Nothing ruins the mood like dryness “down there.”
Itching, burning, painful sex, even bleeding… It’s a recipe for embarrassment and emotional disconnect, leaving your libido in the crapper…. and you’re wondering if this is what you’re destined to feel for the rest of your life.
Your mom or grandma may tell you that this is a normal part of “the change” (menopause). For decades, women’s discomfort and pain has been normalized and, frankly, ignored.
Hear me right now: while this is a typical change in your body; that does NOT mean there’s nothing you can do about it to relieve your pain.
Note: Even though vaginal dryness is most common during menopause, it can impact women of ALL ages due to hormone imbalances, being postpartum, or reacting to certain medications or personal care products. These tips all apply to you if you’re dealing with vaginal dryness, no matter your age!
What Is Vaginal Dryness and Why Does It Happen?
“Vaginal dryness” is a blanket term that describes lots of different things. Yes, dryness is part of it, but frequent itching/burning, labial bleeding, low libido, painful sex, and the emotional detachment that comes along with these things are all part of the equation.
As your hormone levels change (most commonly, decreased estrogen and testosterone as you get into menopause), the skin in your vagina thins and becomes more fragile. This produces less of the lubricating substances that you’re used to. Plus, stress and the heavy emotional load you’re carrying right now take their toll on your WHOLE body.
Other common causes of vaginal dryness include injury, unresolved trauma, negative mindset and self-image, a lack of sleep, or poor nutrition. Fragranced products and chemical-filled personal care products only make the situation worse!
4 Things You Can Do to Address Vaginal Dryness
BEFORE you turn to prescriptions, hormone replacement, or drugstore lubricants with ingredients you don’t even recognize…
There are natural ways to address the root of the problem to ease your pain and bring the passion back into your bedroom:
#1 – Avoid Irritants
This is probably the simplest switch to make. Don’t use anything on your nether regions that contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, or ingredients you don’t recognize. Many of these dry you out MORE, and cause MORE irritation. And they do NOTHING to really solve the problem!
#2 – Use Supplements to Address Hormone Balance
As with any symptom, the MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do is get back to the root of what landed you here in the first place. And—for anyone experiencing vaginal dryness—your hormones are an essential piece of the puzzle!
One of the simplest and most effective ways to support your hormones is through quality supplements. They fill in where you can’t get enough through diet alone. They also provide powerful ingredients to support hormone balance, vaginal health, and so much more. It gets even more important to invest in your hormone health in the years leading to menopause. So I want to make sure you have everything you need to keep your hormones healthy…
Check out this guide for my top 11 Supplements for Hormone Balance (there’s a fantastic blend that contains ingredients that specifically combat vaginal dryness, too!) >>
#3 – Don’t Shy Away from Your Emotional Health
There is a lot physically going on in your body making you feel disconnected and in pain. But we can’t neglect that sexual pain is a hugely emotional deal, too. Whether you have past traumas related to pain or are just feeling disconnected from your partner due to these changes, taking some time to invest in some intentional communication and self-love is an essential piece to making it through this time and thriving as a woman and a couple for years to come.
Show yourself some love with self-care, an intimate massage, a warm bath, and some daily relaxation techniques. Emotional connection can only happen when you’re in tune with yourself and your needs. Take the time to listen to your body and show yourself love. Make sure to address anything below the surface emotionally as you make these physical changes, too!
#4 – Use Natural Lubricants
It’s go-time.
You’re working on addressing the root, but that doesn’t help you RIGHT NOW.
So what are you left with? You may be surprised to hear that all you may need is a trip to the kitchen…
Natural Lubricants You May Have in Your Kitchen:
There are several natural ingredients you may have in your home already that work as a great natural lubricant for when the moment’s right.
Please note: Don’t use these when using condoms as contraception.
1. Ghee is packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins to nourish your vaginal skin and keep it hydrated.
2. Coconut Oil is my favorite choice for a lubricant! It helps restore your skin’s natural barriers and keeps bacteria and pH levels in a happy balance to combat itching, burning, and dryness. You can use it daily and before sex to notice the best results!
3. Aloe Vera hydrates and reduces inflammation to get things back to normal faster. It’s a great option if you have all-day irritation because it addresses the root of your pain!
Add an Extra Boost with Essential Oils
The best way to take your natural lubricant to the next level is by incorporating powerful essential oils! Any of the 3 natural lubricants mentioned above make a great base/carrier oil to use along with essential oils. Some great choices are Roman Chamomile, Tea Tree, Frankincense, Lavender, Clary Sage, or Rose to ease dryness or itching and promote healthy skin by soothing any inflammation.
Ready to Try It? Here’s a Recipe…
Dr. Mariza’s Natural Lubricant with Essential Oils
Ingredients:
½ cup fractionated coconut oil (liquid coconut oil or MCT oil)
¼ cup aloe vera
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
3-5 drops essential oils (Frankincense, Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Rose)
Directions:
In an 8-ounce glass jar, add fractionated coconut oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E. Mix ingredients together well. Add 3-5 drops of essential oil. I personally love to combine gentle floral oils like Lavender and Rose essential oils. Apply before sexual intercourse.
Want Something Ready-Made?
This recipe is SUPER easy, but I also understand feeling too busy to think about mixing it up on your own.
My dear friend and colleague Dr. Anna Cabeca have created Julva — a beautiful, all-natural DHEA vaginal cream to balance your hormone levels and act as a lubricant. Using Julva every night helps heal your vaginal tissue, reduces inflammation; and supports your body’s natural lubrication. Check out Julva here >>
What’s Next?
This is just a small taste of the way I want to help you thrive during menopause and beyond. You’re a beautiful, sexy woman and you deserve to feel like one, too, without annoying symptoms holding you back.
Order The Essential Oils Menopause Solution to address all the menopause symptoms that you thought were “normal.”
Order The Essential Oils Menopause Solution Here!
I’m loving this book, so well done, easy read and very informative. Great Book !