During menopause, vaginal dryness is one of the most common concerns due to declining female sex hormones. It is estimated that one in four women experience vaginal dryness during menopause and typical symptoms include itching, painful intercourse as well as urinary discomfort. Not just confined during menopause, vaginal dryness can occur several years before the onset of menopause and for many well beyond menopause.

Glands located near the neck of the womb are responsible for producing a fluid that keeps the skin and tissues in the vagina moist and supple. The production of this fluid is directly dependant on the levels of oestrogen within the body and declining levels of oestrogen during menopause lead to vaginal dryness. Declining oestrogen levels are also responsible for the thinning and inflammation of the walls lining the vagina making them weak and vulnerable to both bacterial and fungal infections. To make matters worse, some women may also experience pain in the pelvic region as blood circulation decreases with declining oestrogen levels. For some women, the weakness in the walls of the vagina and the muscles surrounding it may also result in a problem of incontinence. All these problems can make life very difficult, depressing and debilitating.

How to treat vaginal dryness

Most doctors will prescribe oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the form of estrogen for vaginal dryness. This helps many women in alleviating this concern however these medications are not without risks and side effects. Another medical option is to use, during menopause, vaginal creams containing oestrogen which are considered a safer option than oral HRT since these work locally and do not spread into the body. Unfortunately these are also not without risk and the common advice given is to use these creams infrequently or as little as possible.

It is for these reasons that many women seek over-the-counter treatments to alleviate vaginal dryness including supplements and intimate lubricants. Since declining oestrogen levels are responsible for vaginal dryness, the best supplement for vaginal dryness that many women should consider would be a safe hormone-mimicking supplement such as DoSe Sage Complex. Many traditional herbs such as dong quai, hops and sage leaf are known to contain phytoestrogens, which are compounds that chemically possess an activity that is some 1/400 or less than that of human oestrogen. In this way, the herbs in Sage Complex can exert a mild, but positive effect.

A remedy that most women rarely consider is the use of turmeric supplements. Turmeric is one of the most researched supplements in the world. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin which displays potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Both these properties may be invaluable for quenching inflammation in the soft tissues of the body including the vagina. When the glands that produce fluids in the vagina get inflamed, there is a further reduction in the amount of lubricant fluid produced. Unfortunately, the vast majority of turmeric supplements have very low levels of curcumin and are easily degraded by the stomach acids. I recommend the use of DoSe Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex, a supplement which provides the greatest amount of curcumin and curcuminoids that are retained in the body for longer periods of time thereby offering greater potential for calming inflammation in the entire body including the vaginal tissues.

Most people have heard of omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids by way of supplements such as fish oil and evening primrose oil. These are the good fats that your body requires for numerous processes including hormone production. A lack of essential fatty acids in one’s diet would be a contributing factor to vaginal dryness. There is a very specific essential fatty acid derived from sea buckthorn oil which benefits women in alleviating the symptoms of vaginal dryness. Sea Buckthorn oil capsules contain beta carotene, trace minerals, omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids and additionally are the richest source of omega 7 essential fats. Omega 7 essential fatty acids are important structural components of mucous membranes which form the protective lining of internal organs such as the vaginal, digestive and respiratory tracts, as well as the surface of the eyes and mouth. Sea Buckthorn oil benefits women in not only promoting healthy regeneration of these membranes but also provides nutrients to nourish the membranes in the vaginal tract.

In a study conducted by The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Finland, it was concluded that sea buckthorn oil was a natural and effective solution contributing to the health of mucous membranes including where vaginal dryness occurs.

Supplements such as Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn Oil by PharmaNord and Omega-7 Sea Buckthorn Oil capsules by Sibu are good sources of vital omega 7 essential fatty acids, and work as intimate lubricants from within.

There are many vaginal moisturisers and lubricants which are easily obtainable over-the-counter. These intimate lubricants and moisturisers help to hydrate, maintain moisture, and reduce friction and discomfort during intercourse. Some of these vaginal lubricants available tend to have petroleum derivatives, colours, fragrances, and preservatives which may disturb the pH levels in the vagina making it more susceptible to bacterial and yeast infections. Yes personal lubricants are a range of water-based and oil-based intimate lubricants for vaginal dryness containing certified organic ingredients. Yes personal lubricants are free from parabens and chemicals that could be absorbed through the skin lining the vagina. 

Sylk vaginal moisturiser and lubricant, Sylk Bliss, is a gentle, water-based intimate lubricant to relieve dryness and enhance comfort. Sylk Bliss is free from parabens, hormones, and glycerine, and contains plant-based extracts including Ashwagandha and Maca which are adaptogens known to promote relaxation and libido. Sylk lubricant is pH balanced to match the body and suitable for use with condoms. 

Use feminine washes for dryness that are pH balanced. Many of these feminine washes and cleansers tend to strip the delicate area of its natural oils and some contain fragrances that can disturb the balance of the beneficial bacteria that colonise this area. WeTwo's Prescriptive Intimate Wash is a gynaecologist-approved feminine intimate wash which contains Coconut oil, Sweet Almond Oil and Glycerine which all contribute for further support from vaginal dryness without stripping the delicate skin of its natural oils.

Stay hydrated to help maintain moisture in the body, avoid fragranced bathing products, and communicate with your partner to find ways to enhance comfort.

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