Natural Solutions for Vaginal Atrophy: Safe & Effective Remedies

I have been using the DHEA supositories and I can't believe the difference. I am a 60 year old woman and I was about to give up sex it hurt and I had lost the desire. Well I feel like this is the magic bullet. I actually feel like a woman again. I know that sounds corny but the DHEA I got from a compounding pharmacy they are little cubes and I cut them in half , they were prescribed, a full one was to much, I started to spot a trace and he told me to cut it in half. Perfect for me. I have moisture and plumpness and a sex drive. I can't believe it has taken me this long to find something natural that works. I don't find it messy and it didn't keep me up at night. Good Luck Ladies

Deanna,

Could you please list the compounding pharmacy that you found the DHEA suppositories in? I live near Ann Arbor, MI and I don't know how to use these or what mgs but since my hyst the docs have offered NO help. I have lost every bit of my desire & have NO energy at all. And, I am a young woman. Plz can offer info becuz the docs have thrown nothing but meds that do nothing.

I found a compounding pharmacy that makes DHEA 3.25mg suppositories in a solid oil type base.

Thank you, Kate

I was wondering if anyone here who is using DHEA cubes or the Estriol cubes, if you have been able to have a vaginal orgasm? I have no problem with a clitoral orgasm. I figured before I spend the money on the cubes, I would ask to see if anyone who had suffered from vaginal atrophy was able to achieve vaginal orgasm after treatment.

The first Gyno (a man) I saw for vaginal atrophy prescribed lidocaine gel! Can you imagine? Then I went to a lady gyno and she explained what was going on and prescribed estrace cream, which was some help but did not work at all unless I used it all the time which causes concern of side effects, so I want something natural without side effects.

Linda, I'm not a doctor or anything, but from the reading I've done, it sounds like you're on the right track by interpreting your body's reaction as saying the dose is too high. The symptoms you mention all sound like what happens when one is getting more estrogen than needed.

When my wife first started using these, her Naturopath recommended she use one a night for 2 weeks, then slowly taper off until she was using only 1 a week. The reason, she said, was to get the tissues plumped up...requires a heavy dose, or a high concentration initially. Then, once the tissues are soft and supple, she said my wife could taper off to 1 a week.

Just before we learned of the Hydration Cubes, however, we stocked up on some "natural vitamin E suppositories." We got them on the web, no prescription required.

So once we met with the Naturopath, and she prescribed the Hydration Cubes, I was feel like, "wow, now what do we do with all these natural vitamin E suppositories?"

And she said it was just fine for my wife to continue to use 1 or so a week of the natural vitamin E suppositories. So that's what she's done. It's almost like there's 2 issues at hand. One is the state of the tissue (i.e., originally it had kind of shriveled up like a prune, and was dry and the opposite of soft and supple.) But also, there was the issue of lack of arousal lubrication.

Well, once those tissues came alive again, so to speak, and became soft and supple, she continued to use 1 vitamin E suppository a week as well as 1 hydration cube a week. Also, she would use one vitamin E suppository just before we had sex. It helped ensure proper lubrication.

Just thought I'd mention the concept of using them in conjunction with each other - the hydration cubes to get the tissues in the desired state (of being soft and pliable and supple) - and the Vitamin E suppositories to help ensure proper lubrication.

Not sure if this helps or not, but maybe that can help allow you to reduce the frequency that you use the hydration cubes, and thus lessen your body's reaction. Just an idea. It might be a good idea, if it's possible, to try and see a Naturopath.

Lastly, I noticed from doing searches, that there seems to be 2 different hydration cubes. One says it's 1 x 12, and the other says it's 2 x 12. May I ask, which one are you using? My wife is using the 1 x 12. (In case the 2 refers to the strength, thought I'd mention it.) To be super clear, when I search for hydration cubes, I see "Bezwecken, Hydration Cubes 1 x 12 Cubes, " and I also see "Hydration Cubes 2X 12 Cubes"

Wishing you all the best.

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I've been using the Hydration Cubes for vaginal atrophy. I was inserting them twice a week. I had been having pain and stinging with intercourse and for quite some time had stopped wanting sex at all due to fear of pain. The stinging came when I urinated after intercourse. So, I was turned on to the Cubes. Since taking them, sexual intercourse has been painless, my pubic hair seems to be thicker and I feel younger in general, but the side effect I am suspicious of being caused by the Cubes is that I have been emotional like I was when I was menstruating. I haven't had my period in 8 years, and have only started using the Cubes for the past 6 months.

I've noticed a huge shift in my nervous energy, racing heart, and emotions. I cry more easily, get frustrated and angry more easily, over nothing! I wonder if it is the hormones. And if so, I'm now doing an experiment and cutting the Cubes in 1/2 , which is difficult as they crumble - not a big problem, I can mold the crumbs together and still insert them...I'll see if I have the same reaction or if I feel more balanced. I'm interested in trying the jojoba oil though. I'm sure we women don't talk enough about this reality of our bodies... and I have to wonder if like letting my hair go grey, it is not just another important aspect of aging to allow the body to simply age and not feel I have to be sexually active as I was when I was young. I've had great sex and connection with my lovers and husband in my life - maybe I don't need to push this and should just let my body be what it is. Older! 65. I'm still quite youthful, healthy and vital and I have a younger husband -- which is one reason I want to continue to have intercourse, both thinking it's good for me and good for him. He's completely loving and wouldn't want me to do anything I don't want to do. Still, I do feel a little confused about my choice. Anyway, that's my story!

Bezwecken did discontinue their E3 suppositories, but they replaced them eventually with their "Hydration Cubes." They're made to be applied topically, however, my wife has been using them just like suppositories, and they work great.

Bezwecken did discontinue their E3 suppositories, but they've since come out with a replacement called "hydration cubes." My wife has been using them with success.

Thank you so much for your post. I too was having painful intercourse and uti's. I took your suggestion and bought some dhea at my local pharmacy as well as suppositories. The dhea came only in a 25mg so I quarter it and put it in the suppository. It has worked really well. I can really notice if I miss a few days. It's a bit of a hassle but well worth it. In europe they sell this already made up; I wish we could buy it in the US. The only thing that concerns me is the extra "filler" ingredients in the dhea; I wonder if those could be harmful.

I'm so happy to find this site. I'm in menopause and just turned 50. I'm also a newlywed. On our wedding night I experienced painful sex for the first time ever! We abstained from sex for a month before our wedding. Nobody ever told me that could bring on vaginal atrophy! I never even heard of this term! I didn't realize I had vaginal dryness. I saw my Gyno and she told me this. I just started using bio identical Estradol cream. I'm on day 4 and I can tell it's helping. I'm hopeful it will reverse the atrophy and I can have sex with my new husband soon without any pain. It's crazy that this issue hasn't been talked about more! None of my friends had heard about what could happen as we age either.

Deanna: thank you for your informative guidance...and hope. I am 67 and have suffered from vaginal atrophy for over 5 years. Like you, I find my female Gynocologist absolutely useless. Question: Will the pharmacy in Ohio prescribe the DHEA vaginal suppositories without a doctor's order? I live in Alabama.

Im self diagnosing myself with vaginal atrophy... im breastfeeding and never had a vaginal birth (which I read increases your chances of it! ) and at a certain point in my cycle I have about a week of insane itching/burning. I find that using a panty liner helps and I do use coconut oil. I tried it once cause I didn't know what else I could use and it worked! Its not long term, but it definitely helps.

I found the DHEA B suppositories.. they changed the name and method of use, but it's the same. Here is the page.. if this doesn't come up its from The Natural online.

They have the Dhea cubes, lub cubes.. etc..

http://www.thenaturalonline.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?dir=desc&limit=50&order=bestsellers&q=Bezwecken&x=13&y=7&CAPCID=26692915836&cadevice=c&gclid=CjwKEAjw1ZWgBRD-n6ew0oan1xwSJABAbf8ps6SeZLWBPYGTeBtmMZLtXtNEaUGLgfGtPDTCVnq3CBoCtAjw_wcB&CA_6C15C=320012280000660732

After much research, incredible stress and absolutely no help from traditional MD gynecologists, I found a compounding pharmacy that makes DHEA 3.25mg suppositories in a solid oil type base. I have used them for 1 year now and they have worked wonders for me! My only complaint is that they can be messy since the oil melts at body temperature and will leak out a little. But that is nothing compared to what I was going through before I used them.

My recent physical and blood tests, with a new doctor, showed great improvement in hormone levels and the pap smear came back showing not as much menopausal cellular changes. Some states require a prescription for the compounded suppositories and some do not. You will have to check in your area with a compounding pharmacy to see what the laws are. There are some compounding pharmacies on line that will ship out of state. There is one in Ohio that I use that is excellent. They ship the suppositories packed in ice packs and I haven't had any problems with that. But I live in the next state over so not an extreme distance away.

I finally found a local Osteophathic woman doctor that has been a true Godsend to me. She also prescribes a compounded progesterone cream based on my blood test. I have gone to MD gynecologists all my adult life will never go to one again. The extent of their knowledge for this condition seem to be to prescribe synthetic estrogen, and if you refuse that, recommend you get counseling and suggest an antidepressant medication. I am in no way a depressed person, I was stressed out from all the anxiety they helped cause me with their attitudes and lack of caring. Good luck and God Bless you all, I know how awful and stressful the symptoms of vaginal atrophy can be.

Hi, I am having an issue with vaginal atrophy-mainly on the external areas aggravated by urine.

My gyns prescribed estrace and estriol in a hypoallergenic base, but after spending $105 on the compounded estriol, the pharmacy still will not tell me what is in the inactive ingredients. I think its cetyl and stearyl alcohol, vaseline, and mineral oil. I have not felt comfortable with either option,

My gyns prescribe the estrace and estriol in a compounded hypoallergenic base, but it has cetyl and stearyl alcohol. Its also very expensive. $55 for a months supply that has to be refrigerated. Just never liked these options.

Just wondering what your symptoms are and if the gyn did any testing to determine it was va, like a swab test, or just by an exam?

Is sitting also a problem, or does the shower water irritate the area? Does urine also irritate the area near urethra or does it sting? Not like a uti, but the actual skin a few seconds later? Are most of the symptoms internal or external?

Glad the DHEA is working. Where do you buy the DHEA pills and would a gyn prescribe it?? Is it a suppository meant to be used that way, or is it an oral supplement?? Is it inserted in something? Have any of you tried estriol in olive oil drops from Womens International pharmacy?

Have any of you had any success with estriol in an olive oil base drops from womens International pharmacy? Is the DHEA little pill I am reading about made for vaginal use-where do you buy it and is it by prescription.

Have you all tried coconut oil unrefined, organic, I've heard from several ladies this has helped alot and it's not so expensive.

Is the vaginal atrophy affecting your life, like is sitting uncomfortable or the shower water irritate the skin also? The beach water stung like crazy.

For those of you who use DHEA vaginally-does it come with an applicator or do you put it in a Carlson vitamin e suppository?

Any of you used coconut oil or vitamin e oil? These are some alternatives I've heard from the health food store . Thanks, this va is new to me and trying to learn to cope with it and know what has worked.

Thanks, Cathy

I understand DHEA vaginal suppositories have yet to be approved by FDA (in third phase trial study). Those who have been using DHEA vaginal suppositories...can you tell me if you have experienced any side effects? Also, where do you purchase them if the product has not been approved?

Dear Marcy,

DHEA is a natural steroid. I do not know much about its use.

There was a post recently on the issue of vaginal dryness/atrophy and Damiana was used. Damiana, according to my book, Nutritional Herbology, is not an estrogenic herb, as say, Black Cohosh and Dong Quai are. It is something I would look into.

Jojoba oil and Magnesium seem like some other possible things to try that are not hormonal in nature.

Hoping others will have more feedback for you about the possibility of DHEA.

~Mama to Many~

I need help. I too suffer horribly from Vaginal Atrophy. I'm 55 and through menopause. Approximately 4 years ago I had a large blood clot in my lung, which the doctors said was probably caused by use of the estrogen patch (can't remember which one I used, I think Premarin). So, I cannot use anything hormone related. I've tried using a moisturizer/lubricant injected 3-4 times a week, at night but it did not help and it was very messy. When I saw the commercial for Osphena I thought this might work but my doctor said because of the blood clots, she would not risk giving me the prescription. I don't know where to start. Is DHEA a hormone and could this be something I might be able to use? Please, any suggestions, I'm desperate.

Patricia, you said you started with half of a 5 mg and it was too strong. How was it affecting you? Just curious because I started using the 5 mg every other day (started last Thursday) and so far so good. I just insert it as is in the morning. It's just so tiny, can't imagine trying to cut it into 1/3 or even 1/2 of a tablet. I understand everyone is different, so that is why I'm wondering how the strength 2.5 mg was effecting you. Thank you!

I had vaginal atrophy so bad sex became out of the question. I tried everything. Even forced myself to use hormone creams they made me feel terrible. They made me feel extremely grouchy. I even tried using progesterone cream vaginally. My husband was supportive, but it still felt painful. I read about using dhea in the suppository. So I tried it. This is what I do. I use the Carlson suppositories and cut them in half and and hollow a little spot out for 1/3 of a 5 mg tablet. I started with a half and it was too strong- I am pretty sensitive. I insert this every other morning. I wish I could do it at night, but the dhea keeps me awake. On the days I do not do this I use 1/2 suppository at night - just helps keep things moisturized. I have been doing this for six months and I am amazed sometimes I do not even need to use a suppository prior to intercourse. I would have never even tried it before. This is the answer for me. I normally don't write about this, but I hope it helps someone.

I am 55. I have Vaginal Atrophy severe. I have been taking Climagest 2mg and Vagifem suppositories for five years now. It changed my life. to be honest I was worried about the risk but my condition was so bad. I felt I had no choice. Due to be taken off them and I am in a state of panic worrying how I'm going to be, so bad I get emotional. However I have found this site and I feel it has been a blessing to me. New ideas to try. I am already trying out the Carlson Vitamin E suppositories and the DHEA are on order to be ready waiting yo use when my medication stops. Keep sharing the information it Helps to read good information. Will give you an update of how I get on.

To Quernsey: Is that a 5 mg tablet of DHEA and not 50 mg? So far, I'm seeing 50's instead of 5's...

Re: Help Requested for Constant Pain from Vaginal Atrophy

Try 1 Red Clover Capsule 3 times daily. Are you taking any opiate pain killer's at all??? They cause vaginal, anal, and bowel spasms.

Re: Help Requested for Constant Pain from Vaginal Atrophy

I had a very mild case of this (and also had a hysterectomy a few years ago). I found by far the most helpful thing for me has been pelvic floor physical therapy. Look around for pelvic rehabilitation therapists. It's good to also work in conjunction with your GYN. I have found between some estrogen therapy and the PRT my issues have almost completely gone away. The PRT work has been amazing.

Re: Help Requested for Constant Pain from Vaginal Atrophy

Try magnesium citrate first if you can tolerate magnesium.. Start on half a pill and work your way up to a higher dose... Or an epsom salt bath /soak, might move the bowels but goes right to the muscles to cause them to relax, calcium causes muscle contractions. Multi vitamin, mineral supplements, kegal or core exercise, Deep breathing to help you relax and reduce anxiety from pain, progesterone cream to reduce estrogen dominant symptoms of menopause, daily walks to refresh you and strengthen core muscles. Read more of the earth clinic vaginal atrophy pages.

I am 55 yrs old and had a complete hysterectomy in 2008. I have been diagnosed with vaginal atrophy. I am in constant pain, burning and pressure. No medical insurance! Cannot afford. Dr has me on premarin. 5 nightly for 3weeks. Then 2 times a week. I am into my 3rd week and there has been only a touch of an improvement. I am going crazy! I am single so I must work. I sit at my desk and cry. Please, any suggestions to help me? Thank you so much.

Apparently the E3 by Bezwecken has been discontinued. Very unhappy to hear this...

Yes, it is still working for me. I have upped the dosage, so I insert a whole 5mg tablet every other day. It works great. Believe me, I've tryed everything--estriol oil, progesterone oil, various other oils, etc. Much too messy, estriol made me spot. This takes like one second and there is nothing there after it dissolves and it dissolves pretty fast. And it's not bad for the man like estrogens. I've been doing this for a long time and have no side effects.

I am having trouble finding the Bezwecken E3 vaginal suppositories on line. All my former resources are no longer selling them. Does anyone know why or where I can get them again.

Thanks to all for sharing what you have discovered about vaginal atrophy etc. I work in the area of women's health and also have a great female ob/gyne. Someone asked about dilators - from all I have discovered, and from my doc's advice, "if you don't us it you lose it". When sex hurts us of course we avoid it, including self-pleasuring. And the lack of blood flow and tissue stimulation only makes everything worse. My friends and I have discovered that a whole range of things need to be used to help. We are usually low on Vit D, and as mentioned magnesium (oral)is very helpful to many (500mg). Using an oil vaginally (E, Jojoba... ) helps, and I need vagifem (only the 10mg) at times as well. And then to avoid or to fix labia fusion (where tissues fuse together) vaginal sex, on your own or with a partner, is critical. Use of a vibrator/dildo is good because it can stretch things open again. Can hurt so do it on your own, have a glass of wine first and a salts bath after! Then I have to get myself to keep up my routine... Just like flossing!

Astringents tighten things up and the vagina is no different, there are two plants known for these qualities and one is witch hazel. Put some into the vaginal cavity with your finger. Put some on a q tip and slightly put it into the rectum , just the cotton part, of tightening the sphincter. Then use good multi minerals with 1-1 ratio of magnesium to calcium with trace minerals and good vitamin and omegas to get vaginal tissue youthful again.

I was doing some reading in this site last night and found a site that stated that magnesium citrate goes right to the muscle unlike other magnesiums. I have found this to be true for me. My muscles all look amazing and I don't work out , and using very little hormone since my whole body has gotten turned around with the multi minerals and vitamins and use of hormone creams up to this point

( I used progesterone for 6 months and then added phytoestrogen and then added estradiol and then stopped them for a solid month while added full spectrum minerals and then used 1/8 tsp of progesterone cream for two weeks and none in the past three weeks............. And NOW

I add to this post that for three days with the use of witch hazel put into the vaginal cavity with my finger.... This morning is day three and my bladder is UP

(I put it on my finger and insert into cavity and rub around and then repeat 3-5 times in a row) ONLY if the bladder has dropped down .

The mag has also made the outer part of the vagina come back to life and the tissue in the muscle is full and well hydrated.

I am 68, same problems with dryness, burning, pain during intercourse. I have been prescribed Bezwecken (sp?) E3 suppositories by two different Naturopaths. One supp. per wk after initial week. Nice to know from James that I can find them online, since I just moved and have lost my doctor.

I am interested in the info about Jojoba oil, but my question about that is does it help with just vaginal dryness or all over dryness? The E3's help with both, mostly vaginal dryness and hotflashes. Also with sleep issues.

Also very helpful is using coconut oil (solid form) for lubrication during sex.

I have heard my grandmother talk about using alum after having her children. As the one lady said, you might be cautious as to how much you use, until you see what will work for you as an individual.

Please be very careful with the alum. It can really tighten a bit too much.

To the woman who used DHEA intra-vaginally (is that the correct term?), you said you broke a 5 mg tablet in four pieces. Did you use that once a day, or how often? Is that still working for you?

Hi, I have been pondering the use of aluminum for tightening the vaginal region ( I wouldn't use it myself). Aluminum has been used in talc powder for years and cheaper baking powders... Anyway........ they are not sure if it contributes to alzheimer's.

I began WONDERING if anyone has every used a topical of milk of magnesia or another form of magnesium.... to get the vaginal/core muscles firmed up ? Or maybe a magnesium douche... Would there be bad consequences from using it this way?

They call magnesium the heart mineral because it treats muscle conditions. Most people eat more calcium than magnesium and further throw their body out of balance.

It used to be we got more magnesium from the soil into our food, not anymore, and when a person gets stressed the body takes water and minerals to produce fight or flight hormones....thus draining the body/system further.....

Just curious.... ARE THERE ANY TESTIMONIALS OF USING MAGNESIUM FOR PROLAPSED ORGANS BY USE OF TOPICAL OR INTRAVAGINAL?

I emailed Bezwecken... They discontinued the estriol suppositories for "business reasons".... Not happy!

If it is causing discomfort it is probably doing more harm than good. I had to treat yeast overgrowth everytime I tried a dab of prem.... Two days in a row, and finally gave up. Used three prescriptions for yeast treatment in 6 months.

I felt so frustrated I didn't try hormones again for a year, when I tried something else.

Does using an oral dose of dhea help tighten your muscles. My sister uses it and says it helps her a lot. I haven't gotten up enough courage to try it yet. I add new products SLOWLY in low doses... And try one day, skip the next, then try again, skip the next. Some things work best one day a week.

Hi, I have found that the progesterone creams are all different, I use the one made by E...... on my fat. Other brands made me moody.

I use 1 tsp. 3wks. a month - Plus 1/8 tsp. of the phytoestrogen .... (plus a small dab of the estradiol> I get a stiff neck with a bad headache if I use too much ).

At first everything on me tightened up and then it seemed less effective, but still an improvement. Then I started adding more things. I am cautious and add stuff slowly and journal results. Half the books at the library seem to recommend natural hormones and the other half are the advice you get from the ob/gyn.

I read the book by John Lee, he was an ob/gyn whos patients were symptomatic and he looked for answers. My hormones tested normal for a menopausal woman. I add the hormones based on the symptoms listed in the books I read. There are a lot of good books at the library about hormone imbalances with LISTS of symptoms based on each hormone deficiency or excess.

I like it when two books can agree on stuff. I go read book reviews on it... get other peoples opinions. I read reviews on the hormone creams and other products before I try them.

The magnesium citrate by S..... , is amazing for muscle and tone. I use a multi enzyme, all the B's. folic acid, selenium, mulit mineral, D-3, C, Betafood, Lecithin, coconut oil, yogurt, iodized sea salt, and I just learned today that I need to take amino acids in the form of protein powders (from rice, peas and soy) so my body can make collagen, so my skin can flex.

The alum is from aluminum and that would not be good for me.

I got a core ball a couple months ago . I get a good range of motion without hurting myself by overextending. I do motions like hoola hoop, sitting down and bounce and roll back and forth stretching muscles, firming up my core. I also walk an hour a day.

I can only say ..... read, read, read, and then try stuff.... like....measure twice before you cut.

Joy, where do you apply the progesterone? I rubbed it on my wrists for 8 months but got spooked with a saliva test showed me way too full of progesterone. I wondered if it softened my ligaments, resulting in a tiny sinking of the organs.

I went to the utube site, it answered some questions. thanks for the input......

If you google "alum and vagina", there is a utube video that gives all the details. I bet the alum would give a nice cheap face lift as well.

NO, I use the vitamin D , magnesium citrate , and other vitamins and lots of coconut oil orally. I used progesterone for 6mo with no other vits or mins or creams and got new p - hair that was not grey, then added some phytoestrogen , a little dab on the outer vagina and then recently added a small dab estradiol right above the hairline to pull up the bladder.

I am prone to yeast infections , so no creams work inside with hormones on them. I have added products--- one a month, after 6 months of progesterone alone, and each has improved my muscle tone over my whole body. I wouldn't stop using any of them unless the problem was completely resolved.

Magnesium citrate from S..... Giving me dramatic changes toward youthfullness and intestinal health. Constipation wreaks havok on pelvic floor muscles.

I am still reading up and adding some new things. There is a pessary that inflates to fill the cavity to help a person get some exercise called INFLATOBALL.... ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT ? Also has anyone done the allum soaking with good results?

Joy, are you saying you use vitamin d, magnesium, progesterone, etc. on your vagina?

One of the old time remedies was to soak the area in alum, it tightened everything up.

I have been reading a lot of hormone books the past two years and my bladder is fallen, pressing on my nerves. I applied E...... brand progesterone cream for 6 months and slowly increased the dose, then added vit D , when my blood test revealed it was VERY LOW, (D is a hormone ), then added magnesium citrate and that helped the muscle tone as well.

Then added the same brand of phytoestrogen and later added estradiol to the mix, since the body has three estrogens in it.

Now as far as you feeling aggressive or mean, the body will produce hormones if given the right environment/products to produce them in/with,

BUT NOT PROGESTERONE and that is the hormone that is calming. Maybe you could add it and find the right balance.

I am hoping to try adding DHEA next , thanks for your inputs... hope this helps you ....

How often do you use this? I am having a little anxiety from it if I use it everyday. And a little meanness. I think I will try every other day and suggestions

I wanted to update my earlier post about using dhea vaginally. I have been inserting 1/4 of a 5mg dhea tablet (sublingual and purchased off of Amazon) vaginally for 4 weeks now. The results are fairly dramatic. The dryness and pain with intercourse is GONE!! I have also notice an increase in my libido. I have had no other side effects and would recommend this to anyone who is suffering with vaginal atrophy and dryness

Thank you so much for your reply. I read the links and I am going to try breaking a sub lingual 5mg tablet of DHEA in half and insert it vaginally. From the research I read, this mode of delivery (vaginal) will not increase the blood serum levels of hormones systemically. I hope it works and I hope things improve for you as well.

Hi Babs, After reading about DHEA on this site last year (https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/vaginal-atrophy.html#DHEA) I researched and took the pub med link below to my Dr. This is my second remedy, the first being estrogen cream. I had previously suffered months of atrophy (and unbeknownst developed a cystocele). I am now on pessaries into about month 2 and I can say they are definitely working to get everything in working order. I have more to do on the cystocele (weight, special exercises) but getting there I hope. No increase in libido from the DHEA though. Also on thyroid medicines.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20459349

I also read Dr Mercola's recommendation of pessaries against oral doses of hormone. Pessaries, however, are expensive, (about 1 dollar each here)and 1 is used every night. They each contain 5mg of Dhea and were made for me by a compounding chemist. The dose may need adjusting and back to Dr for further review in a month or so. I am 54 with hashimotos disease and my abtibodies are a bit high and T3 is low at the moment so not a perfect scenario for libido. (See Dr Sandra Cabot's advice as well on libido). I had been on the typically prescibed internal estrogen cream before this and it was also working (plus a libido) but like you, and with a background in estrogen dominance and a bit of left breast pain reappearing, the risks looked too high to me. I have a great Dr and she is doing some more research on this to see if she can help her other patients. Hope this helps. Thanks to EC for this site.

I am 47 and had am postmenopausal. I suffer from severe vaginal atrophy and pain with intercouse. I have been to the doctor and prescribed estrace... Did not help. I have also dried Emerita Progesterone cream helped for a while, but then subsided and I noticed fast weight gain. I have been reading all the studies on intravaginal dhea. Many reputable sites are saying this is safe. Has anyone tried using dhea tablets intravaginally?

For those who would like to try DHEA there is a lab called Douglas lab that does not use China Vitamin and is a very reliable co. whom make DHEA 5 mg that you can use. It is a sublingual that I divide into fourth. You can't get DHEA compound here without script.

Anyone like to give a update on E3 and the DHEA for atrophy?

Downs: Most health food stores or pharmacies carry otc DHEA, so yes, start w/ low mg and work your way up. I would recommend also using the herbs I suggested. Rotate from one to the other on a weekly basis while also taking the DHEA.

Also consider Growth Hormone boosting as it could compliment the other recommends and you would increase your chances of a real and lasting benefits. The Amino Acid GABA boost Growth Hormone production as much as 40% (take one grm before retiring). I take the GABA in conjunction w/ YouTube Growth Hormone Release or Pituitary release harmonics. Athletic trainers have discovered that quick burst exercise (also found on YouTube) has dramatic Growth Hormone release. Speaking of hormones, make sure your Thyroid is good. Supplement Iodine.

Timh, have you had any negitive side effect from the DHEA? What I have read make me concern. Some say great hair loss, palpations and anxiety, on and on of course, the benefits are equal. My prolapsed is do lack of hormone to strength the vaginal vault, and no cervix, due to vaginal histerectomy. I an sixty years and I am tired of having surgeries. Not one surgery seams to help just makes another problem. There is a co. (not china )that makes a 5 mg sublingual. My state doesn't compound the DHEA or will not without script. I think I am going to try this. I will break them in fourth. Any advice.

Dong Quai / Angelica, and Siberian Ginsing / Eleuthero Root.

Timh, you mention herbs that are good for hormone balance. What are they?

Downs: if you haven't found any info on the use of DHEA for your specific condition, then simply give it a personal trial. Also search your condition as it relates to the mother hormone Pregnenalone and sister Progesterone. Since these are bioidenticle hormones in the human body in synthetic or supplement forms, there are virtually no negative side effects. So the question becomes not "should I supplement DHEA" but "how much". There are a growing number of health professionals and clinics using these Bio-identical hormones in the treatment of many common age-related illnesses. Search Bio-identical Hormone Therapy as opposed to Hormone Replacement Therapy (which has negative side effects). I use a Pregnenalone or DHEA supplement daily as I have a degenerative condition. Since these hormones are "parent" they don't create an imbalance or, testosterone or estrogen dominance; you simply get an increase of both (which is the purpose). I take either 25mg Pregnenalone or 50mg DHEA daily w/ noticeable good results (increase stamina). It's advised to begin w/ small doses and gradually increase to desired results. There are also a number of herbs that are helpful in promoting hormone synthesis in the body.

Also, you may also consider an B-12 / Folic Acid deficiency as that can have negative consequences in the Cervical / Vaginal area.

I have been following the story on the DHEA but have not hear any more on it. I am a nurse of 23 years with vaginal atrophy after a hysterectomy 20 years. As a nurse I can tell you how afraid of hormones I am. But I had to have something due to prolapsed of vaginal vault and bladder or have surgery. I have tried the E3 and thought my heart was going to stop. My chest hurt for days. My breast hurt so bad I could not touch them. Vaginal vault hurt and burned with positive for blood when void. I would like to know if there is any more news with the DHEA. I have got to try something or have the surgery. I have read all on the internet and research papers.

Check out Dr Greenbean website which explains reason you can't find E3. http://www.drgreenbean.com/topics/hormone-balance/ look under heading New Evidence Supporting Safety of Bioidentical hormones. It's FDA that pulled the plug because they're more interested in giving Big Pharms more money than helping people.

I sure appreciate all the information that everyone here has posted. Lots of research has been done! And James, you're a sweetheart for researching this issue for your wife--not many husbands are so caring.

I've had most of the same problems. I'm at the end of menopause, I think... Was on replacement hormone therapy, which worked great for hot flashes and night sweats; but then I got a blood clot in my leg, and had to stop the hormones. I've tried Estrace, but it's very expensive, and it doesn't seem to work, and it's messy, and the applicator ("plunger") is really hard to clean.

As a consequence, my poor husband and I haven't had good sex for many, many months. But now that I found this website and read all the good info, I'm encouraged.

I'm going to try the E3s first, and I'll report back.

I buy my DHEA from a compounding pharmacist in Chicago, but I do not need a prescription. I use the tablets not the suppositories. It is much cheaper and less messy. I don't think I am allowed to give you a link or mention the name of the pharmacy on this site, since the pharmacy sells things.

The DHEA is 5 mg. You can use the whole tablets or break it in half or even less. I currently break mine in half. They are tiny little tablets that dissolve very quickly and leave nothing behind that I can find.

This has worked great for me. The only other thing that worked is estrogen, but I can't take that anymore. The various oils did not work at all for me.

If you do a search for "compounder" that should bring you to it with a little scrolling.

can you plz give me names of the two sites where you found the dhea vaginal suppositories? I live in Greece and can't find it here, and i've been searching all over the net. I've had vaginal atrophy and dyspareynia (painful intercourse) for more than a year and have tried lots of products (natural ones as well as estriol vaginal cremes) with little or no results. Have a strong feeling intravaginal dhea could work.

Me again, with an update. We've gone from theory to experience. My wife has been using the 1 mg E3 vaginal suppositories by Bezwecken (available over the web - just search for them). She used them nightly for 2 weeks, and then tapered off to 2 times a week (last week). Happy to report that the discomfort she felt is almost totally gone. Several months ago it was actually painful for her sometimes to have sex. But last night, she reported that there's only minor tenderness. That's awesome progress. After buying these suppositories over the web, and starting to use them, she decided to meet with a Naturopath to be safe. It was fun to have her prescribe the same thing she was already using. Ideally (or supposedly) we can taper off to 1 a week. Just had to post an update, because it sure helped things.

Update - I learned, from doing more research, that 1mg Vaginal E3 Suppositories were more commonly used than the DHEA ones (that is, they have a longer track record; the DHEA suppositories, though, are up-and-coming it seems. ) So I ordered some E3's on-line, after searching for E3 suppositories, or 1mg E3 Vaginal Suppositories. One Naturopathic Doctor who was kind enough to reply, suggested starting out with 1 a week. So, this is our first week. I'll report back later.

So glad I found this thread. My wife's 63, and is experiencing vaginal atrophy to the point that she tells me she experiences irritation or pain everytime we're intimate. Well, just like I was the one to do the progesterone cream research several years ago, now I find myself the researcher yet again.

So I found this study that said 250 or so women used DHEA suppositories intravaginally for 12 weeks and reported that vaginal atrophy symptoms were relieved. They used varying strengths, to see if that mattered. As it turned out, the 3.25 mg DHEA ovule or suppository seemed to have pretty good results. I found a pharmacist that reported some of their customers had success with 3.25mg DHEA vaginal suppositories (or ovules), inserting 1 suppository nightly for 12 weeks, then 2-3 times per week thereafter. Has anyone tried this?

Another study I came across, the participants utilized a vaginal suppository containing hyaluronic acid sodium salt 5 mg, vitamin E acetate 1 mg, and vitamin A palmitate 1 mg. Dosing was a suppository intravaginally every night for 14 nights, then tapering to every other night for 14 nights. Of 150 women, 126 women completed the study in full. The study assessed efficacy of the study medication in the areas of burning, itching, inflammation and irritation. Results showed that any symptom that was reported as severe initially was resolved to either mild or absent at the end of four weeks. Anyone ever heard of this?

My wife's in a very demanding job, and doesn't have time to research this, so I'll be checking back to hear from you as to what works for you, while I continue to research further and report anything new I find.

I also suffer from vaginal atrophy. Really miserable most of the time. I've been using a suppository made by Carlson. Combination of Vitamin E, coconut oil and palm oil. Use at night.... not very messy and seems to be working.

It seems to work very well. But it hasn't done anything for my night sweats. My DHEA is not micronized and I was worried it would not work, but it works fine. Initially, I was wondering how to do this. I found two sites that have vaginal DHEA suppositories--sounds messy and they were about 2.00 each. Just using a piece of the tablet avoids the mess and the expense.

I'm 60 and I have a histroy of fibroids and bioidentical hormone replacement. To make a long story short, I went off all hormones about 1 1/2 years ago (except for progesterone cream). Hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal atrophy. So I got on vaginal estriol oil, which worked well until about 3 months ago when I started spotting. Went off of it and--vaginal atrophy again with painful sex, but the spotting cleared up right away.

But I have found something. DHEA inserted vaginally. I am well lubricated and it does not hurt to have sex. I bought some DHEA, 5 mg. Then I break the tablet into four pieces with a pill splitter. So I am getting a little over 1mg which is enough vaginally. Also, it does to systemic because my skin is significantly oilier. I have been on this for about six weeks with no spotting (estrogen makes my fibroids grow).

Some people say DHEA converts to estrogen and testosterone. I do not know yet if it is converting to estrogen, but my body will tell me. So with that in mind, it probably would not be good for someone with cancer or who is prone to cancer. I would say to ask your doctor, but doctors generally don't know any more about this sort of thing than a fly knows about computer programming.