Overcoming Menopausal Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness during perimenopause and menopause is one of the most common concerns associated with 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.
Remedies 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. Another medical option is to smear the vagina with oestrogen creams 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 alternative remedies to alleviate vaginal dryness. Since declining oestrogen levels are responsible for vaginal dryness, the first supplement that many women should consider would be a safe hormone-mimicking supplement such as Sage Complex by VH. 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 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 that helps many women in the alleviation of vaginal dryness. Sea Buckthorn oil contains beta carotene, trace minerals, omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids and additionally is 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 not only promotes healthy regeneration of these membranes but also provides nutrients essential for the proper functioning of 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.
Many vaginal lubricants available widely in chemists and supermarkets tend to have petroleum derivatives, colours, fragrances, preservatives and may disturb the pH levels in the vagina making it more susceptible to bacteria and yeast infections. The Yes Yes Company’s provides some of the best lubricants for menopause dryness vaginal with certified organic ingredients that help target vaginal dryness without parabens and chemicals that potentially could be absorbed through the skin lining the vagina.
Finally, consider the use of a pH balanced feminine wash. Many of these feminine washes 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.
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