Supplements To Take For Atrophic Vaginitis

Atrophic vaginitis may take the form of vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal walls. It is most often seen in women with lowered levels of estrogen during menopause. Younger women can also experience symptoms, especially if they have reduced levels of estrogen due to taking medications, chemotherapy or hormone treatments to suppress breast cancer. Certain natural supplements may help reduce dryness and strengthen delicate vaginal tissues, making them more supple. Consult your health practitioner before starting new treatments to ensure they are right for you.

Symptoms

Women suffering from atrophic vaginitis may experience burning, itching and bleeding after intercourse due to thinning vaginal walls. Intercourse may be painful and some women may develop vaginal infections due to irritation to the vaginal tissues.

Preventatives

If you have reduced estrogen levels and are experiencing vaginal dryness or other symptoms of atrophic vaginitis, there are a few things you can do preventatively to protect yourself. Avoid scented soaps, detergents and feminine products, including bath powders. Wear cotton undergarments and stop douching, which dries out the vaginal tissues. Ask your doctor if any of your medications might contribute to aggravating your condition and change medicines. Stop smoking cigarettes, which also contributes to drying out tissues.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed and flaxseed oil contain phyto-estrogens called lignans, natural compounds found in plants that mimic the action of estrogen on the body. These nutrients may relieve menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. There is not enough research to indicate whether the estrogenic effects of flaxseed might increase breast cancer risk in women who are estrogen-sensitive. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises using flaxseed as a food rather than taking supplements. Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil should not be cooked or heated in any way as heat damages the active ingredients. Grind fresh flaxseeds in a coffee or spice grinder just before using them for maximum benefit.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids strengthen the cardio vasucular system and lower the risk of heart disease. Along with increasing elasticity of arterial walls, fatty acids strengthen the vaginal lining, increasing its suppleness, according to, "The Natural Menopause Handbook." Omega-3 fatty acids are most commonly available in fish, and eating at least two servings of fatty fish every week may be helpful in reducing atrophic vaginitis. The fish that have the highest content of fatty acids are salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel and tuna; however, tuna is high in mercury, so limit your intake to one portion a week at most.

Homeopathic Sepia

Although not technically considered a supplement, the homeopathic remedy Sepia is indicated for women suffering from vaginal dryness and other symptoms of atrophic vaginitis, according to homeopath Dr. William Boericke in the book "Materia Medica and Repertory." Sepia not only may offer relief for dryness of the tissues, but may also be helpful in those women experiencing prolapse of the uterus, vagina and bladder, notes Boericke. The women may feel a bearing-down sensation as though everything is falling out. Sepia may also be helpful for women with lowered estrogen levels who experience hot flashes and severe depression and mood changes, which are concomitant to some cases of atrophic vaginitis. Homeopathic remedies are available over the counter without a prescription. Consult a homeopath or other health practitioner familiar with using Sepia to be sure it is the right remedy for your condition.