Atrophic vaginitis is a vaginal irritation and dryness caused by a change in vaginal tissue.
This change occurs when the level of estrogen in a woman's body decreases. The change in vaginal tissue is called vaginal atrophy. Estrogen is produced by the ovaries as long as a woman has menstrual periods. After menopause the ovaries stop making estrogen. Less estrogen in the body causes the vagina to become dryer.