Vaginal dryness can happen to any woman, but it most commonly occurs in women between 18 and 50. It can have troublesome symptoms for women, including pain while sitting, urinating, and during intercourse. Several different things can cause female dryness. While many premenopausal women experience it due to lower estrogen levels, it can also be brought on by certain medications. These include allergy, cold, and flu medications or antidepressants. In addition, some harsh chemicals from pools or hot tubs can be at fault and harsh soaps or ingredients in feminine hygiene products.
For women who are struggling with female dryness, there is good news. There are many home remedies for dryness that you can try at home. Some of the best options are often natural and don’t have a hefty price tag. Here are the best ingredients to help soothe dryness.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Including more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet can help combat vaginal dryness internally since vaginal dryness is most commonly caused during menopause when estrogen levels drop off. These essential fatty acids help by boosting estrogen levels in your body naturally. Some foods rich in omega-3 fatty acid include:
- Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and sardines
- Seaweed and other sea vegetables
- Nuts
- Oysters
- Flax, pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds
Natural Oils
A key factor in female dryness is lack of hydration. Utilizing safe and effective lubricants is one home solution proven to work. By regularly using natural oils in the vagina, you can reduce or eliminate vaginal dryness. Coconut oil tends to work the best. The reason is that it is fast-absorbing and contains GLA to help increase vaginal moisture levels. Coconut oil is typically light and non-greasy. As a bonus, it contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. Since it is highly absorbable and moisturizing, it makes for an excellent natural lubricant. Be aware that if you do use coconut oil before sex it can damage latex condoms causing them to break. Pure aloe is the second-best option to coconut oil. Suppose you are allergic or do not have access to these oils, jojoba or olive oil works as a great alternative. This is a remedy that you probably already have in your home.
Diluted Honey
Diluted pure honey is another effective and low-cost natural remedy for female dryness. Just make sure that the honey is properly diluted before use; there is no safety concern. When using honey for female dryness, an easy dilution method is to place one teaspoon of honey into one cup of water and mix well. Next, the honey should be dissolved entirely into the water. Once this is done, apply the solution to your vagina daily and then rinse off with warm water.
Vitamin E Supplements
Vitamin E supplements can be used daily if taken in a gel capsule for their antioxidant properties. Beyond this, they can relieve vaginal dryness symptoms by using them as a suppository. In addition, vitamin E provides natural moisture via oils in the capsule and can help soothe any irritation caused by vaginal dryness.
Swiss Naturals HRT Capsules
Swiss Naturals are a great supplement that support not only vaginal dryness but also the symptoms of menopause. They offer a variety of regular, extra strength, and nighttime hormone replacement supplements that contain ingredients such as giant angelica, passion flower, black cohosh, and Wilford’s cynanchum. If you aren’t familiar with these herbs, just know that they work together to support hormone balance in the body. They can reduce menopausal symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.
Shatavari
Shatavari, otherwise known as Asparagus racemosus, is a cooling Ayurvedic herb. The plant is native to India, and as its name suggests, it’s in the same family as the common asparagus. Historically it has been used to support hormones, fertility boosters, and female reproductive enhancement. Shatavari is effective because it contains vitamins A, C, and assorted proteins. These vitamins are known to calm menopausal symptoms and aid in preventing or relieving vaginal dryness. Unlike supplements, Shatavari can be taken regularly and in many different ways. Some drink it as a tea latte by mixing the powder with warm coconut or almond milk, while others can take it in a powder or pill form. With so many different ingestion options, it is an easy choice to work into your daily health care routine.
Choosing What is Right for You
If you seek help with vaginal dryness, it is always best to consult a healthcare physician or an OBGYN to determine which treatment plan is right for you. While natural remedies are an excellent choice for those looking to stay away from harsher treatment, it is always recommended you seek professional care before attempting treatment. Hopefully, you and your doctor can incorporate these home remedies and other treatments for your symptoms and body. However, there is a solution to vaginal dryness, and your life can be made much more comfortable in a few easy steps.