For millions of women, menopause brings myriad changes from hot flushes, to mood swings, to sleepless nights. But one of the most common and distressing symptoms still isn't spoken about enough: vaginal dryness.

It might feel embarrassing to mention, but the reality is more than half of women experience it during menopause.

(From left to right) Susanna, Angela, Charlotte and Kirsty, like so many women, have experienced vaginal dryness

Despite this, many feel too shy to seek help, assuming it's just something they have to put up with. In reality, vaginal dryness is common, treatable and nothing to be ashamed of.

'I first noticed it in the gym - it was so uncomfortable'

Susanna, 54, from Colchester, first noticed her symptoms when exercising in the gym

The physical symptoms can creep in gradually. Declining oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause reduce natural lubrication and make the vaginal lining thinner and less elastic. This can cause irritation, itching, burning and pain during sex.

For many women, the first warning signs appear outside the bedroom and have nothing to do with sex.

'I first noticed the dryness when I was on the spin bike in the gym, thinking, oh, this is really uncomfortable,' recalls Susanna, 54, from Colchester.

'The way I described it to my husband was, when you wash your face with soap and don't moisturise, it goes tight and itchy. That's what it feels like down there.'

'You feel like a different person'

'I started using Replens six months ago,' says Charlotte, 51, 'I wish I'd started 12 months ago.

Could YOU be experiencing vaginal dryness?

Symptoms may include:

Itching or irritationBurning sensationsPain or discomfort during sexNeeding to urinate more often

If these sound familiar, you're not alone - and there are safe, effective ways to get relief.

Vaginal dryness is often dismissed as a 'minor' symptom, but its impact runs far deeper. It can affect self-esteem, intimacy, relationships and even how women feel in their own skin.

'You feel like a different person, you don't recognise yourself,' says Susanna.

'I don't think my friend and I would talk about vaginal dryness. We'd happily chat about hot flushes, but not this. Why on earth are we shy about it?'

Despite so many women sharing the same experience, many don't feel able to share, even with their closest friends.

That silence means many women simply endure the discomfort, unaware that safe and effective solutions exist.

For many women, that solution is Replens Long Lasting Vaginal Moisturiser, which is clinically tested and hormone free.

Replens provides immediate relief to dry vaginal skin cells and each application last up to 3 days.

It contains a bio-adhesive technology that allows it to attach to dry cells and deliver continuous moisture to combat vaginal dryness, leaving vaginal tissues hydrated and feeling rejuvenated.

'Our sex now is easier - I don't feel apprehensive anymore'

Kristy, 57, from York, describes using Replens as feeling like her body was finally getting the moisture it needed

For many women, Replens has not only transformed their physical comfort but also their confidence and relationships.

Kirsty, 57, from York explained that what she loved most was the ease of use, describing how it felt as though her body was finally getting the moisture it needed, while Angela, 49, from Oxfordshire, admitted that intimacy with her partner had become less stressful, saying, 'Our sex now is easier. I don't feel apprehensive, because there's no pain.'

Angela, 49, from Oxfordshire, admitted that intimacy with her partner had become less stressful since using Replens

For others, the change was immediate and life-altering. 'For me, the relief was pretty much straight away,' recalls Susanna. 'I suddenly felt normal again.'

'I look after myself. I shouldn't neglect any part of my body'

Self-care shouldn't stop at skincare. 'I'm looking after myself the same way I look after my face and neck,' notes Angela. 'I shouldn't have to neglect any part of my body.'

That's exactly what Replens empowers women to do - care for themselves fully, with a discreet and effective product that offers both physical comfort and peace of mind.

With one simple application lasting up to three days, women can move past the distraction of dryness and focus on enjoying life again, whether that's exercising, spending time with family, or feeling confident with their partner.

A trusted solution doctors recommend

One of the most widely used treatments is Replens Long Lasting Vaginal Moisturiser - the UK's #1 GP-recommended brand. Unlike lubricants, which provide only short-term relief, Replens uses a unique bioadhesive formula to bind to the vaginal lining for 72 hours, forming a protective film that releases purified water to hydrate underlying tissues. The result is immediate relief and long lasting comfort that allows women to get on with their lives.

The moisturiser provides immediate relief from the very first use and can keep symptoms at bay for up to three days with just one application. Because it is hormone-free, it is also safe to use alongside HRT. Healthcare guidance backs its effectiveness too, with NICE noting that non-hormonal moisturisers such as Replens can be recommended in combination with vaginal oestrogen therapy, making it a flexible and reassuring choice for women already on treatment.

'I started using Replens six months ago,' says Charlotte, 51, from Hertfordshire. 'I wish I'd started 12 months ago. It complements the HRT I'm on, and I can carry on my week feeling really comfortable.'