This is due to the fact that the ovaries no longer produce the amount of oestrogen they did before menopause. Oestrogen is responsible for maintaining the vaginal wall. Before menopause, the vaginal wall is thick and moist. There is adequate blood flow to the vaginal tissue, and the vagina lubricates properly during sexual activity. As the oestrogen levels decline after menopause, the vaginal wall becomes thinner and dry. The blood flow to the vaginal tissue decreases, and the vagina secretes less fluid during sexual activity. The dry vagina is more prone to small injuries and infection.1,4
The good news is that much can be done about that!1 All you need to do, is ask!