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! A simple rinse with water will do the trick.
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 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 FeelBetter 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! ;)
If you’re eating healthy, exercising, cleaning your cup right, and taking care of yourself, then you're doing it right!
21 comments
Yoghurt ladies. Try using Greek or Natural it really helps!
I’m surprised that nobody here has mentioned a little old fashioned home remedy in the form of natural yoghurt. I get vaginal itchiness days before my period & it works an absolute treat. especially cooling if fresh out the fridge!
Itchy
Hi,
The week before my period my V gets incredibly itchy. I don’t know what to do. I got scared it was a yeast infection but after my period starts it pretty much disappears. This has been happening since I started my period. Sometimes I itch so much it starts to bleed and stings when I pre. Please help!
Hi,
The week before my period my V gets incredibly itchy. I don’t know what to do. I got scared it was a yeast infection but after my period starts it pretty much disappears. This has been happening since I started my period. Sometimes I itch so much it starts to bleed and stings when I pre. Please help!
Every time few days before my period is due, my vagina is very itchy and hurts when I pee. I have a lot of discharge too. It also stings when I have sexual intercourse.
Hi Rachael! Sorry to hear about the burning and swelling, that’s no fun! Unfortunately we can’t recommend treatment as we are not medical professionals but we recommend contacting a pharmacist at your local drugstore or pharmacy who can help with relief. 😊
-Team Lunette
Hi my vagina has been burning dry and swelling for months. I can’t get into my dr I’m at a loose end in agony what can I do who can I see
My vagina is super itchy and I’m not sure if my period is coming the itching really bothers me but sometimes it goes away. It’s only been very saw 2 times I recall and thats when it burned to pee but it hasn’t happened for ages xx
Hi Katie! Sorry to hear about the burning! Unfortunately it sounds like you could have a UTI or another type of infection. As we are not medical professionals we cannot offer diagnosis, and we recommend consulting a physician. <3
-Team Lunette
Hiya,
Just a quick question my period has come I have cramps and my vagina is burning and stinging like crazy also it burns when I pee a little help please😭
Hi Jodie! Sorry to hear you’re having such bad itching! When the itching is so severe that you end up scratching so much that there is blood, it’s best to contact a physician. The culprit of the itching could be infection and your doctor will be the best person to offer diagnosis and treatment so that you don’t have to keep dealing with the horrible itch. :)
-Team Lunette
Hi only recently I have been having itchiness before my period. I have even got to the point where I have itched it so much it have bleeder and made little stretch marks. Don’t know what this is happening as I have never had it before. Am trying for a baby and worried that it might not happening as I keep having this before and during my period sometimes.
Hi anne-marie! Because everybody and every BODY is different, and because we are not medical professionals, it is always best to turn to your doctor to discuss medical concerns as they will be able to provide you with the best personalized care and answers. :)
-Team Lunette
Im 48 and take zelletta mini pill the itching i get has only just started thought it was thrush so bought medication it cleared but i got a little bit of spotting doesn’t happen very often and the itching stopped but now the spotting has stopped the itch n damp underwear has started again im wondering if its hormonal or to do with menopause!
Hi Simplicia Pagaspas!
If you’re facing itching before and after menstruation, you may want to consult a doctor to have everything checked upon.
Best regards,
Team Lunette
Itching before and after menstruation …
Hi Anonymous and thank you for your message!
Itching before periods is quite normal because the secretion of vaginal discharge decreases.
Make sure you use breathable underwear (materials such as cotton) and avoid harsh soaps in vaginal area. Wash yourself once a day with plain water but don’t spray water straight to your vagina. This washes away the good bacteria and might make the itching worse.
If the itching continues or worsens it might be good to visit a doctor in case of infection.
Best regards,
Team Lunette
My vagina is really stinging and it’s uncomfortable and all I want to do is pee like all the time. I’ve had periods before and they’ve never hurt like this 😬
Hi and thank you for your comment!
Itching before periods is quite normal because the secretion of vaginal discharge decreases.
Make sure you use breathable underwear (materials such as cotton) and avoid harsh soaps in vaginal area. Wash yourself once a day with plain water but don’t spray water straight to your vagina. This washes away the good bacteria and might make the itching worse.
If the itching continues or worsens it might be good to visit a doctor in case of infection.
Best regards,
Team Lunette
This happens to me every month. 4or5 days before my period hits and it drives me crazy. Eases off a bit when the bleeding starts but still itches. Then after I’ve finished it goes away. I don’t use a mensural cup et but would like to. Is there anything I can actually do about this as it drives me crazy (and it’s embarrassing). I’ve spoken to my GP but frankly they were useless.
