Vaginal dryness is a condition that can affect the physical and the sexual health in your life. The dryness can lead to irritation that can cause tissue breakdown and infection and the lack of lubrication can cause intimacy to be uncomfortably painful. Over the last decade the treatment of choice for these symptoms has been topical or tablet forms of estrogen. They have proved beneficial in reducing symptoms but raised concerns over potential problems with your heart. This has led to a search for alternative sources of relief. At the center of this search are bioflavonoids, which are readily available from fruits and vegetables.
The Vagina
The vagina is a hollow space that is lined by walls consisting of three layers and measures an average of 7 centimeters. The cervix is at the apex of the vagina and is the entrance to the uterus. Bartholin's glands are near the outside of the vagina at the 5 and 7 o'clock positions. Both the cervix and Bartholin's glands secrete fluid that aids in vaginal lubrication.
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness and irritation can be caused by infections, a foreign body, tumors and hormone imbalances. A common cause of vaginal dryness is atrophic vaginitis. This condition is caused by a decrease of estrogen that normally maintains both the tissue quality of the vagina and the acidic pH that prevents infections. Although the condition is typical in post-menopausal women, there are other conditions that can temporarily disrupt estrogen levels in women. Girls before the onset of their first menstrual cycle and women who are breast-feeding can experience this and have symptomatic vaginal dryness.
Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are found in fruits and vegetables and impart their smell, taste and color. They can be found in berries, green tea, chocolate, broccoli, grapes, apples and legumes, while the richest concentration occurs in soybeans and soy products. These isoflavones have been found to possess chemical properties that mimic estrogen in the body. In addition to their use in estrogen-depleted conditions, they may be beneficial in treating or preventing diabetes, osteoporosis and diseases of the nervous system. The average intake of flavonoids among Americans is estimated to be between 10 and 100 milligrams per day but the ideal treatment doses have not been determined.
Treatment of Vaginal Dryness With Bioflavonoids
Research into flavonoids has focused on menopausal symptoms that include vaginal dryness. The data show conflicting results with some studies demonstrating improvement while others indicate no measurable differences. One problem stems from a lack of standard doses of these compounds since the potency can differ between plant sources and even crops of the same plant. A study using isoflavones from red clover demonstrated no effect at 40 milligrams; however, at a dose of 80 milligrams a 44 percent reduction in symptoms was reported. It is encouraging to note that the data also show a beneficial effect on bone density and that, as is not the case with pure estrogen therapy, there is a lack of adverse effects on breast tissue. You can discuss your symptoms with a physician to rule out serious causes of vaginal dryness, and review risk factors and treatment options.
References
- "Williams Gynecology"; JO Schorge et al.; 2010
- National Institutes of Health Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
- "Current Diagnosis & Treatment Obstetrics & Gynecology"; AH De Cherney et al.; 2006
- Oregon State University Micronutrient Information Center
- Breast Cancer Research Isoflavones and Women's Health
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Robert M Russell et al.; 2008
