Alleviating Vaginal Dryness
Question for Maryon Stewart: I tried coming off HRT a couple of years ago and developed a very dry vagina, so much so that sex became painful. I am afraid this will happen again if I stop taking HRT. Is there anything else I could do to prevent this symptom occurring? Imogen
Maryons Answer:
Being capable of being sexually active is an important factor for most women at the time of the menopause, but nearly half of all women of menopause age report experiencing vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. Until recently the only two options were to either use a lubricating cream, which often didn't produce satisfying results or to use an oestrogen cream. Research published in 1990 in the British Medical Journal reported that a group of women taking the isoflavone rich soya products, linseeds and red clover were able to bring about the same changes in the lining of the vagina as women taking HRT. We incorporate all of these into our programme with good effect.
Our experience shows that it takes approximately 100 mg of isoflavones per day to control severe hot flushes. Research confirms that it is best to consume these in small quantities throughout the day, rather than in one sitting. The regular intake of phytoestrogens helps to keep the blood oestrogen levels elevated. As a rough guide, you will find approximately 20 mg of isoflavones in an 8 oz (200 g) (450 ml) glass of soy milk, approximately 12 mg in a soy yogurt or dessert, 25 mg in 4 oz (120 g) of tofu, and 8 mg in a tablespoon of organic golden linseeds.
A new product to help alleviate vaginal dryness, which has recently been through a positive trial in Denmark, is Omega 7, (£12.95 for 60 capsules) which is made by Pharma Nord. It is derived from Sea Buckthorn, a berry bush naturally found in Asia and Europe, which has been used in Asian traditional medicine for more than 1000 years. It is a rich source of Omega 3,6, 7 and 9 that has been shown to help maintain the health and integrity of the mucous membranes in the vagina. We began recommending that patients who have been experiencing severe vaginal dryness and even bleeding on intercourse take two capsules in the morning and two again in the evening, and are delighted to note that they are no longer experiencing vaginal problems.
The combination of making the necessary dietary changes and taking the recommended supplements are usually very satisfactory, but it takes a month or two to see a significant difference.
~Maryon Stewart