Natural Treatments for Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness is a common menopause symptom experienced by women going through menopause. Other changes in the vagina that occurs during menopause is vaginal itching (associated with dryness) and discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Vaginal dryness occurs because of decreased estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause. Estrogen plays an important role in vaginal health to keep the vagina moisturized, lubricated and supple and therefore preventing vaginal dryness and itching.

Although menopause can cause vaginal dryness, there may be other causes of vaginal symptoms not related to menopause. These are:

• vaginitis
• bacterial infections
• fungal infections
• skin diseases
• allergic reaction to soaps and other allergens

It's best to see your physician to be accurately diagnosed that the vaginal symptoms you experience are due to changes in hormonal levels during menopause.

Vaginal dryness can be treated naturally. These natural treatments are particularly useful when you can't or choose not to use hormone treatments. Natural treatments include:

• Saw palmetto
• Vitamin E
• Water-based lubricants

Vitamin E and water-based lubricants can be added to hormone treatments. Caution should be used when combining saw palmetto and hormone treatments, we strongly recommend speaking to your physician before using saw palmetto and hormone replacement therapy together.

Additional drug free management techniques can also be employed to combat for vaginal dryness and atrophy. Try these techniques:

• Remain sexually active to preserve elasticity of your vagina.
• Perform Kegel exercises daily to strengthen the muscles of your vagina and pelvis.
• Use water-based lubricants during sexual intercourse.