Is vaginal dryness a sign of menopause?

It can be. Falling estrogen during perimenopause and menopause commonly causes vaginal dryness, and it may appear before periods stop completely. But dryness has many other causes too, including breastfeeding, medications and stress. Unlike hot flashes, menopause-related dryness often doesn't resolve on its own, so it's worth discussing with a clinician, who can explain treatment options.