
Vaginal fluid or lubricant is mucus that is produced in the vagina. The hormone estrogen is responsible for the production of vaginal fluids and maintains the appropriate thickness of the vaginal lining.
Vaginal fluid or lubricant maintains:
- Vaginal health
- Prevents infections
- Helps move sperm
- Reduces the friction in the vaginal wall during sex
What are the symptoms of vaginal dryness?
The symptoms of vaginal dryness can vary, and a woman may not feel them all at the same time.
The most common symptoms include:
- Dryness, stinging, burning, or itching in the vaginal area
- Loss of libido or sexual interest
- Discomfort during intercourse
- Lubrication is reduced during intercourse
- Bleeding following intercourse
- Urinary tract infections
9 vitamins for vaginal dryness
Both hormonal and nutritional factors can influence vaginal secretions. When it comes to vaginal health, proper immune activity is crucial.
- Vitamin B complex
- Vitamin B complex, a supplement, contains all eight forms of vitamin B and promotes immune function.
- Vitamin B can be consumed as a supplement or absorbed through foods, such as poultry, fish, potatoes, and bananas.
- However, too much might be hazardous. It can cause muscular weakness, gastric problems, and painful sores.
- Vitamin D
- When you are exposed to sunlight, skin cells naturally synthesize vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin).
- According to research, vitamin D may aid in vaginal lubrication.
- Some studies reported that taking vitamin D pills or using suppositories may help with vaginal dryness and wellness throughout menopause.
- Using vitamin D as a suppository for eight weeks improved the production of vaginal lubricant.
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin E comprises eight fat-soluble antioxidant-rich components. It is important for eye, brain, and skin health, but it may help with lubrication and alleviate vaginal dryness.
- Research reported that using a vitamin E suppository for 12 weeks increased the health of the vaginal walls.
- Other studies found that using vitamin E suppositories and other supplements containing vitamin D and A relieved symptoms of vaginal atrophy in cancer patients.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)
- Studies reported that omega-3 fatty acids may improve lubrication, particularly during menopause.
- Omega-3 fatty acids may help hydrate and moisturize the skin.
- A study on 52 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors, who consumed 3.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acid daily for six months, had improved vaginal dryness.
- A study suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may enhance estrogen levels and improve vaginal lubrication.
- Hyaluronic acid
- Hyaluronic acid is a natural chemical that is commonly used in skin care products due to its important function in skin health. However, it is available as an over-the-counter supplement.
- It can now be used to increase vaginal lubrication.
- A study with 42 postmenopausal women, who were administered 5 mg of hyaluronic acid sodium salt for eight weeks, reported that participants had improved vaginal lubrication.
- A supplement containing hyaluronic acid and other components, such as vitamins A, C, and E improved vaginal dryness in a trial of 28 young women.
- Sea buckthorn
- Sea buckthorn is a plant that contains a variety of vitamins and active compounds that are used in medicine to help halt the aging process.
- Furthermore, the sea buckthorn plant generates oil that is used to treat many skin diseases such as eczema, acne, and wrinkles.
- According to current research, this rich oil may protect against water loss and strengthen the vaginal membrane.
- A three-month trial of 116 postmenopausal women found that consuming three grams of sea buckthorn oil daily improved vaginal lubrication and elasticity.
- The necessary fatty acids in Sea buckthorn oil improve vaginal tissue integrity.
- Probiotics
- Probiotics have long been recommended for their benefits to gut health. However, a new study reveals that probiotics may benefit vaginal conditions.
- The restriction of the proliferation of probiotic bacteria in the vagina can result in vaginal dryness, atrophy, and the possibility of vaginal infection.
- Oral probiotic usage may maintain vaginal health by avoiding a reduction in the protective vaginal flora, which may cause dryness and discomfort.
- DHEA
- Estrogen regulates the female reproductive system, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an essential estrogen source.
- DHEA is produced by the body and the production increases when you are 10 years old, peaks in your 20s, and then begins to fall.
- Research suggests that daily use of suppository DHEA, 6.5 mg for 12 weeks, helped alleviate vaginal dryness in females.
- A lack of sex drive can leave your vagina dry.
- Research suggests that DHEA may help keep your libido constant.
- Boron
- Boron is a nonessential mineral. However, it may be found in leafy greens, prunes, raisins, almonds, and coffee.
- Although it is unclear how boron might help your health, some study has connected it to sex hormones.
- Research published in 1987 reported that blood estradiol levels increased dramatically in women who got boron supplements, particularly those who maintained a low-magnesium diet.
- Estradiol levels are reduced in menopausal women, and low levels can cause vaginal dryness, irritation, and itching.

QUESTION
The vagina includes the labia, clitoris, and uterus. See Answer8 possible causes of vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness occurs naturally with increasing age when the estrogen levels deplete. As women age, they go into menopause. Menopause affects the production of vaginal lubricant and eventually, the vagina gets dry.
A dry vagina can cause pain during sex and increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
Low estrogen levels could also be due to:
- Breastfeeding: Estrogen and progesterone levels drop immediately after childbirth.
- Cancer treatment: Medications and treatment approach for breast and uterine cancer inhibit the release of estrogen.
- Birth control pills: Birth control pills operate by decreasing the amount of testosterone generated by the ovaries and boosting sex hormone binding globulin, a protein released by the liver.
- Hysterectomy: During a hysterectomy, both the cervix and the cells that produce vaginal secretions are usually removed, which results in vaginal dryness.
- Over washing the vagina: Water dehydrates the vagina. The vagina cleans itself through discharges and secretions. You can gently wash the vulva with water.
- Smoking cigarettes: Cigarette smokers have been demonstrated to have a higher chance of entering menopause early than nonsmokers.
- Sjogren's syndrome: This is an autoimmune condition in which the glands of the body are unable to generate adequate moisture.
- Other causes include:
- Stress
- Lack of sexual desire
- Alcohol intake
- Douching
- Diabetes
- Medications
- Antidepressants
- Cold medications
- Antihistamines
Health News
- One Death, 10 Hospitalizations in Listeria Outbreak Tied to Peaches, Plums
- Charity Scams Get Active Over the Holidays: Expert Tips to Avoid Them
- Too Few Seniors Get Follow-up Care After a Serious Fall
- AI Could Predict a Nonsmoker's Risk for Lung Cancer
- Breast Cancer Rates Higher in Urban vs. Rural Areas
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Vaginal dryness: individualised patient profiles, risks and mitigating measures. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6459457/
6 Supplements and Vitamins That Might Help with Vaginal Dryness. https://www.csuperb.org/6-supplements-and-vitamins-that-might-help-with-vaginal-dryness/
Top 9 Vitamins That May Help With Vaginal Dryness Related Articles
Tips to Ease Menopause Symptoms
What happens during menopause? At what age do menopause symptoms start? Women in their 40s or 50s may begin to have hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep problems as they enter menopause. See what triggers some menopause symptoms. Get tips for relief through treatment.What Are the Best Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching?
What Is Vaginal itching? Learn what remedies you can use at home to help to relieve your symptoms. Women may experience vaginal itching inside their vagina or on their external genitals. Some causes include bacterial vaginosis, contact dermatitis, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).How Long Does it Take for a Vaginal Suppository to Absorb?
Vaginal suppositories take between 15 and 30 minutes to dissolve and get absorbed into the body. The absorption of a vaginal suppository depends on several factors, including the type of suppository, active ingredient, pH and moisture level of the vaginal environment, and the size and shape of the suppository. The time for the absorption process of a vaginal suppository to complete can vary widely and is difficult to determine.Menopause Quiz
The Menopause Quiz challenges your knowledge about the time in a woman’s life when menstruation ceases. Menopause can bring many physical, mental and sexual challenges to maturing women, but they don’t have to be limiting. Take the Menopause Quiz to learn the causes, symptoms and treatments of what’s known as "the change of life."Douching (Vaginal Douche)
Women douche for a variety of reasons, however, doctors and other healthcare professional do not recommend douching. Douching can change the vaginal flora, and make women more prone to vaginal infections. Health problems linked to douching include sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and vaginal irritation.Vaginal Dryness and Vaginal Atrophy
Vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy occurs in women during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. With vaginal atrophy, the lining of the vaginal wall becomes thinner, drier, less elastic, and light pink to bluish in color. Symptoms of vaginal atrophy include vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, and/or pain during intercourse. Treatment options for vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy include hormone treatment and over-the-counter vaginal lubricating and moisturizing products.Vaginal Health Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
Take this Vaginal Health Quiz to learn about about common problems that women experience, and when to see a doctor about problems down there.Vaginal Pain (Vulvodynia)
Vulvodynia or vaginal pain, genital pain is a condition in which women have chronic vulvar pain with no known cause. There are two types of vulvodynia, generalized vulvodynia, and vulvar vestibulitis. Researchers are trying to find the causes of vulvodynia, for example, nerve irritation, genetic factors, hypersensitivity to yeast infections, muscle spasms, and hormonal changes. The most common symptoms of vaginal pain (vulvodynia) are burning, rawness, itching, stinging, aching, soreness, and throbbing. There are a variety of treatments that can ease the symptoms of vulvodynia (vaginal pain).Vaginitis (Inflammation of the Vagina)
Vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis can be caused by infections, menopause, or poor hygiene. Symptoms of vaginitis include vaginal itching, discharge, odor, pain, or discomfort. Treatment for vaginitis depends on the cause. Antibiotics may be necessary for some forms of vaginitis.What Are the Benefits of Taking Estrogen?
Estrogen therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy, is a treatment for alleviating the symptoms caused by menopausal transition. Estrogen therapy can alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, painful intercourse and bone loss.What Foods Are High in Estrogen?
Learn more about what foods contain high amounts of estrogen, when to eat them, and when to avoid them. Human growth hormone (HGH) helps regulate metabolism as well as bone and muscle growth. But synthetic HGH treatments may do more harm than good.What Happens When Estrogen Levels Are Too High or Too Low?
Estrogen regulates various functions in the human body. Learn more about what happens when those levels get too high or too low. Find out about hormones that can affect your happiness and learn how to boost your mood.What Happens When Vagina Gets Wet?
The vaginal fluid is a thin layer of fluid that lines the vaginal walls. Several factors may cause vaginal wetness; sexual arousal is not the only reason. It can be a natural part of the body’s physiological functioning.Women's Health: 11 Supplements for Menopause
11 supplements and herbs for hot flashes and other menopause symptoms are shown in this slideshow from WebMD.Women's Health: Better Skin After 50 and Menopause
So what if you're aging? WebMD shows you how to keep your skin beautiful during menopause -- with creams, injectables, lasers, and more.Women's Health: Myths About Menopause
Menopause myths tell you that hormones make you irritable, your sex life is over, and weight gain is inevitable. Get the facts about menopause.