Vaginal dryness

Question: I am in my mid-40s and have been experiencing vaginal dryness for the past four months. I usually feel dry and uncomfortable and my privates often itch. Getting lubricated naturally is also a problem. What could be causing this?

Answer: According to www.womentowomen.com, nearly half of all women between the ages of 40 and 59 suffer from vaginal dryness at some point.

www.wrongdiagnosis.com states the following as possible causes of this uncomfortable situation; normal aging, menopause, diabetes; female sexual difficulty caused by undiagnosed diabetes is often curable by treating the diabetes, chemical allergy, soap allergy, hygiene product allergy, perfume allergy, dye allergy, douche allergy, certain skin conditions, breast feeding, progesterone contraceptive agents, stress, anxiety, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. There are likely to be other possible causes, so ask your doctor about your symptoms.

Relieving vaginal dryness

Boost your water intake. Your first step should be to check your hydration. We should all consume at least ten 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.

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, for example — 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.

Fill in the gaps with a medical–grade multivitamin/mineral supplement. All of us need top-quality nutritional supplements to support our diet, no matter how well we eat, and this simple step can ensure that you cover the missing gaps.

Try 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.