Vaginal dryness - hormonal balance

Vaginal dryness - it is a problem, especially prevalent among premenopausal and postmenopausal age, though generally insufficient production of vaginal lubrication can occur at any age, absolutely. Often, vaginal dryness is a major sign of vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) - disorders in which a result of lower levels of estrogen vaginal walls become inflamed and exudes.

Normally the vaginal wall covers a thin layer of moisture. When sexual stimulation increases blood flow to the pelvic organs, resulting produce more vaginal lubrication. However, hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle, aging, menopause, childbirth and breastfeeding may affect the amount and consistency of the grease.

Symptoms

Vaginal dryness can be accompanied by the following signs and symptoms:

• Itching and tingling in the vagina and in the lower part of the vagina;
• Burning in the vagina;
• The pain and minor bleeding during sexual intercourse;
• Unusually frequent urination;
• Recurrent urinary tract infection.

When to call a doctor

Vaginal dryness in a particular age occurs in a large number of women, but not all of them are treated with this problem to the doctor. Professional help is necessary to address in the event that vaginal dryness affects your lifestyle, in particular - on sex and relationships with a partner. Living with the unpleasant symptoms that accompany the appearance of vaginal dryness should not be part of the aging process.

Reduced estrogen levels

Basic, the most common cause of vaginal dryness is to reduce the level of estrogen in the body. Estrogen - a female hormone that helps keep vaginal tissue healthy by maintaining normal production of vaginal lubrication. Moreover, due to estrogen Estrogen - the key to bone health   vaginal tissues are elastic, and to maintain a certain level of acidity in the vagina. When the level of estrogen is reduced, to take on these functions can not be any other substance and the vaginal walls become less elastic, thinner and more prone to various injuries, increases the risk of urinary tract infection.

Estrogen levels may be reduced for several reasons, for example:

• Menopause, or the transition period before menopause (perimenopause);
• Birth of a child;
• Breast-feeding;
• Exposure of some ovarian cancer treatments, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormonal therapy;
• Removing the ovaries surgically;
• Immune disorders;
• Smoking.

Medicines

Certain drugs used to treat allergies and colds, can reduce the production of water in many parts of the body, including - in the vagina. Antiestrogen agents, such as those applied in the treatment of breast cancer can also cause vaginal dryness.

Sjogren syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome - an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system affects the body's healthy tissues. In patients with Sjögren's syndrome in addition to the dryness of the eyes and mouth are often observed and vaginal dryness.

Syringing

Douching - the process of cleansing the vagina with the help of various liquids, upsets the natural chemical balance in the vagina and sometimes causes inflammation (vaginitis). The consequences of this may be irritation and vaginal dryness.

Diagnostics

An important step in the diagnosis, talk with your doctor, during which you should be as detailed as possible to tell him about their symptoms. Your doctor will ask you how long you have any of these symptoms, go if you have monthly leads you sexually active use Whether for cleaning the scented soap, Does douching, and whether to apply any makeup for the vagina (eg, Special deodorants). In addition, the doctor needs to know what drugs, vitamins, and herbs you are taking, as well as whether you use lubricants which can be purchased in pharmacies without a prescription.

In order to identify the causes of vaginal dryness may also need the following procedures:

• Gynecological examination. The doctor examines the external genitalia, as well as with the help of special devices assesses the state of the walls of the vagina and cervix. It also probes the pelvic organs to identify signs of possible violations.
• Pap smear. The doctor makes a fence fluids from the cervix; This sample is then examined under a microscope. Sometimes also take a sample of vaginal discharge The whole truth about vaginal secretions   - Analysis helps confirm the presence of inflammation of the vagina, as well as to verify whether the vaginal dryness associated with estrogen deficiency.
• Analysis of urine. If vaginal dryness is accompanied by unusually frequent urination, your doctor may prescribe a urine test to check the patient for infections of the urinary system.

Vaginal dryness during pregnancy

For many women, vaginal dryness is a problem delivering a lot of trouble, which, however, they are very reluctant to speak. Vaginal dryness can cause discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse, as well as other problems. Understanding the causes of this disorder will help to deal with it much more effectively. We'll talk about why pregnancy is often accompanied by vaginal dryness Vaginal dryness: Causes and Symptoms And how to deal with this problem.

From vaginal dryness affects women of all ages, but most often it is the violation occurs during perimenopause - the transition period before the onset of menopause and after menopause has occurred.

Normally, mucous membranes are moistened by natural lubrication, which the body secretes under the influence of estrogen. This not only saved the elasticity of the vaginal walls, but also maintained a certain level of acidity of its environment - it helps to contain the spread of germs and protect the body from various infections.

The main reason for vaginal dryness for pregnant women is to change the balance of hormones. During pregnancy, the body produces more estrogen and progesterone Progesterone - norm and pathology , But the ratio changes, and because of this can be released into the vagina less lubrication. If vaginal dryness causes discomfort, you should consult with your doctor - perhaps the reason for this is some serious problem associated with the occurrence of pregnancy.

In cases where vaginal dryness is not caused by any serious violations, the best way of treating pregnant women, many doctors believe a healthy lifestyle. Proper diet, drinking plenty of fluids and moderate, regular exercise helps normalize the functioning of the organism and to a certain extent to stabilize the hormones. It is recommended to include in the diet of flaxseed and foods containing soy. In one study, it was found that daily consumption of 45 g of soy flour and 25 g of flaxseed after two weeks significantly increased vaginal lubricant secretion of pregnant women.

To reduce discomfort during intercourse, use conventional lubricants, which can be bought at any drugstore - their use during pregnancy is considered safe.

Finally, it is possible to use herbs containing phytoestrogens - substances of vegetable origin, properties similar to those of estrogens. These include herbs such as black cohosh. Before you use these herbs, be sure to consult with your doctor.