Description

A "vaginal dryness blood test" typically refers to a blood test done to check hormone levels.

This panel includes the following test:

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

Estrogen

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Progesterone

Testosterone

Fasting not required.

Additional information about each test is listed below:

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is used to treat vaginal dryness, particularly in postmenopausal women, because it can be administered vaginally and locally converts into small amounts of estrogen and testosterone, helping to restore the vaginal tissue and alleviate dryness and discomfort associated with menopause, a condition often called vulvovaginal atrophy; essentially acting as a localized hormone therapy to address vaginal dryness symptoms directly at the source.

Vaginal estrogen is a prescription treatment for vaginal dryness that can help restore vaginal tissue health. It's a common treatment for vaginal atrophy, a condition that occurs when estrogen levels decline and vaginal tissue thins and dries out. 

Vaginal dryness is often linked to low estrogen levels, which can occur when levels of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) rise significantly, particularly during perimenopause and menopause, as these hormones indicate declining ovarian function and reduced estrogen production, leading to vaginal dryness as a common symptom; essentially, high FSH and LH can signal a decrease in estrogen, causing vaginal dryness. 

Vaginal dryness can be caused by low progesterone levels, which can occur due to a number of reasons, including perimenopause, birth control, and cancer treatments. 

Testosterone therapy can cause vaginal dryness, which can lead to discomfort during sexual activity. This is because testosterone can alter the pH levels and bacteria in the vagina, which can make it more susceptible to infections.