Rarely talked about but commonly experienced by many women: vaginal dryness. Discomfort surrounding the terms “moist”, “wet”, and “lube” have resulted in the silencing of any relevant discussion for decades – it’s about time we open the conversation about the causes, effects, and natural solutions to vaginal dryness. There are many natural remedies for vaginal dryness including moisturizers and lubricants, vaginal suppositories and regular sexual activity.
Let’s start with the basics: Typically, a thin layer of moisture coats the walls of the vagina. The female hormone estrogen is responsible for this lubrication, so when estrogen levels decrease, vaginal dryness tends to occur. While menopause is a primary cause of the dryness due to the drop in estrogen production, other causes include breastfeeding, stress, childbirth, immune system disorders, and smoking.
For some, this dryness may not be a big deal, for others it can result in many unwanted changes. It can cause pain and discomfort during sex – along with burning, light bleeding post-sex, soreness, urinary tract infections, and itching. These symptoms are sometimes experienced in the years leading up to menopause, but can also come into effect after several years into menopause.
Natural remedies for Menopause Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal Moisturizers & Lubricants
Doctors recommend over the counter vaginal moisturizers and water-based lubricants which can be applied to the vagina. Lubricants are best used for sex as they reduce friction by creating a slipperier surface. Vaginal moisturizers are designed specifically for this sensitive area of the body and is created to hydrate the vagina for a longer period. Using a vaginal moisturizer every few days can help keep your vagina moist and relieve vaginal dryness symptoms.
Vaginal Suppositories
Vaginal Suppositories have long been used as an efficient and effective way to bring medicine to your body. Suppositories with cannabis might be the best natural solution to ease the discomfort of vaginal dryness and get your sex life back on track. When cannabinoids (CBD and THC) are included in a vaginal suppository, they encourage blood flow right to the vaginal tissues. Additionally, cannabis can relax muscles and fight inflammation in these tissues (more on that here). The bonus of using a vaginal suppository with THC and CBD, is that you benefit from the cannabis without a typical head high.
Black Cohosh Root
Many people have experieneced an improved sexual life from using black cohosh root. This and other menopause teas may be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms.
Regular Sexual Activity
As mentioned, menopause and vaginal dryness tend to complicate sex life. Libido might plummet as a result of vaginal dryness, but the good news is that there are ways to address these challenges. Evidence even shows that women who have sex more tend to experience less vaginal atrophy – so the question is where do we start?
Regardless of the approach a woman takes to address her vaginal dryness, the important thing is that she doesn’t settle. There are so many variables that cause this dryness, so it’s important that women consider a multitude of solutions when it comes to feeling like themselves again. Fortunately, we’re in a time where we have more resources available to learn about menopause.
by Brooke Kenerson
