Natural Ways to Diminish Vaginal Dryness

 

Vaginal dryness results from a lack of natural lubrication inside the vagina. It commonly results from low estrogen levels in the body. Estrogen is the hormone responsible for maintaining your vagina's health, including its lubrication and elasticity. This hormonal deficiency can result from several different causes, including childbirth, breastfeeding, menopause or periomenopause, or cigarette smoking. You can treat this problem naturally several ways.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is an herb often associated with menopause and its symptoms, including vaginal dryness. It has been shown in medical studies to be effective in treating these symptoms and is approved for use in treating these symptoms by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Black cohosh can be taken on its own; take 40mg to 80mg of the dried herb daily. You can also take a tincture in doses of 2mL to 4mL three times daily. Mix the tincture into water or tea.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil is considered one of the best natural ways to boost lubrication and eliminate dryness in the vagina. It's used as a suppository placed directly in the vagina and can help restore proper function in the vagina, as well as restore thin vaginal tissue. Vitamin E suppositories can be bought at many places where feminine products are sold. They require no prescription.

Drink Plenty of Water

Mucous membranes rely on your body's hydration to remain healthy and moist. Drinking water helps achieve this, but other popular drinks--such as carbonated beverages containing caffeine and alcoholic beverages--can have a negative effect on your body's hydration. According to WomenToWomen.com, females who are menopausal or periomenopausal may struggle to cleanse the body of alcohol and caffeine, which can also compound vaginal dryness problems. Active.com recommends drinking eight 8-oz. glasses of water every day.

Products to Avoid

The Mayo Clinic advises people with vaginal dryness to be wary of certain products that can cause or exacerbate vaginal dryness. In some cases, a particular product can cause the dryness. Stay away from vinegar, yogurt or other douches used to clean the vagina; this can wash away the natural lubrication. You should also keep hand lotions, soaps and bubble baths away from your vagina while combating dryness.