Daily vaginal dryness typically starts occurring during menopause due to hormone fluctuations, but can occur in women of any age, according to MayoClinic.com. Decreased estrogen levels, various medications and douching can all lead to a lack of moisture in the vagina, but there are remedies that can help increase lubrication.
Vaginal Estrogen Therapy
According to MayoClinic.com, topical estrogen is more effective than oral estrogen replacements in treating vaginal dryness. The amount of estrogen that gets into the blood is minimal, but topical estrogen does not lower testosterone levels, which can also contribute to vaginal dryness. There are three forms of vaginal estrogen: a cream, a ring and a tablet. Estrace and Premarin are common vaginal estrogen creams, and are inserted into the vagina with an applicator. The dosing schedule can vary for each woman. The vaginal estrogen ring, Estring, is a flexible ring that is inserted into the upper part of the vagina and is replaced approximately every three months. It works by continuously releasing estrogen into the vagina, helping to relieve vaginal dryness. Vagifem is the vaginal estrogen tablet; it is inserted into the vagina. Similar to the creams, dosing regimens can vary.
Lubricants and Moisturizers
Daily vaginal dryness can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or painful, but there are products that can help remedy the problem and help make intercourse more pleasurable. Lubricants like Astroglide or K-Y provide vaginal lubrication for several hours, and you apply it to the inside of the opening of the vagina. MayoClinic.com also mentions vaginal moisturizers, which can provide relief from vaginal dryness for several days at a time following a single application. These moisturizers include Replens and Lubrin, and act by imitating natural vaginal lubrication.
Dietary Changes and Stress
There are some natural ways to help restore vaginal lubrication, and according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, adding certain foods into your diet may be the answer. Soy-based products have high levels of soy isoflavones that can weakly mimic naturally occurring estrogen. The ideal amount of soy products in a diet is unknown, but adding soy-based foods like edamame, soy milk and tofu may help with vaginal dryness.
High levels of emotional stress can also contribute to vaginal dryness, says womentowomen.com. Chronic stress can decrease androgen hormone levels, which can lead to lack of adequate lubrication. Taking time for yourself, adjusting your schedule to lower stress and paying attention to your body's needs can all help lower chronic stress and balance hormone levels.
