3 Natural Remedies for Menopause Vaginal Dryness

Menopause vaginal dryness is more common than most women realize. At least half of all women age 51 to 60 experience this uncomfortable condition. More women deal with vaginal dryness than bladder or yeast infections!

Research indicates that both women and their doctors hesitate to broach the subject. For example, the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) found that more than half of all women surveyed said they felt uncomfortable discussing the problem with their physicians. Meanwhile, fewer than 40 percent of doctors said they raise the subject with their female patients of perimenopausal age.

Why is menopause vaginal dryness uncomfortable?

Menopause dryness does more than cause painful sex. To understand why, all we need to do is look at the science behind how women’s bodies work.

Natural feminine moisture is produced by glands located in the back of the vagina. The technical term for them is the Bartholin’s glands. They’re positioned one on each side of the vaginal opening and play an important role. They clean vaginal tissue, remove dead cells, keep the vagina healthy, and prevent infection.

When the glands don’t produce enough lubrication, vaginal tissue easily becomes irritated and more prone to infection. Having sex certainly increases those risks.

Even choices as common as wearing jeans, pantyhose, or lingerie can (literally) rub you the wrong way down there. And if vaginal dryness turns into inflammation and infection, then normal bodily functions like urinating or just sitting down can become nothing short of torturous.

Can natural remedies relieve menopause vaginal dryness?

There are a lot of prescription medications that can combat vaginal dryness. Unfortunately, some of them can cause more problems than they fix, so many women prefer natural alternatives. Herbal, naturopathic remedies don’t work by making your body produce more natural lubrication. Instead, they replace what is lost to keep you feeling comfortable.

Think of it this way. Do you know how fabulous a luxurious facial moisturizer feels when your face is dry and irritated? That’s because it temporarily smooths and softens your skin and can even help diminish fine lines and wrinkles. As soon as you stop using it, your skin looks drab and dry again.

Natural remedies relieve vaginal dryness in much the same way. They provide lasting comfort for many hours, but you must commit to using them regularly for the best results.

Are there natural remedies for menopause vaginal dryness?

Women have lots of options when it comes to finding natural remedies for menopause vaginal dryness. If you’re unsure where to start, here are 3 all-natural solutions to consider.

1.      Acupuncture -- Some research shows promising results for women who use acupuncture to help with vaginal dryness and irritation. Acupuncture is the theory that all health problems indicate an overall body imbalance (yin/yang). Restoring the balance aids in the return of natural moisture production.

Acupuncture is not a quick fix for vaginal dryness. If you plan to try it, you must commit to it long-term for the best results.

2.      Over-the-counter vaginal moisturizing creams -- These are a go-to for many women because they are inexpensive, easy to buy, and work well. But beware: creams are not all created equally. Watch out for any that are water-based because they contain alcohol.

They may feel good at first, but the alcohol causes them to dry out quickly, leaving you feeling dry and irritated again. Sometimes they make the dryness and irritation worse, and who needs that?

Glycerin is another ingredient to avoid because it can promote yeast growth – an obvious no-no for women with a history of yeast infection.

You’re better off choosing an oil-based product that’s alcohol- and glycerin-free like Crème de la Femme. Created by a woman doctor, it’s paraben-free, hormone-free, and offers all-day relief. Best of all, it protects your delicate vaginal tissue from irritation and infection.

3.      Sea Buckthorn -- Sea Buckthorn has gained a lot of attention recently. Research supports its effectiveness in the treatment of menopause vaginal dryness and atrophy. The recommended dosage is 2 capsules twice daily for a few months to help restore natural moisture production. 

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