Best Supplements for Vaginal Comfort in Menopause: Must-Try

Reasons for Vaginal Dryness in Menopause

Let's understand in a better way, why your body decides to turn the Sahara Desert into your new downstairs neighbor during menopause.

1. The Estrogen Exodus: Menopause leads to a decline in estrogen levels. Well, this hormone isn't just responsible for your reproductive health. It's also your vagina's moisture maven. When estrogen levels drop, the vaginal tissues thin out and produce less natural lubrication. It's like your body's internal sprinkler system decided to go on an indefinite vacation.
2. Slower Cell Turnover: With age and decreasing hormones, your body becomes a bit lazy in replacing old cells with new ones. This slowdown affects your vaginal tissues too, making them less elastic and more prone to dryness. It's like your body's renovation crew decided to work part-time instead of full-time.
3. Changes in pH Balance: Estrogen helps maintain a slightly acidic environment in your vagina, which keeps unfriendly bacteria at bay. When estrogen levels drop, the pH balance can shift, potentially leading to infections that contribute to dryness and discomfort. It's like the bouncer at your vagina's nightclub went off duty, letting in all sorts of troublemakers.
4. Reduced Blood Flow: Menopause can lead to reduced blood flow to the pelvic area. Less blood flow means less natural lubrication. Think of it as your body's plumbing system developing a bit of a clog.
5. Stress and Anxiety: The emotional rollercoaster of menopause can lead to increased stress and anxiety. These emotions can interfere with your body's natural arousal response, leading to less lubrication. It's as if your body's saying, "You're stressed? Let me add one more thing to worry about!"

Why supplement?

You may be wondering, "Why supplements? Why can't I just use a cream or something?" Fine, you can. However, supplements tend to be more holistic. They work from the inside out, getting your body into a state of balance in a more natural way.

Surely, there are the old-school treatments: hormone replacement, for example-but not everyone's idea of a good time. And then there are supplements-they often have fewer side effects and provide long-term benefits to boot. Often easier to incorporate into your daily routine, too. Do you know how to find top-rated supplements for vaginal itching and dryness relief? Well, the secret lies in its ingredients.

The Ingredients that make Menopause Supplement Beneficial

There are a lot of supplements for relieving vaginal dryness and irritation. Really, are they effective? It is better to choose herbal supplements for relief from vaginal dryness in menopause. Let's take a peek at what things you will need in your menopause supplement.

• Sea Buckthorn Oil: This supplement contains omega-7 fatty acids, which is said to be a great promoter of vaginal health. According to a publication in "Maturitas," a study revealed that oral administration of sea buckthorn oil improved the mucous membranes in the vagina and lowered the symptoms of vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women. It's a way to give your vagina a smoothie full of good stuff!
• Evening Primrose Oil: It contains high amounts of GLA, which can be helpful in regulating hormonal balance. As there is a very limited amount of direct studies available for its effect on vaginal dryness, a study published in "Journal of Menopausal Medicene" has revealed its benefits in managing hot flashes in menopausal women. Its associated health benefits in the re-balancing of hormones can also contribute to the cure of vaginal dryness. Remember to include it in your list of cast members.
• Black Cohosh: This herb has been used for a very long time for reducing the symptoms of menopause. In a study published in “Cochrane Library”, it was noted that black cohosh may significantly reduce a few menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness, but further clinical trials are needed to confidently make this conclusion. It resembles an old family recipe: many people swear by its utility but are still in the process of writing down the right measurements.

Natural supplements to reduce vaginal discomfort in menopause

• Maca Root: The hormone-balancing effect of maca has made it a well-known remedy for various symptoms during menopause. A study in "Menopause" found that maca reduced psychological symptoms in postmenopausal women, such as anxiety and depression. Although the study did not research vaginal dryness specifically, better overall well-being could indirectly help. Think of it as a mood booster that might just have some bonus effects.
• Hyaluronic Acid: It is basically nature's moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid can make your tissues keep holding onto more water, making everything good and hydrated. A group of studies discovered that vaginal application of hyaluronic acid significantly improved symptoms of vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women. The researchers noted improvements in vaginal dryness, itching, and burning sensations. Think about it: give your vagina its own personal water bottle!
• Phytoestrogens: These plant chemicals behave like estrogen in your body, and you'll find them in foods like soy and flaxseed. They are the understudies, coming into play when action turns to estrogens. A study on phytoestrogen was published in January 2017, it concluded that they might be able to ease vaginal dryness and other symptoms of menopause. The researchers, however, agreed that further long-term studies were required. So, promising as it seems, it's not quite a standing ovation just yet.
• DIM (Diindolylmethane): A cruciferous compound found in veggies that can balance out the estrogen levels of the body. According to a Cancer institute, DIM may modulate estrogen metabolism, and so it would benefit many post-menopausal women, but more studies are required to know its effect directly on vaginal dryness. He is a dark horse full of promise and yet still in the race to prove himself.

But always remember that many still call for more research on these studies. It's science-evolving, like our always-discovering new uses for smartphones. So stay curious, keep informed, and surely visit your doctor!

Choosing the Right Supplement

Top-rated supplements for vaginal itching and dryness relief

Now that you have good ingredients, let's talk about how you choose the best supplements for overall vaginal health for your menopausal. It's like picking your perfect pair of shoes - something that fits well and really gets the job done. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Quality Matters: Select supplements from companies that are recognized and respected for using good manufacturing practices. These manufacturers, for all intents and purposes, are the academic high-fliers of the supplement world - they're never behind the curve and always ace every inspection. Third-party testing certifications such as NSF International or ConsumerLab.com can be considered the gold stars of Harvard or Yale. You put it in your body. Where you put your money matters. Don't skimp on the best.
• Check the Ingredient List: Scan that label like a sleuth looking for clues. Are the good ingredients that we discussed above? What percentage are they present in? Be suspicious of supplements hiding behind proprietary blends-you want to know exactly what you're getting. That's like reading the nutrition label of your favorite snack-you should know what's inside, right?
• Your Purpose: There are individual needs that need to be taken into consideration. Since menopause is unique in every woman like a fingerprint, what works for your best friend won't work for you. Take into consideration unique symptoms that you have and your health history. Maybe you also have other health conditions or take other medications, so some of the supplements would be more beneficial to you than others.
• Dosage and Form: Be aware of the dosage recommended and the form of supplement. Some are capsules, whereas others are liquid or powders. Just choose the easiest for you to ingest regularly. After all, that's the best supplement too-being what you actually remember to take!
• Consult health care providers: It is always a good idea to discuss any new regimen you're considering adding before starting. Maybe they can suggest you the best supplements for vaginal comfort during menopause by understanding your body and its needs. They can also help navigate the tightrope of potential drug interactions and advise you about which options best apply to your situation. Consider them as your personal GPS for supplement highway-they can help you avoid going down some of those wrong turns and keep you safe at your destination.