According to the Mayo Clinic, the definition of vaginal atrophy is thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to a decline in estrogen. Vaginal atrophy occurs most often after menopause.
It’s hard to believe that Mother Nature could be so cruel. Maybe it’s Father Time who is the source of the dry, itchy, inflamed vagina. No matter who is to blame, it’s a bum rap for menopausal women to suffer with vaginal unrest. As if you don’t have enough problems.
Because of the controversy regarding hormone replacement therapy, many women are turning to Mother Nature to find remedies for vaginal dryness, inflammation, and atrophy. Below is a list of 8 natural anti-aging solutions that may help revitalize your aging vagina.
1. Vitamin E - vitamin E oil can help hydrate vaginal membranes. Just crack open a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil directly in the vagina to increase lubrication and soothe the vaginal lining.
2. Vitamin C - taking 500 - 1,000 mg of antioxidant-rich vitamin C daily is an excellent way to help protect the vaginal lining.
3. Zinc - if taken as a daily lozenge, zinc is good for immune support during a vaginitis outbreak. It is thought to revive vaginal tissue as well. Wheat germ, seafood, meat, and oats are all good food sources. However, do not take over 45 mg of zinc daily. (University of Maryland Medical Center)
4. Olive oil - the consistency of olive oil is remarkably close to the natural lubricant excreted from a woman's vagina. It's rich in squalane, a natural emollient that penetrates skin without leaving a greasy film behind.
5. Stop smoking - not only does smoking cigarettes age the rest of your body by impairing blood circulation, it deprives your vagina of oxygen. Decreased blood flow to your vagina may be a factor to atrophic changes.
6. Pelvic floor exercises - the staff at the Mayo Clinic reported that Kegel exercises can help prevent or control urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor problems. Having strong pelvic floor muscles will also strengthen your vagina muscles.
7. Healthy diet and exercise - essential for the support needed to rebuild hormonal levels, a proper diet and regular exercise will give your vagina a healthy balance it needs to thrive.
8. Sexual activity – whether you have a partner or you’re the sole provider of your body’s needs, good old-fashioned sex is the most natural approach to bring blood to the area and nourish your vaginal cells. It is definitely the most enjoyable.