VAGINAL DRYNESS

Women's HealthHormonesMenopause
Written By Dr. Danielle Vogler-Bos

This post is for all my ladies. No matter what age.

Vaginal Dryness: what causes it and Where to begin.

Does your vagina feel dry, irritated or like sand paper? You are not alone. This isn’t a topic that you regularly whip out at the dinner table with the family, at brunch with the girls, or in bed with your partner for fear of leaving you all in a blushed and an uncomfortable state. Hell, you might even feel awkward asking your doctor. For this reason, vaginal dryness is the secret symptom that no one wants to talk about or is often unaddressed, dismissed, or mismanaged. Believe it or not, studies show 20% of females 18-50 experience vaginal dryness before sex, even before menopause, and well over 50% experience vaginal dryness after menopause. So without further ado, let’s crack the code on this taboo topic.

What Causes Vaginal Dryness?

Vaginal dryness often is associated with a decrease in estrogen or when estrogen levels are too low.

Estrogen is responsible in maintaining the thickness, lubrication, and tone of the vaginal walls, as well help support a balanced, acidic pH that is required to maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome.

When sustained levels of low estrogen occur, the vaginal lining is susceptible to loss of lubrication, decreased elasticity, thinning, and dryness.

Conditions or Treatment Associated with Low Estrogen:

  • PostPartum

  • Breastfeeding/Chest-feeding

  • Use of hormonal birth control

  • Amenorrhea or “Missing Period”

  • Removal of ovaries, also known as “oophorectomy”

  • Perimenopause and Menopause

  • Use of anti-estrogen medications, anti-depressants, and antihistamines used for allergies

  • Chemotherapy

  • Sjogren’s

Hot to Address Vaginal Dryness?

VAGINAL LUBRICANTS AND MOISTURIZERS

Utilizing vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can be quite life changing for anyone who has suffered with vaginal dryness, no matter the cause. Moisturizers are great for hydrating vaginal tissue while specially formulated lubricants can provide a more pleasurable experience when it comes to intercourse.

Couple of things to look out for when purchasing.

  • One, harmful ingredients and fragrances should be avoided.

    • These products have not always been safe. They often contain harmful ingredients that are listed as endocrine disruptors. Pick companies that are transparent with their ingredients and check the ewg.org for a rating on ingredients used.

  • Two, pick “body-similar” products as possible

    • “Body-Similar” means they have the pH and osmolarity most close to the natural vaginal environment.

  • Three, do not use coconut oil with condoms.

    • Coconut oil is a popular product used for dry skin and vaginally, but please note that coconut oil is not compatible with condoms. Opt for water based products.

Overwhelmed where to begin?

Cut through the confusion. Check out our curated list of highly recommended vaginal hydration products. Here!

Find it easily under Community Plans and Sensual Essentials.

Comes with a privacy protected portal, medical grade products, and is conveniently drop-shipped to your door.

ESTROGEN AND DHEA THERAPY

For those who are approaching perimenopause or menopause, or have had their ovaries removed surgically, an estrogen or DHEA-containing vaginal cream may be a highly effective therapy. These creams are applied topically on the vulva and around the opening to the vagina, and are often well tolerated and safely used. This can be a stand alone therapy or used in conjunction with other forms of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy to help with the body-wide effects that women may experience as they approach menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats. These options are prescriptions so be sure to discuss your options with your doctor.

Learn more:

Health can be messy! If you are suffering with vaginal dryness or think you may be experiencing hormonal shifts, then it is time. With a thorough assessment on your medical history, a kind, non-judgemental environment, and wide range of therapies, we can help restore your optimal wellness.

Learn more about Dr. Danielle and her clinical practice.

References:

PMID: 29916947

PMID: 25356287

PMID: 32990054

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21027-vaginal-dryness

Dr. Danielle Vogler-Bos

Dr. Danielle Vogler-Bos is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in integrative medical care, hormone optimization, and gut health for both men and women, all designed to help you achieve a healthier, natural way of life. Her passion is educating and empowering her patients to take back their health, partnering with them to find the root cause of their struggles, and helping them feel better, faster.

After graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College with a Bachelors of Arts in Biology, Dr. Vogler-Bos earned her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, a fully accredited and nationally recognized institution in Phoenix, AZ. During her clinical training, Dr. Vogler-Bos completed a rigorous internship gaining experience in the diagnosis and treatment of hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, and adrenal fatigue using both traditional naturopathic medicine and bio-identical hormone therapies.

Dr. Danielle Vogler-Bos offers exclusively virtual consultations to those residing in MN | WI | AZ | IN.

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