What causes vaginal dryness in menopause?
The vagina is the hidden entrance to a woman’s being, where she can easily feel exploited or violated. The ability to open and surrender is an expression of the feminine nature, but it is a tender and sensitive activity, easily damaged by force and brutality. This is where conflicts with sexuality manifest in the body, such as issues of past sexual abuse, sexual rejection, a fear of being out of control, guilt or shame over past acts, conflict over sexual orientation, or a fear of intimacy.Almost all menopausal women will experience a lessening of sexual lubrication. Some women experience a thinning of the vaginal tissues (a natural consequence of lowered oestrogen levels) which can lead to irritation and in a few cases to repeated urinary infections. The lining of the vagina is made from cornified epithelium which makes it strong and resilient. After menopause some women shed the outer layers of this cornified epilelium which causes dryness, irritation and pain on intercouse.
Thinning and drying of the vaginal tissues in the post-menopausal years is often first noticed during sexual activity when the expected lubrication is slight or absent. There may also be a change in the pH of the vagina making it become more alkaline. This can lead to an increase in susceptibility to bacterial infection. Atrophic vaginitis (medical term for vaginal walls thinning) is by no means inevitable and there is much that can be done to ease the problem.
In her book “Menopausal Years the Wisewoman Way’ Susun Weed explains how changes in the vagina links to the change in a woman’s sexuality after menopause. Whereas before menopause a woman may have been wet and fertile at the will of her bodies monthly cycle, after menopause the vagina will only become moist when a woman truly desires intercourse and she will no longer be accessible to those who do not inspire love and trust in her. Issues around relationships and sexuality and sexual trauma may need to be processed before a woman can fully open to her own sexual power and enjoyment. Susun Weed argues that the release of these old energies becomes more important at menopause because there is no longer any physiological mechanism for releasing them:
“The pelvic (root) energies of the post-menopausal woman, having no outlet in menstruation or birth, easily become congested. This congestion traps hot energies in the vagina, bladder, uterus and anus reducing vaginal lubrication, thinning and irritating the vagina and vulva (vaginal lips), instigating constipation, encouraging incontinence, and giving rise to vaginal atrophy and chronic vaginal yeast and bladder infections.
Thinning and drying of pelvic tissues can occur rapidly (within 6-10 months of the last menses) when menopause is induced, the adrenals/kidneys are weak, or there is insufficient body weight. Women who achieve menopause naturally, carry enough body fat, and nourish their adrenals/kidneys, will experience few problems with vaginal/bladder weakness in the post-menopausal years.
You are more likely to be troubled by vaginal dryness and loss of lubrication if your adrenals have been exhausted by overuse of coffee, alcohol and white sugar, severe stress or dependence on steroid cortisone drugs. The pill and other birth control methods can also cause vaginal dryness so your homeopath may suggest doing a detox course to clear these drugs from your body’s memory.
Lifestyle Tips for Moistening the Vagina
- Yoga exercises – try squeezing the anal/pelvic floor muscles firmly while inhaling; hold. Then breathe out, holding the root lock and adding a chin lock. Hold for 2 seconds. Visualise the nectar of the universe flowing down your spine and between your legs to the yoni/vagina. Relax as you inhale.
- Visualise – relax lie down, watch your breath. See yourself breathing out though your vagina. Visualise yourself breathing out cool blue energy in and out.
- Go slowly. Give yourself plenty of time to warm up before inserting anything into your vagina. Never force intercourse before your vagina is ready for it. Take plenty of time for foreplay. Try sexual activities that don’t involve intercourse like a sensual massage.
- Have orgasms – studies show that a good way to keep the whole pubic area strong, full or energy, with good circulation and a balanced lubrication is to have regular orgasms either through a partner or by self-pleasuring. Regular sex keeps the vagina plump and healthy.
- Stay away from soaps, bubblebaths, shower gels and nylon tights or underwear – all potential irritants.
- Exercise – regular work outs improve circulation and strengthen muscles. Pelvic floor exercises or keels can give results within 4-6 weeks.
- Take vitamin E. Daily doses of 100-600 IU of vitamin E for 4-6 weeks can help increase vaginal lubrication.
- Take Omega 3 fatty acids: take flaxseed oil or safflower oil (5-15ml/1-3 teaspoons a day) to increase vaginal lubrication and the thickness of your vaginal walls.
- Drink more water and avoid tea and coffee. Use herbal teas and moistening and townifying herbs.
- Massage in small circles around the inner and outer sides of your ankle bone to stimulate the flow to the pelvic organs.
Nourishing and townifying herbs
Chickweed
Chickweed tincture drops in water several times a day for 2-4 weeks will help to cool and moisten the vaginal tissues.
Motherwort
Taken as a tincture, 15-20 drops in a glass of water several times a day, motherwort is an excellent way of restoring thickness to the vaginal tissues when it has been lost. It remoisturises the vagina.
Chastetree
A tincture of this berry enhances many hormones in a woman’s body including progesterone and LH. It has a powerful stimulating effect on a woman’s libido taken over a few months. It is also excellent for bringing moisture and circulation to vaginal tissues.
Nettle infusions
Thickens and nourishes vaginal tissues.
Natural Vaginal Lubricants
Calendula cream
This herb can help soften and yet toughen vaginal tissues and tissues of the vulva. It can also relieve itching when applied three times a day and helps protect against infection.
Comfrey cream
A fantastic soother for itchy vaginal tissue. It can be applied both internally or externally to foster the growth of healthy new epithelial cells in the vagina. It can also be used a lubricant during intercourse. Use 3 times a day for 3 months and you may notice a permanent difference.
Plantain Oil
Helpful for relieving itching. Continues applications strengthen the skin, hasten healing, discourage infection and stop inflammation.
Wild Yam
Ointment made from wild yam roots may help to restore youthful moistness and elasticity to post-menopausal tissues. Results can be seen in days but this treatment is not curative.
Acidophilus capsules
These capsules can be inserted into the vagina and produce copious lubrication as well as protecting from yeast infections.
Aloe Vera
Pure aloe vera juice is useful when vaginal tissues have become hot, dry and uncomfortable. Simply tip it on several times a day.
Cesium gel
The caesium salts trigger the release of acetylcholinesterase which creates a stimulating effect through the nervous system, heightening the feeling of ‘aliveness’. The gel has remarkable skin-rejuvenating properties. It affects not only the superficial tissue on which it is applied but at a much deeper level as well.
Slippery Elm
Make a soothing vaginal gel by slowly heating 2 tablespoons/30ml of slippery elm bark powder in a cup/250ml of water, stirring until thick. Cool (you can even chill it) before spreading over and inside the vulva and vagina. This gel lubricates heals and nourishes.
Homeopathic Remedies
Belladonna
Vagina painfully dry and too sensitive to tolerate touch. Vagina may feel hot, tender and red.
Bryonia
Indicated for dryness and soreness that are much worse for movement. General dryness os skin and mucous membranes. Stubborn constipation associated with a dry, large stool that is difficult to pass. Pains are sore or stitching and very sensitive to slight touch or movement. Irritable and anxious with the pains. Tends to suit practical, work orientated people. Root chakra over heated and dry stools with constipation.
Cantharis
Vagina feels burning and raw. Pruritis (itching) with strong sexual desire at menopause. Nymphomania. Swelling of vulva with irritation.
Lycopodium
Indicated for vaginal dryness with hot flushes and anxiety. Tension and anxiety lead to digestive problems including heartburn, indigestion, excess wind and diarrhoea. Poor circulation with dry, flaky skin especially on the scalp. A remedy that suits people who may be lacking self-confidence on some level although this might not be immediately apparent. Lack of root stability.
Natrum Mur
The entire vagina, inside and out is intensely painful. On an emotional level this remedy helps release grief and painful memories from the past. Genital herpes with eruptions worse from stress or emotional upsets. Burning and soreness of the vagina after urinating. Dryness and soreness of the vagina with itching. Burning and smarting in the vagina during sex. Aversion to sex which is painful from dryness of the vagina. Low sex drive since grief.
Staphysagria
Indicated for vaginal discomfort with stitching and stinging pains. Symptoms are often experienced after a hysterectomy, especially where there is a lot of suppressed anger and resentment about having had surgery. There may be a history of sexual or other abuse. Genital area is painfully sensitive and itchy.
Sepia
Indicated for vaginal dryness with severe itching that is worse from walking. Complete aversion to sexual activity due to tenderness of vagina. May be a history of disappointment with the father or a male figure. Vaginal discomfort may be worse. By prolapse of the womb or bladder. Very depressed and generally lacking in libido and ‘get up and go’.
Senecio. Aureus/Jacobea
Indicated for those who have suffered abuse or suppression in the sexual centre. Helps clear the negative effects suppressive allopathic drugs such as birth control pills/HRT/morning after pill. Excoriating discharge from the vagina. Sluggish menstrual flow. A feeling of being congested in the pelvic area. Sexual irritation causing itching, burning and swelling of the labia.
Sulphur
Intense vaginal itching. Leucorrhea of burning yellow mucus. Pudenda itches. Vagina and vulva burning, itching and sore. Worse from sitting, is scarcely able to keep still. Sore feeling in vagina during sex. Bearing down in pelvis towards genitals. Weak feeling in genitals. Prolapse of uterus from reaching high.