Vaginal dryness is a common issue that many women experience at some point in their lives. The pain from vaginal dryness can disrupt your sex life and relationship. In this article, we will explore vaginal dryness from a naturopathic perspective, focusing on holistic remedies, lifestyle changes, and herbal supplements that may help alleviate symptoms and promote vaginal health.
Understanding Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness, or vaginal atrophy, occurs when the vaginal tissue becomes thin, dry, and less lubricated. The tissue becomes sensitive and causes pain when there is friction, even from something minimal like walking. It often results from hormonal changes, particularly a decrease in estrogen levels. Vaginal dryness can lead to symptoms such as itching, burning, pain during intercourse, and a heightened risk of urinary tract infections.
An unhealthy lifestyle that includes not getting enough quality sleep, eating a poor diet, smoking and being exposed to a lot of stress can also contribute to vaginal dryness.
What causes vaginal dryness?
Many conditions and medications can cause vaginal dryness. Some of them are:
Menopause
Birth control pills
Anti-depressants
Antihistamines
Smoking
Diabetes
Blood pressure medication
Dehydration
Sjogren’s syndrome
Eczema
Lichen planus and lichen sclerosus
PH imbalance
Thyroid issues
The Naturopathic Approach
In order for your body to heal for good, you need to address the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the body's innate ability to heal itself when given the right conditions. When it comes to vaginal dryness, a naturopathic perspective seeks to balance hormones, improve overall well-being, and enhance vaginal health naturally.
Hormone Balancing Herbs
- Horny goat weed is a powerful herb that increases blood flow, enhances mood, and relieves menopausal symptoms including vaginal dryness. This combination of effects can help you feel more comfortable and enjoy a more active sex life.
- Ginkgo biloba is another herb that has been studied for sexual dysfunction including vaginal dryness. It has been found to be effective even for menopausal women because it increases blood flow and relaxes muscle tissue.
A combination of these herbs and others are found in our IGNITE-SX FOR HER formula.
Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and fish oil can help maintain healthy vaginal tissues and increase lubrication. These essential fats may improve moisture levels and reduce inflammation, potentially reducing vaginal discomfort.
Hydration
Proper hydration is essential for overall health and can help maintain vaginal moisture. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re eating high sodium food.
Diet
Eat foods rich in healthy fats, such as avocados and nuts.
Probiotics
Maintaining a healthy balance of vaginal flora is crucial for vaginal health. Probiotic supplements containing strains like Lactobacillus can help support a balanced vaginal microbiome and reduce the risk of infections.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Kegel exercises are a great approach to improving pelvic floor strength. These exercises can increase blood flow to the vaginal area and promote better muscle tone, potentially reducing discomfort during intercourse.
Stress Management
Stress can disrupt hormonal balance, contributing to vaginal dryness. If you're stressed over a long period of time, you can develop adrenal fatigue. This can lead to thyroid issues, weaker immune system, and many other issues. For some people stress has become a normal part of life, but there are effective ways to manage it.
Natural Oils
Some women can experience vaginal dryness but are able to lubricate when they are aroused. If you’re not naturally lubricated when you're aroused, you can use an external solution.
Virgin coconut oil and jojoba oil are natural lubricants that can provide relief from vaginal dryness during sexual activity. It's important to note that coconut oil should not be used with latex condoms, as it can weaken them.
Zinc
Deficiency in zinc can speed up the aging of the vagina. Make sure you’re getting enough zinc in your diet or consider taking zinc supplements. Pumpkin seeds, eggs, and fish are great sources of zinc.
Vaginal dryness can be a distressing and uncomfortable condition, but a naturopathic approach offers a range of holistic solutions that focus on promoting overall health and hormonal balance. By incorporating herbal remedies, dietary changes, stress management techniques, and other natural approaches, you can work towards relieving your symptoms and enhancing your vaginal health.