How to Treat Vaginal Dryness in Menopause?

Menopause is the end of a woman’s period cycles. A woman is said to be in menopause if she does not get a menstrual cycle for an entire year. It occurs between the ages of 40 to 50. However, some women can get it earlier or later than the specified age. It has been documented that women’s bodies go through massive hormonal changes during menopause, with a particular drop in estrogen and progesterone levels, causing numerous signs, such as vaginal dryness.

Menopause & Vaginal Dryness

The vagina walls are usually coated with a thin layer of moisture, which is emitted by the cells of the vaginal walls and helps sperm prevail and travel. This layer of moisture also helps prevent friction during sex. 

At the point when estrogen production begins to decrease in menopause, vaginal discharge and moisture reduce, increasing the risk of vaginal dryness.

Side effects of vaginal dryness might include:

• Burning, itching, and tingling
• Low sex drive
• Bleeding after sex
• Recurring UTIs

Vaginal dryness is notorious for causing inconvenience and pain during intercourse, and it can negatively impact one’s quality of life. To consult with best gynecologist. 

Reasons for Vaginal Dryness in Menopause

Female hormones fluctuate a lot and this change induces vaginal dryness. It can make the vaginal walls thin and dainty as well. This suggests that only a few cells are capable of producing dampness and their absence causes vaginal dryness. Decreased estrogen levels are the most widely recognized reason for vaginal dryness in menopausal women, and it causes further complications.

In some instances, there have been plenty of women who experienced vaginal dryness before even starting their menopause. This could be because of multiple reasons. Different elements that might cause or add to vaginal dryness include:

• Smoking
• Depression
• High feelings of anxiety
• Immune system issues
• Certain cancer medications 

Medical Treatments 

Vaginal dryness because of menopause can be troublesome and, surprisingly, unbearable. However, there are medicines available, including over-the-counter and prescription. Clinical medication that can be recommended for you include:

Vaginal Estrogen Therapy

It includes:

• Estrogen cream is applied to the vagina or inserted.
• Using of vaginal estradiol tablets.
• Estradiol vaginal ring, which is a ring containing estrogen. It is inserted into the vagina for 90 days.

Doses of Estrogen Therapy

This type of estrogen therapy is usually fused with vaginal creams to get better and more effective results. 

Ospemifene

This medication is prescribed as an oral tablet for vaginal atrophy. 

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

It is a hormone placed inside the vagina to help treat painful intercourse.

You need to get counsel from your gynecologist to ensure the best treatment for yourself. Moreover, if you have a medical history of cancer, you might have to counsel your oncologist before you implement any of the remedies. 

Home Remedies 

Doctors have found that vaginal atrophy can promote vaginal dryness. If you have vaginal atrophy, the following cures can help you to deal with it more effectively: 

• Supplements and herbs
• Diet
• Workout

Likewise, there are OTC lubricants that are widely used by people to avoid painful penetration. Oils like almond oil or coconut oil can also provide relief from any penetration-related uneasiness during sexual intercourse. Regular sexual activities promote blood flow in your vagina resulting in necessary discharges. You can ask your partner for help in this process. 

Before opting for any home remedy for vaginal dryness, you should:

1. Talk with your primary care physician or medical services proficiently.
2. Confirm if your chosen remedy is good for your body or does it has adverse side effects
3. Note that sexual well-being products with herbal or all-natural ingredients are not safe to use on the genital area.

Sex and Vaginal Dryness 

The secretions and moisture of your vagina help to reduce friction during sexual intercourse, making your experience more comfortable and satisfying. For many women, without sufficient lubrication, sex might not be possible. It could also be an unbearable experience for many. During and after menopause, vaginal dryness can lead to changes in your sex life due to the discomfort women feel when having intercourse with not enough lubrication. 

However, there are things you can do to assist with reducing pain during sex and add lubricant to the vaginal region. This can incorporate things like:

Vaginal Moisturizers

Vaginal moisturizers are used to give the vaginal area some of its lost moisture back. They can be used for internal hydration or applied to the vulva.

Lubricants

Lubricants help relieve discomfort during sex and can be used to provide further moisturization to the vagina.

Vaginal Dilators

These can help extend and enlarge the vagina if it gets narrowed or constricted. However, vaginal dilators should only be used under the guidance of a gynecologist, physical therapist, or sex therapist.

Pelvic Floor Exercises

These movements can also help reinforce and relax specific vaginal muscles.

Outlook

Vaginal dryness is a manageable condition whether it is due to menopause or not. Lifestyle changes, vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and hormone therapies have been shown to be very effective in treating vaginal dryness due to menopause or other causes. 

Vaginal dryness can make you feel awkward but it is easily treatable. Consult your primary care physician or other medical services experts to get a treatment plan that works best for your body. It is always better to consult professionals for any health issues. Book an appointment with the best Gynecologist through Marham for more information.