Hi, the 2 main causes of itching around your vagina, especially before your period are:
1. Infections, such as a yeast infection. Other STDs can also cause itching, and are usually accompanied by discharge.
2. Hormonal changes around your period - A decrease of oestrogen levels at the start of your period can also cause itching due to changes around your vaginal area.
If you noticed an accompanying white discharge with the vaginal itch, then this could be due to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
Treatment for a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis are not the same, hence I'd encourage you to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
Don't worry about being embarrassed at all - itching at the vaginal area is an extremely common complaint that doctors see daily, so there's nothing to be embarrassed about.
