Vaginal dryness is reported in nearly half of women between the ages of 40 and 59 and is one of the top 10 symptoms reported during menopause. Because menopausal vaginal dryness is uncomfortable and interferes with the intimacy of a woman's relationship with her partner, it is important to find effective treatments. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the only proven medical methods to combat menopause symptoms like vaginal dryness.
However, HRT can be very risky for women, leading many to adopt a more natural approach. Continue reading to learn how to discover the perfect herbal remedy for vaginal dryness discomfort.
What Is Causing Your Vaginal Dryness?
When seeking treatment for your vaginal dryness, it is first important to understand its cause. This way you can actually treat the cause rather than the symptom. Most often, as in the case of menopause, vaginal dryness is the result of a hormonal imbalance. During the menopausal transition, too little estrogen is being produced in the body, damaging some hormonal activity. This is when symptoms like vaginal dryness occur. Other common causes of vaginal dryness include:
Medical problems. Vaginal dryness could be a byproduct of an underlying health complication.
Emotional Issues. Feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression can manifest in physical symptoms like vaginal dryness.
There are many different treatments available, and doctors are often quick to prescribe HRT. However, there are risks associated with HRT, so the pros and cons should be considered before choosing this option.
What Are the Risks of HRT?
HRT has risks and benefits. HRT may be linked to a lower likelihood of developing colorectal cancer as well as a lower risk of osteoporosis. On the other hand, HRT has also been linked to higher instances of heart disease, breast cancer, and blood clots. With the discovery of this information in recent years, many women are turning to a more natural approach for vaginal dryness relief.
What Are the Options for Herbal Remedies?
Though many herbal remedies have not been proven scientifically effective, there are plenty of personal testimonies which claim their benefits. Some options for natural relief from vaginal dryness include:
- Black cohosh
- Macafem
- Wild yam
More Information
Self diagnosis and treatment are never encouraged, so always consult your doctor before attempting a new routine or medicine. Also, keep in mind that every medication works better when paired with a healthy lifestyle.
Click on the following links to discover more about herbal remedies for vaginal dryness.
Sources
- Love, Susan M.D. Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
- "Vaginal Dryness". Mayo Clinic Health Resource. 2007
- "Vulvovaginal Symptoms". The Changing Body: Menopause Handbook. www.menopause.org