Despite the fact that no woman wants it, it is still part of almost everyone's life - vaginal dryness remains the enemy number one when it comes to sexual pleasure and genital health. To provide a brief overview, this condition can cause itching, but it can also make sex painful because the vaginal walls lack the natural lubrication required to make friction comfortable.
There are several causes for the lack of natural lubrication, the most common of which is menopause, but there are a few others.
Throughout their lives, women experience many hormonal fluctuations, which can eventually lead to vaginal dryness. Thus, menopause is not the only time when this condition can appear, and it is not limited to women over 50 who experience a significant drop in estrogen levels.
So, what's the secret behind this condition that can cause such chaos in women 's lives all over the world, and what can you do to fight it naturally?
Why It Happens
As mentioned before, vaginal dryness is often related to strong hormonal imbalances. Thus, as a result of the changes in the body, it can appear before or after the menstrual cycle. But these hormonal imbalances are not the only reason behind the lack of natural lubrication.
And menopause is not a universal answer either, despite the fact that more than half of menopausal women face vaginal dryness, according to studies conducted by the National Library of Medicine.
❗ In general, women do not talk about this issue, and medical consultations are also viewed with shame. Failure to address and treat it can have serious consequences, ranging from anxiety and lack of sexual desire to infections and urogenital tract dysfunctions.
In addition to hormonal imbalances and a decrease in estrogen levels in the body, there are several other causes of vaginal dryness, some of which are more serious than others:
- Dehydration: Because the body is 70% water, no one can deny the critical importance of hydration for a healthy life. Vaginal dryness can be caused by a lack of fluid intake, among other things. In this case, women can use a water-based lubricant in addition to attempting to achieve a healthy daily water consumption.
- Vasoconstriction: In some cases, the reasons are far more serious, and the consequences far more severe. Lack of lubrication can be caused by a significant decrease in blood flow to the vaginal walls, which can be caused by cancer treatment, aging, and abnormal metabolic pathologies such as diabetes.
- Psychological Factors and Stress: Although it is frequently treated superficially, stress can have serious health consequences, including vaginal health and libido. Other psychological factors, such as anxiety, can also reduce natural lubrication and, by extension, sexual desire.
The Most Common Symptoms
Even though it appears to be an easy-to-identify condition, vaginal dryness can manifest in a variety of ways, and symptoms differ from woman to woman, sometimes depending on the underlying causes.
It is critical to know what symptoms to look for in order to detect vaginal dryness in time and take the necessary treatment measures.
The following are the most common symptoms of vaginal dryness:
- Itching and burning sensations in the vaginal area;
- Pain and discomfort during sex, resulting in a significant decrease in libido;
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse;
- Urinary tract infections on a regular basis;
- Lack of thirst, particularly in menopausal women;
- Low blood pressure.
Vitamins to Combat Dryness
Prevention is still the best way to avoid vaginal dryness, and this can only be accomplished through regular vaginal PH and microbiota checks. However, if you missed the window of opportunity for prevention, these vitamins and natural supplements may be a viable option for treating this condition.
Even so, we recommend consulting with a gynaecologist before taking any vitamins or supplements.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is required for the development of the mucous membrane. Furthermore, it promotes collagen production, which improves the ability of cells to produce lubrication. Despite the obvious benefits of vitamin A, excessive consumption can lead to liver problems. As a result, it is critical to keep track of the recommended dose and consult with a doctor.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E can fight illness by acting as an antioxidant. Studies show that suppositories containing vitamin E can help with vaginal dryness. Moreover, in the case of cancer patients, a combination of vitamin E, vitamin D, and hyaluronic acid were shown to significantly improve vaginal health. Until now, vitamin E's benefits have only been demonstrated in the form of suppositories.
However, high doses of vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding by interfering with the ability of the blood to clot.
Vitamin D
In general, vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is valued for its role in bone health. It has already been shown to help with vaginal lubrication because it regulates the growth and differentiation of many cells, particularly those lining the stratified squamous epithelium.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is widely recognized for its benefits, particularly in the beauty industry. Best known for its ability to give skin elasticity and slow the aging process, hyaluronic acid can also help with vaginal health and combating vaginal dryness. It is available in several forms, including suppositories, food supplements, and gel.
DHEA Treatment
The body produces naturally dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone that aids in the production of estrogen. However, as we age, the amount of DHEA naturally produced by the body decreases, and with it, the level of estrogen, which is one of the main causes of vaginal dryness. This is why DHEA supplements are commonly included in doctor-recommended treatments.
Fish Oil or Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil supplements are frequently used to increase the number of healthy fats in the body. According to new studies, the same supplements may also be beneficial for vaginal health by reducing the sensation of vaginal dryness. This is because these healthy fats aid in the increase of estrogen levels.
Wrapping Up!
Vaginal dryness should not be labeled as embarrassing because it affects a large number of women worldwide, and the causes of its occurrence range from stress and the onset of menopause to cancer and other disease treatments.
Given the prevalence of vaginal dryness among women, numerous studies on vitamins and supplements that can help reduce and possibly eliminate dryness have been conducted. However, a doctor consultation is recommended before deciding on the supplements and vitamins you will take.