Can vaginal dryness as the result of hysterectomy /menopause cause severe itching that feels like a yeast infection?

Vaginal Dryness: Reduced estrogen levels are the main cause of vaginal dryness. Estrogen, a female hormone, helps keep vaginal tissue healthy by maintaining normal vaginal lubrication, tissue elasticity and acidity. These factors create a natural defense against vaginal and urinary tract infections. But when your estrogen levels decrease, so does this natural defense, leading to increased urinary tract infection.

Yes: Atrophic vaginitis is quite common after menopause (natural or surgical) and yeast like symptoms are frequently experienced due to the lack of estrogen effect on the vaginal mucosa. It is easily treated with oral or vaginal estrogen supplementation.