- Vaginal dryness - hormonal balance
- Treatment
Treatment of vaginal dryness
In general, vaginal dryness can be treated better than local (vaginal) medications containing estrogen than patches or pills for oral administration, which include the hormone. When estrogen is inserted into the vagina, it still enters the bloodstream, but only in minor quantities, especially if using formulations containing low doses of estrogen. Generally, doctors try to assign administration of drugs containing the minimum effective dose of estrogen.
Vaginal estrogen does not reduce the level of testosterone - the hormone is very important for the maintenance of sexual function - as do estrogen-containing oral preparations. Estrogen therapy using vaginal medications can also reduce the risk of urinary tract infection. For the treatment of vaginal dryness, the following types of products:
- Vaginal estrogen ointment. The ointment is applied to the vaginal wall using a special applicator, generally bedtime
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. The physician should explain to the patient how many ointments and how often to use it.
- Vaginal ring with estrogen. The soft, flexible ring is inserted into the upper part of the vagina - this makes a very patient or her doctor. This ring continuously releases low doses of estrogen and has almost the same effect as estrogen ointment. Typically, a new ring must be replaced every three months.
- Vaginal estrogen tablets. Tablets containing estrogen introduced into the vagina using a special disposable applicator. How often it should be done, should be determined by the physician.
If vaginal dryness is shown along with the other symptoms of menopause such as moderate or severe hot flushes, your doctor may prescribe systemic administration of estrogen, and if the patient has a uterus, the progestin. Under the system implies the use of estrogen oral pills as well as use of hormonal patches or vaginal rings containing high doses of estrogen.
The doctor chooses the most suitable type of hormone therapy, based on the characteristics of each case. If the patient has a history of breast cancer
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, Ovarian or cervical cancer, systemic administration of estrogen may be contraindicated but nevertheless physician may prescribe the use of vaginal preparations containing estrogen. Previously he would discuss with the patient the potential risks and benefits associated with the selected treatment.
Unfortunately, atrophic vaginitis during perimenopause and menopause almost inevitable in most cases vaginal dryness caused by a disturbance in hormonal balance. If vaginal dryness is caused by low levels of the hormone estrogen, the hormone replacement therapy to help. Hormone therapy can be a local application - vaginal ointments or suppositories, or as oral drugs.
There are three types of vaginal hormone
- Set estragenovoe vaginal ring, which takes the shape of the vagina - estrogen from it goes directly to the tissues of the vagina. The ring is replaced once in three months
- Pessaries established in the vagina with an applicator once daily. After several weeks of treatment suppositories set twice a week, until the full withdrawal of the drug.
- Vaginal cream is applied inside the vagina using the applicator, daily during the first few weeks and then one - three times a week.
There are proven methods to increase the body's production of vaginal secretions.
You need to check how your body is provided with water, and consume at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. This is a simple but surprisingly effective means.
Before using any hygiene products, be sure to check its contents. As an alternative to traditional cosmetic means you can use a hypoallergenic soap for personal hygiene. It is not recommended to use balms and lotions, soaps and foam baths in order to reduce the discomfort of vaginal dryness, since they can simply be irritating and cause inflammation.
Estrogen is necessary for the production of vaginal secretion is produced from cholesterol. Many women who observe poor fat diet, cholesterol and lack of essential nutrients, helps produce hormones. Therefore, hormonal balance should provide the body with nutrients. For example, soy and flax seeds - a good source of phyto-oestrogens. It would be nice to buy certified high-quality multivitamin and polymineral complexes to fill in missing as a result of diet micronutrients.
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Additional recommendations
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Use of lubricants and moisturizers
Before starting to use drugs with estrogen
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, Is to talk to your doctor about treatment options for vaginal dryness using special lubricants and moisturizers. They can be used in combination with hormonal therapy.
Water-based lubricants to help maintain a good moisture level of the vagina for several hours. It is recommended to choose lubricants that do not contain glycerin. Before intercourse lubricant can be applied both to the input of the vagina and the penis partner.
Moisturizers for vagina. These products mimic natural vaginal lubrication; One of their application much easier or even completely eliminates vaginal dryness
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about three days. They are recommended for long-term protection against vaginal dryness and irritation of the vagina.
Before you use any additional tools (eg, vitamins, or foods that contain estrogen - even at low doses) should consult with your doctor to make sure that this tool is safe and effective.
Pay attention to the sexual needs
Vaginal dryness that occurs during sexual intercourse, can mean that you are not excited. Give more time to ensure that your body has had time to properly prepare for sexual intercourse - including produce sufficient lubrication. You may want to talk with your partner, and tell him what you need to prepare itself to sexual intercourse. Regular sexual activity also contributes to the development of sufficient vaginal lubrication.
Some foods should be avoided
The following products should not be used for the treatment of vaginal dryness, since they can cause irritation of the vagina:
- Vinegar, yogurt and other folk remedies used for irrigation;
- Creams and lotions for the hands and body;
- Antifungal or antibacterial soaps;
- Foams and bath oils.
It is also not recommended to use any perfumed cosmetic and hygiene products - soap, gel, toilet paper and napkin.