Women face unique health issues, and vaginal dryness may be one of them. This can occur as a result of the lack of estrogen during menopause, but it can also occur because of medical conditions or medications. Some women find herbs effective for relieving ailments, while others may not. Before using herbs to treat either vaginal dryness or a feminine problem, it is best to see your health care provider for an accurate diagnosis and ask her whether it is safe for you to use an herbal treatment.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh has been used for rheumatism, but it may also be used to relieve hot flashes, vaginal dryness and night sweats during menopause. The stems and roots of the plant can be consumed in teas, tablets or tinctures. People should not take black cohosh if they have liver disease, as this herb has been found to have negative effects on the liver. Pregnant and nursing women should not take black cohosh because this herb can affect the menstrual cycle and has been used to induce labor. Before using black cohosh for vaginal dryness, it is best to consult your health care provider to ensure it will not interfere with any medications you take or conditions you may have.
Wild Yam
Wild yam, which is different than sweet potato yam, is an herb that has been used for centuries for various aspects of women's health. In the 1950's, scientists found that wild yam roots contain a phytoestrogen called diosgenin that gets converted into the hormone called progesterone. Although medical studies on this herb are mixed and have not officially found benefit for menopausal symptoms, herbalists use this supplement to help treat menstrual cramps, inflammation, pregnancy-related nausea and symptoms of menopause. This herb may interact with birth control pills, so it is important to talk with your health care provider about possible side effects.
Soy
Soy is a plant from the pea family that contains soybeans, which have isoflavones. They are plant chemicals that are similar to the hormone estrogen. Soy supplements are available in tablet or capsule form, and soy can be added to foods. Vaginal dryness is usually due to lack of estrogen, and it is thought that consuming soy products may improve symptoms that occur from lack of estrogen. Studies on the effectiveness of soy in treating menopausal symptoms are inconclusive, and thus more research needs to be done. This supplement is typically safe for short-term use, but long-term use has not been evaluated for safety. Women who have had a hormone-related cancer like breast cancer or certain medical conditions should ask a health care provider if it is safe to use soy before consuming this supplement.
Dong Quai
Dong quai, also known as Chinese Angelica, has been used to treat women's health problems, including pelvic pain and menstrual cramps. It has also been used with headaches, inflammation, nerve pain and high blood pressure. Studies on dong quai's effectiveness for treating medical conditions have been mixed and better quality research needs to be done. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is not known whether dong quai affects estrogen or hormones. Women should consult their health care provider before using this herb.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Black cohosh
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Wild yam
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vaginal dryness alternative treatments
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Soy
- Mayo Clinic: Dong quai: Safety
- Mayo Clinic: Dong quai
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