Susan E. Mead, M.H.
Incorporated
Medical Herbalist

Email Susan E. Mead, M.H. at herbalist@susanemead.com for a quick, free mini-consultation.

Premenopause/Menopause Symptoms

VAGINAL DRYNESS

Thinning and drying of the vaginal tissues in the premenopausal years is often first noticed during sexual activity when the expected lubrication is slight or absent. It is normal; almost all post-menopausal women will experience a lessening of sexual lubrication - but it certainly doesn't mean giving up your sexual self!

At some time, many women will experience vaginal dryness.  Beginning in premenopause, the vagina may weaken or shrink and produce fewer secretions.  Due to less estrogen, the vaginal tissue can be more easily injured.  Also, decreased acidity of the vagina can lead to infections.  A thinning of the tissue lining the vagina may lead to pain during intercourse. Itching or irritation can also occur. Although few women experience serious problems with vaginal dryness and thinning during premenopause, both continue to occur over time. Some doctors estimate that at least half of all women older than 60 have some degree of vaginal dryness.  

Other causes of vaginal dryness include medications, such as antihistamines, oral contraceptives, fertility medications, some chemotherapy and other prescription medications.  Physical conditions such as stress, vigorous exercise, recent childbirth and/or breastfeeding, and hysterectomy can contribute to vaginal dryness, irritation and discomfort. 

QUICK TIPS

• Avoid using irritating soaps in the genital region.
• Increase water intake to help the body enhance secretions.
• Water-based vaginal lubricants and moisturizers can greatly improve dryness, but egg white works great and is far less expensive!
• Vitamin E can gradually re-moisten your tissues; work up from 400 IU daily to a maximum of 1200 IU and give it 2-3 months.
• Many have heard the phrase “Use it or lose it” which can apply to our sexuality, as well. If intercourse is painful during this time, don't give up your sexual pleasure! Self-pleasuring (masturbation) has an important role in our lives, especially during the premenopause years.

For more specific suggestions and dosages consider an herbal phone consultation with Ms. Mead, click here for more information on herbal consultations and to contact Ms. Mead.

Click below to get more information on other premenopause symptoms:

The Path to Better Living

You have already taken the first step on your journey.  I work directly with you to uncover the sources of your body's imbalance and create remedies to restore, rejuvenate, and heal.

1. We'll begin by filling out your Health History Form, to determine the best approach for your personal needs.  Download a PDF file of the form here.  If you do not have downloading capabilities, contact me and I will mail it to you promptly. 
    

2. Once you have filled out the appropriate information, send me the form, via email or snail mail, along with a recent photograph of yourself. 
    

3. We will next engage in a one-on-one private consultation, either in person or over the phone, where I can pinpoint the right herbal remedies and lifestyle changes for you.  For pricing, see my Herbal Consultations page.
    

4. I then create for you a customized health plan which will include suggestions for diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes that will work in conjunction with a specially formulated herbal remedy that I design to target your personal needs.  Potential herb/drug interactions are taken into consideration.
    

5. Many patients begin treatment with one pound of dried herbs selected from my personal pharmacy, which you will enjoy as a strong tea known as an herbal infusion.  But most remedies are supplied in tincture form, with only a teaspoon or two per day needed to make it easy for you.
    

6. Approximately 80-85% of clients start seeing positive results within 2-4 weeks, often in just a few days.
    

7. I will continue to communicate with you via phone or email consultations, and we will work together to help you re-create the strongest, healthiest body possible.  In the case of chronic ailments, you may need to allow one month of treatment for each year you have had the problem. But you should see at least a 10% improvement in the first few weeks.

Begin Your Journey Now

Contact me or download the Health History Form now so we can move on to the next step to making you feel better, mind, body, and soul. 

To your health,

Susan E. Mead, M.H.

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