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Vaginal drying treatment

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Female reproductive anatomy
Female reproductive anatomy
Uterus
Uterus
Normal female anatomy
Normal female anatomy

Alternative names    Return to top

Treatment - vaginal drying

Information    Return to top

Question:
Is there a drug-free relief for vaginal dryness?

Answer:
Although more studies have been done to evaluate the use of soy for other menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, a diet rich in soy foods may, in theory, help relive vaginal dryness. This is because soybeans contain plant-based substances called isoflavones that weakly mimic the action of estrogen. Soy foods include tofu, soy milk, and whole soybeans (also called edamame). Avoid soy supplements, however.

Another method that many women claim relieves their symptoms of vaginal dryness is creams containing wild yam -- a natural progesterone-like substance. However, no well-designed research has evaluated these creams. Moreover, many products that claim to contain natural progesterone actually contain synthetic medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA).

Update Date: 12/5/2003

Updated by: Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma., and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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