Estrogen is a hormone that illustrates a woman's life. It plays a role in puberty, menstrual and
sexual health, and pregnancy. Ultimately, when the tiring ovaries stop the production of
estrogen, a new phase of menopause begins.
The loss of estrogen brings about an array of problems for woman, inflicting both the mind and
body. One of the essential functions of estrogen is to maintain vaginal health.
It ensures:
the vaginal secretions are adequate, thereby maintaining lubrication
walls of the vagina are thick, elastic, and flexible
Therefore, when the estrogen levels begin to fall, the vaginal health declines. Menopause is not
the only cause of estrogen loss. Other reasons may be:
due to surgical removal of both ovaries
chemotherapy or radiotherapy
medications such as anti-estrogenic (tamoxifen), leuprolide (hormonal treatment of fibroids), nafarelin (hormonal treatment for endometriosis)
As a result of this decline, vaginal atrophy, also known as atrophic vaginitis, occurs. Vaginal
atrophy leads to a collection of symptoms known as a genitourinary syndrome.
vaginal dryness, burning, and itching
vaginal discharge
an increase in urinary frequency and urgency
urinary incontinence (leakage of urine due to activities that put pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, such as laughing, running, sneezing, etc.)
burning sensation with urination
recurrent urinary tract infections: the pH of the vagina becomes less acidic, promoting the growth of harmful bacteria and reducing the number of good bacteria
painful or uncomfortable sex
inadequate vaginal lubrication during sex
bleeding or spotting after sex
In the state of vaginal atrophy, the vagina is vulnerable to infection, inflammation, or mild
trauma; henceforth, why damage to the vaginal tissues can occur during sexual activity.
However, sexual activity also maintains vaginal health. By increasing the blood flow to the
vagina, regular sex will increase vaginal elasticity and improve lubrication. Sexual activity also
keeps the vagina more acidic, thereby decreasing the risk of vaginal infections.
However, do not fright! There are several solutions present for this problem. And one of them is
vitamin E suppositories.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is popularly known for its antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties. Benefits are:
prevents cardiovascular diseases
prevents cancers
supports immune health
supports the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Additionally, vitamin E is also known to improve the symptoms of menopause by maintaining
estrogen levels; because it takes part in the production of hormones and hormone-like substances. It increases vaginal elasticity, improves dryness, and burning due to vaginal
atrophy.
Vitamin E heals the atrophic vaginal tissue by influencing vaginal tissue recovery. As a result, this decreases pain during sex. This vitamin also keeps the arteries flexible and improves blood flow to the vagina, consequently increasing the metabolism of vaginal connective tissues. This function of vitamin E enhances the moisture and flexibility of vaginal walls.
A study revealed that vitamin E suppositories adequately treated vaginal atrophy. Therefore,
women who do not want to use topical estrogen creams can opt for vitamin E suppositories.
This statement is supported by physicians as well. Moreover, physicians suggest that the daily
use of vitamin E will protect the cervix. It will also reduce the risk of complications of vaginal
atrophy, such as vaginal or urinary tract infections.
Vitamin E is present in many food sources such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, nuts,
fruits, bell pepper, spinach etc. Although these food sources may complete our dietary
requirements of vitamin E however, suppositories will directly supply the vaginal tissue with
vitamin E at the target site.
The lack of estrogen may not be the only culprit of vaginal dryness. An unhealthy diet,
inadequate intake of water, certain medications, and a combination of other factors can also
result in vaginal dryness.
Menopause associated vaginal atrophy may be inevitable. But the solution to this is present in
the imminent vitamin E. Vitamin E suppositories are a favorable alternative for those who do not
prefer hormonal therapy and want to deal with their symptoms as safely as possible.
Check out our Vitamin E product page for more information!
REFERENCES
1) Bleibel B, Nguyen H. Vaginal Atrophy. 2021 Feb 2. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL):
StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan–. PMID: 32644723.
2) Parna n Emamverdikhan, A., Golmakani, N., Tabassi, S. A., Hassanzadeh, M., Sharifi, N., &
Shakeri, M. T. (2016). A survey of the therapeutic effects of Vitamin E suppositories on vaginal
atrophy in postmenopausal women. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 21(5),
3) Ziagham, S., Ab baspoor, Z., Safyari, S., & Rad, P. (2013). Effect of vitamin E vaginal suppository
on atrophic vaginitis among postmenopausal women. Jundishapur Journal of Chronic Disease
4) Parnan emamverdikhan, A., Golmakani, N., SharifiSistani, N., Taghi Shakeri, M., Hasanz ade
Mofrad, M., Sajadi Tabassi, A. (2014). Comparing Two Treatment Methods of Vitamin E
Suppository and Conjugated Estrogen Vaginal Cream on the Quality of Life in Menopausal
Women with Vaginal Atrophy. Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, 2(4), 253-261.