Vaginal dryness can have numerous causes, including infections, a host of chronic dry skin conditions and low amounts of the hormone estrogen, which typically occurs as a result of menopause. Only a qualified physician can determine exactly what is causing your vaginal dryness issue, but if it is not found to be related to a serious underlying condition, it may be effectively treatable through the use of vitamins and herbal supplements.
Soy
According to the National Institutes of Heath, soybeans and other soy-based foods contain botanical compounds called isoflavones, which affect the body in a similar way to estrogen, though not as potently. If you or your physician have determined that your vaginal dryness is related to low estrogen levels, increasing the amount of soy products in your diet may be helpful. Soy-based foods include soybeans, tofu and soy milk. There are also several frozen meat substitutes that include soy and are made to resemble and taste like hamburgers, chicken nuggets, ribs and other proteins.
Vitamin E
In "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide" by Burton Goldberg, Larry Trivieri and John W. Anderson, the authors recommend Vitamin E for relief of vaginal dryness. This can be taken simultaneously as an oral supplement and applied to the vaginal skin in its oil-based form, and is recommended in conjunction with an estrogen vaginal cream. If you do not wish to take Vitamin E orally in a capsule form, the National Institutes of Health recommends rich dietary sources including wheat germ, almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts and peanut butter.
Black Cohosh
The National Institutes of Health also identifies black cohosh as an herb sold and used for relief from menopause symptoms, including vaginal dryness, but notes that clinical trials have yet to verify these effects. It does note, however, that preliminary evidence is encouraging, and that several clinical studies are underway. Black cohosh is a plant from the buttercup family, and its roots are used in various medicinal preparations. Studies have shown low incidences of side effects, but those who have reported side effects most commonly complain of headaches and stomach discomfort.
Essential Fatty Acids
According to "Menopause Without Medicine" by Linda Ojeda, essential fatty acids must come from sources outside the body and are partially responsible for keeping all of the body's tissues internally moist and lubricated. The two categories of essential fatty acids are linoleic acid and linolenic acid, and both are available as supplements in capsule or tablet forms. They can also be consumed via the diet; linoleic acid is highest in seeds from flax, pumpkin, sunflower and sesame, and linolenic acid can be found in oily fish like salmon, mackerel and trout.
