 3 Days
4.Progestogen Hypersensitivity
The Genetic and Rare Disease Information Centre shows that Progesterone hypersensitivity is a reaction to your Progesterone hormones that occurs around your menses.
Although progesterone is a hormone that helps regulate the menstrual cycle, some women can be drastically affected.
pH may cause skin reactions between 3-10 days before your period. The symptoms will include rashes, Itching, Swelling, and hives.
Some people get severe symptoms like wheezing or asthma-like reactions.
Although more research has been done on the possible solution to pH, the leading cause remains unknown.
5. Bacterial Vaginosis
Vaginal Itching Before the Period may also occur due to bacterial vaginosis. The hormonal changes just before your menses can imbalance your vaginal pH.
When this happens, harmful bacteria can flourish, potentially resulting in infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Unlike yeast infection, it’s possible to have BV without any syndromes.
Most people will only experience mild vaginal itchiness. Other symptoms, however, may include;
- A thin white or gray vaginal discharge;
- Pain, Itching, or burning sensation in the vagina;
- A strong fish-like odor, especially after sex;
6. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
PMDD can be similar to Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but the emotional disorder is severe.
According to research, (PMDD) involves a group of emotional and physical symptoms that starts within 7 to 10 days before your period.
It’s a condition believed to occur due to hormonal changes around your menstrual cycle.
This study suggests that women with PMDD have genetic changes that make their cells overreact to estrogen and progesterone. This reaction may be the primary cause of PMDD symptoms.
Apart from experiencing vaginal itchiness before your period, you may also experience extreme emotional symptoms like:
- Agitation or nervousness
- anger and sadness
- crying spells
- feeling out of control
- forgetfulness
- loss of interest in activities and relationships
- panic attacks
- thoughts of suicide
These symptoms, especially the emotional ones, can significantly affect your daily life. If not well managed, it can get in the way of your work and relationships.
Related: 16 Simple Home Remedies for Period Cramps that Actually Work
7. Irritation
Some women experience vaginal itchiness at the onset of their periods due to irritation caused by tampons, pads, or scented products.
Sometimes, the sensitive skin around your vulva can react to the materials used to make your hygiene products.
Also, check on your soaps or vaginal creams.
Most scented soap may react adversely with your yoni during menstruation.
Additionally, ensure you use absorbent pads and cotton underwear to encourage aeration and lessen the buildup of microorganisms.
How to Quickly Alleviate Vaginal Itching Before Period
Periods can be uncomfortable enough without having to deal with vaginal Itching. Although there is very little you can do to prevent or treat these issues, you may still use some proven strategies and solutions to address the discomforts of premenstrual Itching.
Home Remedies for Constant Vaginal Itching Before Period Starts
1. Track your periods
Tracking your period is not a solution entirely to vaginal itchiness. However, it’s an essential doorway to preparation for handling the situation.
Most women live on guesswork.
They only know about the onset of their menses when they see a red color on their undies.
This is not the best way to live as a woman.
Period tracking will help you understand your unique menstrual patterns. You will track the common changes that occur and try to manage them in advance.
To make life easy, try to use period tracking apps to help you mark your zones.
Also, it’s crucial to have books and period journals that offer in-depth guidance and understanding about how you can relate your menstrual cycle with the moon phases.
The red Journal is one of the few supportive self-care period journals that can help you track your menstrual cycle while reconnecting with your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
After a few months of tracking your symptoms, you’ll be able to see how they change throughout your cycle and impact your daily life.
This can be extremely helpful for ruling out other conditions that require medical attention.
2. Have Your Probiotic Food Diet
Probiotics are your yoni’s best friend. Eating probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut, just before your periods can prevent vaginal itchiness.
It can also lower the risk of contracting yeast-related infections.
Besides eating probiotic food, consider taking probiotic pills too. The Lactobacilli bacteria in these pills can help regulate your pH and lower the risk of yeast overgrowth that can cause infections.
Additionally, remember to drink cranberry juice or supplements. This juice contains acidic compounds to fight bacteria and keep your yoni happy.
Be sure to avoid junk and high-sugar foods. Most processed sugary foods tend to trigger and encourage yeast overgrowth.
Remember,
Yeast overgrowth is among the leading cause of infection and Vaginal Itching before the period.
To increase the presence of Lactobacilli, a.ka your beneficial bacteria, try:
- A probiotic supplement like pills a few days before the onset of your menses.
- Administer probiotic suppositories intravaginally.
- Eat probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, or sauerkraut
Related: How to Fight Recurring Candida Yeast Infection With Diet
3. Use a pH-balancing pill
Most of women experience constant vaginal itching before period due to change in vaginal pH. As such having a good pH balance pill may help maintain a conducive environment for good bacteria to thrive.
According to medics, most pH balance pills contain the bacteria lactobacilli.
Taking these pills around your cycle will help introduce the good bacteria that keep vaginal pH levels below 4.5. As such, these pills tend to prevent vaginal itchiness and opportunistic infections.
4. Take a Cycle Female Toner Tea
Most cycle female toner teas are made from natural herbs that support menstrual periods. Taking a good cycle toner tea like these one a few days before your period can help balance hormones, curb inflammation, purify blood, and tone the uterus to ease vaginal itching before period.
Try to look for teas with complementary herbs like raspberry, Strawberry leaf and Nettle which support balancing female cycles.
Additionally, some women have found relief by applying certain vaginal creams to ease dryness. If your itchiness before period is due to dryness down there, you may consider trying out a gynecologists’ approved creams like Seeq Wellness Organic Vulva Balm for a quick relief.
5. Consider Taking Garlic Tablets
Garlic is a natural antibacterial. It consists of antioxidants and a bacteria-fighting compound known as allicin.
One research found garlic tablets to be as effective as oral antibiotics at treating the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection. And the good news; is garlic is natural with fewer side effects.
According to this study, the participants took 500 milligrams of garlic tablets twice daily for seven consecutive days.
Worthy noting, however, is that garlic can affect your digestion process.
As such, people with digestive issues should take lower doses.
Also, those with bleeding concerns or taking blood thinners shouldn’t take garlic at these doses. You may consider a lower amount or avoid it entirely.
6. Choose Your Menstrual Undies Wisely
Menstrual undies can play a big role in causing irritation, itchiness, and spreading infections.
Always buy cotton undies like these ones that encourage breathability and help absorb the excess moisture like sweat and fluids from your yoni.
Tight, synthetic undies can suffocate your yoni. They also trap moisture around this area, thus creating a dumb environment for harmful bacteria to thrive.
This can throw your pH levels off balance and increase Vaginal Itching Before Period.
To keep these regions healthy, consider the following:
- Going for underwear that is made from natural, breathable, absorbent fabrics, like cotton
- washing your underwear with a hypoallergenic detergent
- Sleeping without a pant at night to encourage aeration days before your menses.
- Wearing absorbent pant liners during the day if you have a lot of discharge or moisture buildup
- Entirely replacing your underwear if you’ve had an infection.
7. Consider Using Boric Acid Suppositories
According to a study, Boric acid has been used to manage BV for many years. Boric acid is inexpensive, and you can easily access it over the counter.
Besides, it has proven effective treatment for other yeast infections, like vaginal candidiasis.
If you are experiencing mild symptoms of vaginal itchiness with unusual odor around your menses, you may want to consider using boric acid suppositories before opting for antibiotics.
To use boric acid suppositories;
- Wash your hands with soap or sanitize your hands
- Lie on your back and bend your knees
- Using your fingers to push, gently insert one capsule into your yoni. Try to push it as far as it comfortably goes into your Miss. V.
- Put on a panty liner to absorb any discharge.
8. Mind You Clean Your Vulva and Vagina
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. It consists of mucous and other pathogens that take care of its functionality.
However, sometimes you may be tempted to reach for cleaning products, especially when you have symptoms of infections.
Mama does not do that.
One study suggests that douching can disrupt your microbiota, exposing you to infections like BV’s yeast.
Additionally, avoid using scented vaginal washes, tampons, or sanitary pads.
These products can disrupt your vaginal pH balance and increase your likelihood of having Vaginal Itching Before Period.
To clean your vulva, it’s advisable to rinse the area with warm water and mild fragrance-free soap, especially during your menstrual cycle.
Also, there are medically approved vaginal products like these ones that you can use once in a while for your yoni health.
9. Use Barrier Methods During Lovemaking
Semen has an alkalizing effect. As such, increased exposure to semen may increase the alkalinity of your vagina during this time, thus, increasing your chances of experiencing Vaginal Itching before period.
Around your menses, your vaginal pH fluctuates significantly. And the last thing you want to do; is to introduce factors like semen that make it more alkaline.
So,
how can you work around this matter without upsetting your spouse?
Just use a safe barrier.
Using a barrier like a condom during sex may help lessen semen’s effect on vaginal flora thus reducing the likelihood of having itchiness before your period.
Additionally, using barriers during sex may help prevent other bacteria from being introduced to the vagina.
10. Switch from Scented to Unscented Products
If you have been using scented menstrual pads, try unscented tampons or pads and see whether the itchiness reduces.
Additionally;
- Try changing the brands of your pads or tampons and go for higher quality with different materials.
- Go for cotton underwear.
- Change your tampons and pads frequently.
- Avoid using scented products, like cleansing wipes, during your menses.
- Wash your vulva with plain water or use mild unscented soap to reduce irritation.
Related: 19 Simple Rules To Live By If You Want To Reduce Vaginal Itchiness and odor
When to See Your Doctor for Constant Vaginal Itching Before Period
It would be best to see your doctor or OB-GYN if the following symptoms persist for more than two weeks, even after your periods.
- Persistent Vaginal Itching Before Period
- Persistent burning sensation
- An increasingly foul odor from your yoni
- Persistent unusual discharge
Takeaway
Constant Vaginal Itching before period is a common and uncomfortable symptom, but it’s also one with a solution.
Balancing hormones and pH through diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce vaginal Itching and associated discomfort for most women.
However, if you’re still experiencing severe symptoms, seeking professional medical help is the best course of action.
Please share this blog post with a friend who may benefit from it.
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DISCLAIMER The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. I’m not a health practitioner and as such, this information should not be used as a substitute for consultation with your professional service provider.
