Suffering From Vaginal Dryness? You're Not Alone

The discomfort of vaginal dryness is experienced by almost every woman at some point in life. A dry vagina can feel itchy and burning, and can take the joy out of sex. In fact, it's a leading factor in female sexual dysfunction and painful intercourse.

This is a very common condition. It can affect women of all ages, though most often it occurs during and after the menopausal transition. An estimated 10 percent to 40 percent of women who've reached menopause have signs and symptoms related to vaginal dryness.

For perimenopausal and menopausal women, particularly women weaning off HRT (hormone replacement therapy), it can often be acute, and ranks as one of the top ten problems afflicting menopausal women.

Signs and Symptoms

Aside from dryness, some of the signs and symptoms include:

• Itching
• Burning
• A feeling of pressure
• Pain or light bleeding with sex
• Urinary frequency or urgency

Although during perimenopause and menopause it is extremely common, it is not inevitable. When hormonal imbalance is the cause of vaginal dryness, there are simple steps you can take to improve your natural vaginal lubrication. We’ll take a look at these steps below, but first let’s address the root causes of vaginal dryness.

What Causes Vaginal Dryness?

Declining estrogen levels: The most common cause of vaginal dryness is declining estrogen production. This hormone imbalance leads to thinning and drying of the vaginal wall.

Other factors include reduced muscle tone and the longer time needed for sexual arousal that is so common in perimenopause.

Underlying medical conditions: While declining estrogen is the common cause of vaginal dryness, it is essential to check for any underlying medical conditions. It can be a side effect of medical conditions such as Sjögren’s disease.

You should definitely seek medical advice if your symptoms are severe and prolonged, or if they are unresponsive to simple efforts to alleviate them.

Emotional issues: Likewise, if you are depressed or under tremendous stress, you’ll benefit from counseling. Dryness and lack of arousal can also be a signal of unresolved problems in a relationship.

None of our recommendations can substitute for better communication with your partner, but you may want to consider each one of the following steps and how it could relate back to underlying causes.

Natural Remedies for Vaginal Dryness

Up Your Water Intake

Your first step should be to check your hydration. We should all consume at least ten 8-oz glasses of water a day. This simple step can be surprisingly helpful.

Check the Chemicals in Your Environment

Review the list of ingredients in your personal, bathing, and laundry products. Many perfumes and other chemicals commonly found in these products are irritants to the delicate mucosal tissues that line the vagina.

Though you may be willing to try just about anything to relieve your discomfort, avoid using the following products, because they may irritate your vagina:

• Vinegar, yogurt or other douches
• Hand lotions
• Soaps
• Bubble baths

Follow a Hormone-Balancing Diet

Give your body the support it needs to make and balance your hormones, starting with your nutrition. The low-fat, high-carb diet many women follow literally starves your body of the nutrients it needs to make sex hormones.

The estrogen needed for vaginal lubrication is made from cholesterol — something women on low-fat diets are severely lacking.

You might also think about adding soy and flax seed, which are good sources of phytoestrogens.

Use a Quality Multivitamin & Mineral Supplement

All of us need a top-quality nutritional supplement to support our diet, no matter how well we eat, and this simple step can ensure that you cover the missing gaps.

Use a Personal Lubricant

Some women achieve immediate relief from vaginal dryness and irritation simply by using a personal lubricant. You may want to give one a try while you wait for improved hydration, nutrition and endocrine support to naturally restore your own vaginal moisture.

Vaginal lubricant products are now available in a wide range of formulations safe for use in this sensitive area of the body.

It is also noted that having intercourse regularly also may help promote better vaginal lubrication.

Other Remedies for Vaginal Dryness

Vitamin E Oil

Used regularly, vitamin E oil will help to lubricate the vagina, heal cracks and soreness and help keep the tissues elastic. You can massage the oil with your finger into the inside wall of your vagina.

Calendula Ointment or Oil

Calendula helps to heal damage to the vagina walls.

Comfrey Ointment or Oil

Also wonderfully healing, and soothes soreness and irritation. It also helps to bring moisture to the area.

Herbal Remedies for Women

Should be taken regularly to maintain estrogen levels and prevent vaginal changes. Use combinations of any of the following herb supplements:

• False Unicorn Root
• Sage
• Blue Cohosh
• Calendula
• Hops
• Motherwort

Other Supplements

Vitamins B , C , and E , as well as evening primrose oil can be taken as supplements.

Essential Oils

Can usefully be added to massage oils. Rose oil is particularly beneficial in aiding relaxation and increasing sensuality. Jasmine, geranium, lavender and clary sage can also be used.


Remember to always check with your health practitioner before using alternative therapies, especially if you're are pregnant or nursing.