Vaginal Itching Before Period | Causes and Remedies to Treat This Burning Sensation!

Do you feel your vagina is itchier before your periods and wonder why it happens? There are several reasons why this could happen to women approaching their periods. Being the owner of your body, it is very important to know what causes vaginal itching before the period starts and the home remedies to cure them.

This will increase your awareness of your body and help you effectively fight the burning sensation before period. Further in this article, we will explore this topic in detail.

Learn Everything from the Experts About Vaginal Itching Before Period!

Our experts have done the best research to ensure that all the information in this blog is true and helpful. So without waiting any further, let’s delve into the details of vaginal itching before periods!

Vaginal Itching Before Period Causes

Before you learn about home remedies, you must find out what causes vaginal itching before periods. Once you know the root cause of the issue, it will be easier to diagnose and treat the burning sensation. Read below to learn the causes!

Yeast Infection

The first and the most common cause for vaginal itching before period is a yeast infection. Most women face this issue during the same time before each cycle, and that is why it is also termed cyclic vulvovaginitis. This infection causes a burning sensation in the vulva (the skin around the vagina, pubic area, and labia) and inside the vagina. You can experience this problem either before your period start or during the cycle. Remember that intercourse can make it even worse.

The overgrowth of Candida fungus causes cyclic vulvovaginitis before the period. This fungus grows naturally inside the vagina. However, its growth is restricted by a good bacteria called Lactobacillus. But as your hormones and pH balance gets disturbed during the menstrual cycle, the growth of Candida increases and causes itching. Besides itching, the other symptoms that you can notice around the vaginal area are:

• Pain
• Rash
• Redness
• Swelling
• Burning during sex or urination
• Whitish-gray vaginal discharge

Cyclic vulvovaginitis (1)treatment includes antifungal medication prescribed by the doctor. Hence, if you see these symptoms for a prolonged time, do not hide away from visiting a gynecologist. 

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is much like cyclic vulvovaginitis due to their similar symptoms. However, one major difference is that your vagina will stink of a fish-like odor when suffering from bacterial vaginosis. And here, the discharge is often yellow or greenish. Besides vaginal itching before period, the other symptoms of BV are a burning sensation during urination and vaginal pain. 

This infection spreads from one person to another if they have sex or share sex toys. You might also notice itching before the pregnancy period due to bacterial vaginosis. It is because, during this time, there is a fluctuation of hormones, which might give a boost to the growth of such infection-causing germs. Make sure you visit your doctor if you see these symptoms are getting worse!

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) that causes itching in the vulva or inside the vagina. A recent report suggests that there are more than 3.5 million cases of Trichomoniasis in the US whenever it be. This infection is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis, and it has an incubation period of between 5 to 28 days. 

Doctors say that itching is the most common symptom when suffering from Trichomoniasis. Besides that, the other symptoms are not that common. However, you should still know what they are:

• Burning sensation during sex 
• Frequent urination and burning along with it
• Foul-smelling and frothy vaginal discharge
• Spotting or bleeding

This infection can be cured with the proper use of antibiotics. Hence, contact your doctor immediately if you face any of the abovementioned symptoms, especially bleeding!

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

PMDD is an extreme form of PMS that begins a week before menstruating and can continue until your period ends. There are several symptoms of this disorder apart from vaginal itching before period, both physical and emotional. Let’s have a look at the physical symptoms first:

• Itchy skin before the period in vagina and vulva
• Headache
• Cramps
• Breast tenderness
• Fatigue
• Acne
• Sleep issues
• Bodyache 
• Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Dizziness

Besides so many physical problems, this order also plays with your emotional balance and causes several severe emotional issues like:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Anger
• Irritability
• Crying urge
• Suicidality

Proper medication and therapy can help both physical and emotional disorders.(2) Hence, do not panic and meet your doctor for proven solutions!

Home Remedies For Vaginal Itching Before Period

Now that you know why before your monthly period you get vaginal itching, let us help you know some home remedies using which you can cure these disorders effectively at home:

• Do not wear tight panties and wear loose-fitting clothes
• Use baking soda in your bathing water
• Wash your vaginal area properly but do not use scented cleaners
• Keep away from douching
• Try to avoid scented pads 
• Switch to menstrual cups or tampons for better vaginal health

You can also try using hydrocortisone cream (3) in the vulva. But make sure you do not insert it inside your vagina. This cream is easily available in medical shops and is also affordable. In addition, it helps in reducing itchiness around the vagina impressively. 

Besides trying antifungal creams, you can also try other home remedies for cyclic vulvovaginitis. We have listed down a few home remedies for yeast infection below:

• Apply plain Greek yogurt inside the vagina.
• Try using a suppository inside the vagina that has diluted tea tree oil
• Take probiotics to promote vaginal health.
• Add apple cider vinegar to your bathing water and soak in it for at least 15 minutes

When To See a Doctor?

If you experience vaginal itching before period, and you are done trying all the home remedies for at least one or two weeks and nothing seems to work out, then it’s high time you visit a doctor. Also, if your condition is worsening continuously and you are facing more than one symptom, then you should not rely on home remedies and contact a doctor right away. 

Ensure you do not delay a doctor’s appointment in such cases because if the infection goes out of hand, the recovery will take longer, and it will be a lot more painful. Hence, please do visit a doctor and take their suggestion seriously!

Other Treatments for Vaginal Itching

Besides the home remedies, the most common treatment is using vaginal moisturizer to get rid of dryness in the intimate area. Another common treatment is using antifungal creams and taking antibiotics. However, we would not suggest any specific medicine here because it is the doctors’ job. They can diagnose your problem and prescribe you treatments accordingly.

How To Prevent Vaginal Itching Before Period?

It is always better to take preventive measures so that you suffer from no vaginal disorders at any point in your cycle. Some preventive measures that you can take are:

• Wear cotton panties.
• Do not wear tight pants throughout the day.
• Avoid wearing tight jeans for long hours, especially during summers.
• Control your blood sugar level because diabetes often causes vaginal itching.
• Use unscented, non irritating, and non-drying products for your vaginal care.
• Do not keep multiple sexual partners.
• Use condoms whenever having sex to avoid STIs.
• Try to avoid douching, and even if you do, follow the right technique.
• Eat probiotic foods like yogurt.
• Keep your mind stress-free with the help of regular exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

The late period and itching have been related for ages now. However, staying up to date about the causes, remedies, and prevention will help you keep away from vaginal itching before period. But make sure you visit a gynecologist if there is more than just itching. 

Before leaving, share with us which home remedies you like the most and what preventive measures you are planning to take for avoiding itchy vagina!