Having problems with vaginal dryness during menopause, but don’t want to risk your health by trying out potentially irritating creams or gels? If so, rest assured that there are several different natural treatments for menopause vaginal dryness.
Causes of vaginal dryness during menopause
Since vaginal dryness, also known as atrophic vaginitis, can have two distinctly different causes, it’s important to know what’s causing yours before you start looking for a treatment. The most common cause of vaginal dryness is a decline in progesterone production, which can lead to weakening, thinning and drying of the vaginal wall. A hormone-related decline in libido can also be responsible.
If you suspect this is the cause of your vaginal dryness, make sure it’s really menopause related.
It could be bacterial vaginitis or a yeast infection. It’s especially important keep watch for these conditions at menopause because dryness reduces the number of friendly bacteria in the area, leaving you more vulnerable to infections.
Another cause of vaginal dryness during menopause is depression and stress. When you’re feeling down or exhausted, you’re not likely to be in the mood, so your body just isn’t going to respond as well as it would under better circumstances.
The fact is, though, these two factors are often combined. Vaginal dryness can make intercourse uncomfortable if not downright painful. This alone can kill your libido, which in turn leads to even more dryness.
Vaginal dryness treatment
There are several different ways to go about treating vaginal dryness during menopause. The simplest is one you may not have thought about: drink more water. You may need to make a conscious effort to do this, but it really can help. Another thing to consider if you follow a low-fat diet is to get more fat. Yes, you read that right. The oooooestrogen needed for vaginal lubrication is made from cholesterol, so you do need a certain amount of fat in your diet. The nutrients are vitamin E and magnesium are also important for vaginal health.
Home remedy for vaginal dryness during menopause
Once you’ve got your diet in order, you may want to try out some herbal remedies for menopausal dryness. Black cohosh and red clover are commonly recommended, especially if you also suffer from hot flushes. If you think your dryness is the result of stress or diminished libido, try chasteberry, wild yam, or passionflower, herbs which mimic the hormone progesterone. The only problem with these treatments is that they need time to take effect, so you may want use something else in the meantime.
Natural product for vaginal dryness
Many women find using a personal lubricant to be the best option for instant lubrication. While there are quite a few on the market, look for natural products based on water and vegetable glycerin with botanicals added to create the same pH level as in the vaginal area. These are far less irritating than the chemical-laden varieties. Another option is a natural progesterone cream, which is usually made from phytoestrogens (plant oestrogen).
Fortunately, treating minor vaginal dryness during menopause isn’t too difficult. You may find drinking more water and adding a little fat and the right herbs to your diet solves the problem. If not, though, a commercial product like a personal lubricant or progesterone cream might be for you.
Vaginal Dryness During Menopause