Vaginal dryness is the loss of moisture and softness that usually characterizes the lining of the vagina. While women of different ages suffer from vaginal dryness, it is most commonly experienced as a result of hormone imbalance in menopausal women.
There are remedies available that can help ease this uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing symptom of menopause. Read on to learn more about what causes vaginal dryness and how to treat it.
What Are the Best Vaginal Dryness Remedies?
Vaginal dryness is usually a result of the reduced estrogen levels that menopause brings, so the most effective remedies are those that aim to restore hormonal balance. Ways to improve vaginal dryness include both lifestyle adjustments and medicines.
Increase your water consumption
It's important to be vigilant about hydration. Consuming the equivalent of eight glasses of water per day is necessary to avoid dehydration, which can exacerbate vaginal dryness.
Be aware of irritants in the products you use
Review the list of ingredients for your bath and laundry products, as many contain compounds - such as fragrances or colorants - that can irritate skin and the vaginal wall.
Follow a hormone-balancing diet
Your body needs all the support it can get to help balance hormone levels, especially through nutrition. The estrogen levels required for vaginal lubrication depend partially on cholesterol, something that many women on a low-fat diet may be missing. Soy and flaxseed are also good sources of phytoestrogens, which can help replenish estrogen levels.
Herbal supplements
Every woman can benefit from a little help in maintaining a healthy diet, no matter how disciplined she is. Sometimes, the body needs some additional support to aid hormone production. There are herbal supplements that can help women maintain a healthy balance of hormones during menopause.
Lubricants
It's also possible to get immediate relief from vaginal dryness through the use of lubricants. This may be worth trying in conjunction with improved hydration, nutrition, and endocrine support. There is a variety of lubricating products available that are safe to use on this sensitive area of the body.
Hormonal therapies
Medication called hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be considered as a last resort when vaginal dryness is severe. Doctors may also suggest this solution to resolve other problems associated with hormone imbalance. Isoflavone supplements may also help some women manage vaginal dryness.
These are broad outlines of steps that can be taken to remedy vaginal dryness. Click on the following link for more details on the remedies for vaginal dryness.
Sources
- Love, S. (2003). Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press.
- National Institutes of Health. (2013). Vaginal dryness: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 25, 2016, from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000892.htm