1. One Out of Two Have Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness is a common problem in women after menopause. In fact, it is estimated that one out of two women in this age group suffer from this problem. The problem is caused by fluctuating hormone levels, especially reductions in estrogen levels. Vaginal dryness can be uncomfortable, and it can lead to pain during intercourse. People with this problem often avoid sexual intercourse, and this can make the problem even worse. Even though vaginal dryness is common, there are some things that you can do to relieve it.
2. Drink More Water
If you have vaginal dryness, you should drink more water. Try to drink 10 8 oz. glasses of water per day. This simple step can help a lot.
3. Remove the Chemicals
Look at your environment and make a list of chemicals that you are exposed to every day. For example, there are many chemicals in the products you use to bathe and do laundry. Never use products with heavy chemicals or perfumes near the delicate tissues in the area around the vagina.
4. Eat Some Fat
Follow the right diet. We always hear about the dangers of eating too much fat, but eating too little fat isn't good either, especially if you are prone to vaginal dryness. For example, don't follow a low-fat, high carbohydrate diet because it won't give your body the fats it needs to make sex hormones. For example, estrogen is made from cholesterol, so if your diet is too low in fat your estrogen levels will also be low. Flax seed and soy are good additions to your diet if you have vaginal dryness. Even if your diet is good, you might want to take a multivitamin and mineral supplement. This will help fill in the gaps in your diet.
5. Try Phytotherapy
Personal lubricants can give you some relief from irritation and dryness. Vitamin E vaginal suppositories have been found to be helpful. Phytotherapy, the use of herbal supplements to restore balance to the body, can also be helpful. Some herbs that have been found to help with vaginal dryness and other menopausal symptoms include black cohosh, red clover, a plant that is phytoestrogen-rich, chaste tree, which mimics the actions of the hormone progesterone, kudzu, a member of the pea family that contains protective phytochemicals, and soy, which contains phytoestrogens and is especially effective for treating vaginal dryness.
