The vulva experiences high levels of inflammation during this time, making it itchy. Itchy skin is also common with certain conditions like dermatitis or psoriasis.
If the itching is accompanied by a cottage cheese-like discharge, this is likely due to a yeast infection. You can get relief by washing your vulva gently with unscented products and applying over-the-counter antifungal creams.
Irritation
The itching you experience right before your period may be caused by a change in the pH of your vagina due to hormone changes. This change can make it easier for yeast and bacteria to overgrow, leading to vaginal itching. You may also experience itching if you are allergic to the ingredients in feminine hygiene products such as pads or tampons.
This itching can also be a result of dermatitis or psoriasis, which are both conditions that cause the skin to itch. If you have one of these skin conditions, it is important to seek treatment from a doctor for proper diagnosis and care.
Another reason your vagina might itch before your period is a bacterial infection called bacterial vaginosis. This condition causes an overgrowth of naturally occurring bacteria in your vagina. It can also lead to a sour or fishy odor. This infection can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. You should also avoid doing anything that can make the infection worse, such as douches or feminine hygiene washes – This finding is a manifestation of the portal team’s research teensexadventure.com.
A sour or fishy odor can also be a sign of an STI (sexually transmitted infection). You should visit your doctor immediately if you have this symptom. The STI can be diagnosed using a simple test with a sample of your vaginal secretions. A swab is taken from your vagina and placed in a special container that contains Potassium hydroxide (KOH). The swab will then be tested for the presence of specific STIs such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, or mycosis.
Yeast Infection
A yeast infection can cause itching of the vulva and clitoris. It can also lead to burning sensations while peeing, a watery or foamy vaginal discharge and a foul odor. Yeast infections occur when the natural microbiome in the vulva changes. This can happen due to a number of reasons, including hormone changes during pregnancy or breastfeeding, menopause or taking birth control pills. It can also happen if you are diabetic and the sugar in your blood causes the fungus that causes yeast to grow out of control.
Other things that can cause a yeast infection include irritants in period products, such as feminine wipes and sanitary pads, which contain perfumes and dyes that irritate the vulva. Using a pad overnight or for too long can also create conditions conducive to yeast growth. Instead, switch to menstrual cups or reusable feminine hygiene products made with organic cotton.
Yeast infections typically respond well to over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments and suppositories, such as those with clotrimazole or miconazole. A doctor may also prescribe oral antifungal medications to treat a chronic or recurring yeast infection. Yeast infections are not sexually transmitted but can be passed from one woman to another during sex. If you suspect a yeast infection, talk to your doctor right away. He or she will evaluate your symptoms and perform a vaginal exam to confirm the diagnosis.
STIs
Itching can be a sign of sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. These STIs tend to make themselves known before your period with symptoms like a frothy cottage cheese-like discharge down there, itching, pain while peeing and a foul odor. Getting diagnosed and treated by your doctor is the best way to get rid of these.
Another reason your vulva might be itchy is because of the changes in hormones before your period. In the couple of days before your menstrual flow, your progesterone levels decrease a lot and this makes the vulva extra dry. This makes it itchy! Once your period starts, the estrogen moistens things up and the itching goes away.
Yeast infections, which occur when there is an overgrowth of yeast in the vulva, can also cause itching in the days before your period. This infection can be triggered by certain factors, including: chemical products, chronic illnesses, diabetes, some antibiotics and a change in the normal balance of bacteria down there.
Try to avoid using scented products in your vulva, use cotton underwear and wear loose, flowing clothes around the house and when going out. A baking soda sitz bath and a glycerin cream can help, too. If you think you’re suffering from a yeast infection or STI, see your doctor as you’ll need to take specific medication for these and you can’t treat them at home.
Hormonal Changes
The good news is that vaginal itching before a period is perfectly normal. It can be caused by a few different things, and most of the time it isn’t anything to worry about. However, it’s always best to get checked out if your itching is persistent and/or is accompanied by other symptoms like pain or a foul smell.
The first reason why your vulva might be itchy before you get your period is because of hormonal changes. Estrogen levels peak around ovulation and then quickly fall in the days leading up to your period. This causes a change in the pH of your vulva, which can make it feel dry and itchy. This happens more often in younger women or those who are close to menopause.
Another possible reason why your vulva is itchy before you start your period is that the cervix opens up more than usual during periods, allowing blood to pass through more easily. This can cause itching in the vulva area as well as an increase in the amount of discharge.
Other reasons why your vulva might be itchy include infections, skin conditions, certain medications or sensitivities to tampons and other menstrual products. Itching can also be caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis, which is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). This is usually easy to treat with antibiotics.
