Ailments and Situations - Menopause (and Related Issues) - Vaginal Dryness - Remedies |
 |
|
Page 43 of 54
Remedies Foods containing phytoestrogens and isoflavones are well known to decrease menopausal symptoms and balance estrogen levels. Phytoestrogens are found in alfalfa, apples, almonds, cashews, celery, corn, fennel, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, oats, parsley, peanuts (not a recommended source), soy, wheat, and whole grains. - Herbs -Herbs Aloe vera gel is helpful when dealing with painful sexual intercourse. Apply a small amount to lubricate the vagina. Black cohosh, chaste tree berry, dong quai, fo-ti, Siberian ginseng, and wild yam are all herbs that have been traditionally used to treat a variety of menopausal symptoms, including vaginal dryness. These herbs must typically be used for four to six weeks before an improvement is noticed. Preparations are outlined in more detail below. Black cohosh promotes thickening of the vaginal mucosa. If supplementing, take 200 to 500mg daily. If using in tincture form, take 60 to 80 drops daily. Chaste tree berry is wonderful in relieving symptoms of menopause. This herb works by acting on the anterior pituitary gland, reducing FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and increasing LSH (luteum-stimulating hormone). Essentially, this stimulates the production of progesterone and reduces estrogen levels. To prepare an infusion, pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon berries and infuse 15 minutes. Take 3 times daily. If using in tincture form, take 15 to 30 drops 3 times daily. NOTE: Chaste tree berry should not be taken alongside any progesterone drugs. Dandelion leaves promote vaginal lubrication. To prepare an infusion, add 1/2oz. dried leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups daily. If supplementing, take 3,000mg daily. Dong quai is sometimes referred to as the "woman's ginseng" and helps relieve vaginal dryness. To prepare a decoction, bring 4 cups water and 3 teaspoons root to a boil and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. You will likely be left with 3 cups of decoction, as 250mL often evaporates during the process. Divide decoction into 3 doses daily. If using in tincture form, take 20 to 40 drops 3 times daily. Fo-ti is considered a whole body tonic used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the kidneys, liver, blood, nervous system, and reproductive system. To prepare a decoction, bring three cups water and three teaspoons root to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Let cool, strain, and divide into three doses for the day. If using in tincture form, take 20 to 40 drops of tincture three to four times daily. NOTE: Fo-ti is contraindicated in irritable bowel syndrome. Gotu kola also relieves vaginal dryness. To prepare an infusion, steep 1/2 to 1 tsp. dried herb in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups daily. To reduce the bitter flavour, add honey or lemon. If using in supplement form, take 400 to 500mg daily. Oat straw also promotes vaginal lubrication. Infuse 1 teaspoon herb with 1 cup water for 10 minutes and take 3 times daily as a tonic. If using in tincture form, take 20 to 30 drops three times daily. Although not a true ginseng, Siberian ginseng has similar properties to the ginseng family. It is used as a nerve tonic and is considered a good adjunct remedy to use during menopause. If supplementing, take 250 to 500mg daily or more, depending on formulation. If using in tincture form, take 10 to 20mL daily. You can make or purchase Siberian ginseng tea, but it is much less effective in this form due to the low concentration of herb. NOTE: Do not take ginseng if you are on hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), supplementing with estrogen, or taking corticosteroids. Other forms of ginseng are not recommended for women. Wild yam is used to treat a variety of problems associated with the female reproductive system. To prepare a decoction, bring 3 cups water and 3 teaspoons root to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Let cool, strain, and divide into 3 doses for the day. If using in tincture form, take 20 to 30 drops of tincture three times daily. - Lifestyle -Lifestyle Alcohol, antihistamines, caffeine, and diuretics all dry mucous membranes and should be avoided. Regular sexual intercourse also helps relieve dryness and promotes better vaginal lubrication and elasticity by promoting blood flow to vaginal tissues. It is important to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water during the day. Aim for eight glasses daily. If you are not accustomed to drinking this quantity of water, start at four or five glasses and work your way up every other day. Wear cotton and other natural fibre clothing to allow your skin to breathe and reduce the chance of vaginal infection. - Miscellaneous -Miscellaneous Prepare a paste from aloe vera gel and slippery elm powder. Mix to the consistency of toothpaste and insert into the vagina at night to relieve dryness. An estradiol (E2) vaginal ring made of silicon can be placed in the vagina like a diaphragm, where it releases small quantities of estradiol over three months. Side effects experienced by some include headache, vaginal irritation, and recurrent vaginal infections. Estriol (E3) is available as a vaginal cream. Apply 0.5mg twice daily for one week. Follow with once daily for one week, then two to three times weekly. Natural testosterone given as a vaginal cream helps promote proper vaginal mucosa function. Use 1 to 2mg daily, or every third day. A number of vaginal estrogen creams are available. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner to determine a cream suitable for your needs. - Vitamins -Vitamins Vitamin E can relieve vaginal itching and is helpful when dealing with painful sexual intercourse. Use a fragrance-free cream or open a capsule and apply the oil. |
