Yes it’s true. Estrogen tapers off with menopause and is often characterized by vaginal dryness. One in three women complain of dryness during menopause. And that, predictably, can reduce enjoyment of sex.
But don’t link dryness to just menopause. Women of any age can suffer the redness and itching that can rip through a sex life. Causes of vaginal dryness include:
- menopause
- childbirth and breast-feeding
- surgical removal of the ovaries
- anti-estrogen medication
- allergies, cold medications and some antidepressants
- douching
- lack of foreplay before intercourse
Conversely, female enhancement refers to natural products that boost interest in sex, either with the instant lubrication of a female enhancement cream, or with the more long-term approach of a libido pill. Both products dilate the blood vessels and increase blood flow to the genitals. And, notably, female enhancement might ease vaginal dryness, without the risks of estrogen treatment.
How to Diagnose Vaginal Dryness
Don’t write off dryness as merely an irritation; while dryness is a common symptom of loss of estrogen, it can hint a more pressing issue, like a urinary tract infection. In any event, it’s certainly worth a trip to your doctor or gynecologist, either of whom should review your medical history, and your symptoms, to determine whether factors like douching or medication are responsible.
In addition, the doctor will do a pelvic exam, and check your vagina for redness or thinning. The doctor might also do a Pap test, to remove and examine cells from the vaginal walls.
Estrogen Treatment For Vaginal Dryness
Estrogen therapy is a common treatment for vaginal dryness, often as a topical cream or treatment, to ease symptoms of dryness, but not the root cause. Many women use a:
Vaginal estrogen ring (Estring) – Either you or you doctor insert an estrogen ring into the vagina, where it introduces a regular stream of estrogen for up to three months.
Vaginal estrogen tablet (Vagifem) – A tablet inserted into the vagina with a disposable applicator. Tablets taken once a day for the first two weeks, then twice a week until no longer needed.
Vaginal estrogen cream (Estrace or Premarin) – Inserted into the vagina with an applicator in quantities according to the brand. Estrace, for example, is applied every day for the first two to four weeks, then one to three times per week. Premarin is applied on a rotating schedule, of once a day for several weeks, and then a week off.
Risks of Estrogen Therapy
There is general consensus in the medical community that estrogen therapy is not safe as a long-term treatment, with risks including vaginal bleeding and breast pain. Estrogen therapy is not recommended for women with breast cancer, a history of endometrial cancer, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, who are pregnant or breast feeding.
In addition, be aware that estrogen therapy is linked to heightened risk of breast cancer.
Why Female Enhancement Might Be Safer
Female enhancement creams and pills use time-tested botanicals and nutrients, including:
Black Cohosh Root – Long used by the indigenous peoples of North America to treat symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and dryness, new research suggests that black cohosh root might mimic estrogen and treat inflammation of the uterus.
Damiana Leaf – Native to South and Latin America, this multi-purpose herb delivers oxygen to the genitals and may reduce hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Vitamin E – A fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, vitamin E is involved in synthesis of androgen, progesterone and estrogen and, notably, may ease dryness.
Female enhancement might ease vaginal dryness. The ingredients used in enhancement creams and pills have certainly stood the test of time. And being natural, they appear to avoid the risks of estrogen therapy, with similar relief, yet with no reported side effects.
At the very least, you’ll likely experience a spike in sexual thoughts and desire with female enhancement products. Use a cream, like Vigorelle, for instant relief to dryness, and/or a libido pill, like Provestra, to treat the long-term causes of reduced sex drive. And, perhaps, to ease dryness.
