Were you aware that 15% of women experience symptoms of vaginal atrophy before menopause? This figure jumps up to 57% after menopause.
As you can see, vaginal atrophy is a common condition that affects women. The fabulous news is that there are holistic treatments available that can help you tackle the symptoms of vaginal atrophy.
In this blog post, we will break down vaginal atrophy causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Understanding Vaginal Atrophy Causes
Vaginal atrophy is sometimes called atrophic vaginitis as well. It's a condition that occurs when the vaginal tissues undergo thinning, drying, and inflammation.
The primary cause is due to decreased estrogen levels. This is why it's so often associated with menopause. It can also affect women during perimenopause and those undergoing specific cancer treatments or hormonal therapies.
The decrease in estrogen leads to a decline in vaginal lubrication. This makes the vaginal walls less elastic, thinner, and more prone to irritation.
Common Symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy
The vaginal atrophy symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. They're so pervasive that they decrease women's quality of life daily. Some of the most prevalent symptoms include the following:
Vaginal Dryness
This is a hallmark symptom of vaginal atrophy. Women might experience persistent dryness and discomfort in the vaginal area.
Vaginal Itching and Burning
The lack of lubrication can cause the vaginal tissues to become irritated. This leads to vaginal dryness and itching. It can even cause burning and pain during sexual intercourse.
Painful Intercourse
Due to vaginal dryness and thinning, sexual activity can become uncomfortable or painful. This often affects a woman's sexual health and relationships.
Urinary Symptoms
Vaginal atrophy can also lead to urinary symptoms. This can include increased frequency, urgency, and recurrent urinary tract infections.
Holistic Approaches for Vaginal Atrophy Treatments
When it comes to dealing with discomfort from vaginal atrophy, there are natural ways that can help ease the symptoms and make you feel better overall. Let's look at these methods to see how they can help.
Eat Healthy Foods: Fuel Your Body Right
Eating a balanced diet doesn't just keep you healthy. It can also help with vaginal atrophy. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens can help balance hormones and keep your vaginal area healthy.
Foods like fish, soy, and leafy greens are good choices. Omega-3 fatty acids are excellent for decreasing inflammation and might help with vaginal issues. Phytoestrogens are in foods like lentils and soy and can act like estrogen to balance your body.
Use Natural Supplements: Nature's Helpers
Some plant supplements can ease symptoms of vaginal atrophy. Black cohosh can help with discomfort during menopause, including vaginal dryness. Dong Quai is another plant known to support women's reproductive health.
Evening primrose oil might keep your vaginal tissues healthy. But before you try any plant supplements, make sure to talk to your doctor first.
Stay Hydrated and Use Lubricants: Keep Comfortable
Drinking enough water isn't just good for your body. It can also help your vaginal area stay comfortable.
If you're feeling dry, using water-based lubes can make sex less uncomfortable and prevent irritation. Be sure to pick lubes that don't have harsh ingredients that could make things worse.
Do Simple Exercises: Strengthen Your Muscles
Doing exercises for your pelvic floor muscles, like Kegels, can help your vaginal area. These exercises boost blood flow, strengthen muscles, and ease some atrophy symptoms. Strong pelvic muscles mean better comfort and support for your vaginal area.
Relax With Scents and Calming Tricks: Find Inner Peace
Smells like lavender and chamomile can make you feel more relaxed. You can smell or use them during relaxation activities like deep breathing or meditation.
When you're less stressed, your hormones can stay balanced. High stress can make vaginal atrophy worse, so relaxing is essential.
Try Vaginal Moisturizers and Creams: Pamper Yourself
Special creams and moisturizers made for vaginal atrophy can give you relief. They add moisture, make your tissues stretchier, and soothe dryness.
Pick products like vaginal suppositories that are safe and don't have things that might irritate you. These creams and moisturizers can help you feel better every day.
Boost Good Bacteria: Keep Things Balanced
Probiotics, the good bacteria in your body, help your vaginal area stay healthy. Eating yogurt, kefir, and other foods with probiotics can help.
Probiotics keep the right balance of bacteria, preventing infections and making you feel better overall.
Mind and Body Connection: Feel Good Inside and Out
Taking care of your feelings is important. Doing things that make you happy, practicing mindfulness, and talking to friends or a therapist can help your emotions.
Stress and bad feelings can make hormonal problems worse. So, taking care of how you feel can help your body stay balanced.
Acupuncture: Ancient Healing
Acupuncture, an old Chinese treatment, uses tiny needles to make energy flow better in your body. This can help blood circulate better in your vaginal area and balance your hormones.
It might ease dryness and discomfort. Remember to ask your doctor before trying acupuncture to be 100% safe.
Talk to Your Doctor: Team Up for Health
Even though these natural ways can help a lot, it's super important to talk to your doctor. They can give you advice, watch how you're doing, and ensure everything is alright.
This way, you can use natural methods safely. They can discuss other alternatives if you're not getting the vaginal atrophy alleviation you want.
Do You Want to Improve Your Feminine Wellness?
Nobody should have to deal with the symptoms of vaginal atrophy. Vaginal atrophy might be challenging, but these natural methods can help you feel better. With these natural methods, you can make your journey with vaginal atrophy easier and more comfortable.
Are you eager to take your feminine health to the next level? Femallay has everything you need to flourish. Check out our women's wellness products to address all kinds of wellness concerns.