Manage Menopause Naturally

This appears to be a very common problem when we hit menopause, although of course not everyone suffers. Vaginal dryness can lead to painful sex, which then takes away the fun, and the urge decreases. Suddenly we have a loss of libido and a problem in our love life.

Vaginal lubrication is controlled by the kidney and the liver yin fluids. Again, when they become insufficient, the vaginal fluids dry up and because of the comparatively excess heat, this can cause not only dryness but chronic inflammation and/or itching. This will then lose to painful intercourse, which will affect anyone´s libido!

Sexual desire is down to the kidney yang – the fire of the kidneys, also called life gate fire in TCM.

Because of the spleen qi vacuity which began to occur in the mid 30’s and has now transformed into kidney yang vacuity, there is a lack of kidney yang which leads to loss of sex drive.

So let’s deal with the symptom. There are many lubricants on the market, mostly water based ones. These come with either glycerine or no glycerine and are generally used during intercourse. The silicone based lubricants are again, just lubricants for sex, but don’t address the dryness.

Then there are the hormonal creams which can help heal the tissue and reduce inflammation. The overall dose of estrogen is lower than when taking it orally, therefore carrying less of a risk of breast cancer and endometrial cancer.

However, I prefer a more natural alternative. Almond oil. 100% pure almond oil that you can buy in the pharmacy or in the natural health food shop. Almond oil has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries as an aid to healing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as for vaginal dryness. It helps balance the absorption of moisture and water loss. It has bacterial and antifungal properties, and high concentrations of vitamin A and E. It lowers inflammation and helps heal the delicate tissues.

Ladies, what we need to get our heads around is that, like we moisturize our face and body on the OUTSIDE daily or every couple of days, we need to moisturize INSIDE too! Yes! the vagina needs moisturizing at this stage in our lives, but let’s keep it natural!

Many years ago my cousin Jackie, masseuse and aromatherapist, introduced me to aromatherapy oils to use in the practice. Since then I have always had them in the home, using them for various situations, whether for coughs and colds, wounds, housecleaning, and now for my almond oil. I like to use ylang ylang, lavender and clary-sage.

Clary-Sage (Salvia sclarea)

The many types of sage is a wonder herb for women and clary-sage is used as an anti-stress and anti-inflammatory, but if you’re sensitive to linalool don’t use it as it might irritate your skin. It’s also considered to be an aphrodisiac, good for dry or mature skin and used for many menstrual problems too.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

This is wonderful for vaginal moisturizer. It stimulates oil production, and also considered as an aphrodisiac to stimulate that libido. It has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to be effective in reducing candida albicans. It has been known to be used as a folk remedy to increase sexual desire and reduce sexual anxiety.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is perhaps my favourite essential oil and I use it for so many things. From putting some on a tissue under my pillow for a good night’s sleep, to spraying it around the home in distilled water as it doesn’t affect the cats in a negative way! Lavender relaxes, makes us feel good. Lavender essential oil promotes healing, increasing collagen keeping your skin elastic and healthy and enhances the activity of proteins involved in rebuilding tissues. All fabulous for an atrophic vagina!

How much Essential oil in my Almond oil?

To every 100ml of pure 100% almond oil add 10 drops of essential oil – that is either one of the above or all three – but no more than 10 drops in total. You can do 3-3-3 or 5-5 or 2-4-4, whatever you prefer. Use your nose and use the mixture that you are most attracted to. After all, it’s going inside you, you want it to feel good to you! Remember, it is always best to use less than more. If you overdo the essential oil it can have harmful effects. Be careful! I want you to be safe.

If you would like help balancing your hormones as you go through menopause please book yourself a FREE consultation here and we can discuss how to help you best.