Natural Solutions for Vaginal Atrophy: Safe & Effective Remedies

Hi, I'm new to Earthclinic and I was totally dumfounded to read that some docs prescribe estrogens stronger than Estriol for vaginal atrophy. Estriol is the weakest of the 3 types of body estrogens and according to my OB GYN, the safest... Especially if you've had cancer. He also said that an estrogen stronger than estriol is overkill for vaginal atrophy. Know your body and take time to do your research!

History:
Total Hysterectomy in 2001... uterine cancer.
Fact: I'm allergic to aloe vera and discovered that some of the compounds I tried contained aloe vera. So, I am going through the "process of elimination" to discover what is causing the irritation. Also, I do not want a "delivery" cream that contains paraffin, or alcohol. A delivery system can be 2 or 3 creams or a gel that is mixed with the estriol power (USP) to deliver via plunger.
Current trials:
I begain researching the contents of these creams and below is my findings w/ comments.

****************************
The 1st cream I tried.
USP Estriol and Vanicream (messy). Vanicream is an OTC cream.
After prices skyrocketed with my old pharmacy under new management, I switched pharmacies. So far, they are working with me, as noted below:
First compound from new pharmacy:
USP Estriol
cream from MEDISCA and
a vanishing cream (?)

The cream did not absorb well and it caused a mild burning sensation... Vaginal walls got dry and thin... Sensation was like the beginning of a urinary tract infection

***********************

Changed ingredients:

USP Estriol
cream from MEDISCA (ingredients: Deionized water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Laureth-7, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Tocophyeryl Acetate), and
Vanicream (continues to be messy)
Cream, still, was not being absorbed well - and burning continued. So, I asked the new pharmacy for the list of MEDISCA ingredients... Also, went to doc to rule out U. Tract infection.

***********************
Eliminated MEDISCA and Vanicream. MEDISCA contains aloe vera, and paraffins.

Currently, I'm trying
USP estriol and
Versabase gel (Ingredients: purified water, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer, aloe vera, edetate disodium, allantoin, methylchloroisithiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (preservatives)

I'm still in the trial stages of the gel. It's too early to draw a conclusion that the atrophy has been eliminated. I'm not aware of any burning sensation.
FYI: Another pharmacist I spoke with said that after hearing my HRT history, a suppository would work better.

I'll continued on with my research.
Good luck to you.

Jojoba Oil for Vaginal Atrophy:

I read all emails about JoJoba and tried it and it works! I couldn't believe it. I am post menopausal 54 yrs old and I get dryness and had a history of cervical polyps. I notice when I use the oil I don't have symptoms of unusual discharge. I may have a small polyp developing although the oil is keeping symptoms under control. Try it I know you will like it. It's natural what better than that?

Look into the "The Orgasmic Diet" by Marrenna Lindberg. There is a synopsis of it at this link, but it is better to get the whole book: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/orgasm-diet

Jojoba oil? Does it really work? I have had breast cancer and was prescribed premarin cream and then an est ring for vaginal atrophy.... I am too scared to use either.... So, I am going to resort to listening to all of you out there who have tried alternate sources... Evening of primrose oil? Let me hear some more personal testimonies, please!

hi, patrice here , I too suffer with athropy and I have just been reading about Ophena, it sounds like the answer to my problem, can anyone say where I can buy it as it might take ages to be on the shelf in ireland..patrice

I've had vaginal atrophy, terrible chafing/dermatitis, been to 2 gynos, dermatologists, U of Michigan, no one could help. I found Jojoba Oil on-line, after a couple of weeks I am seeing improvement. I am so relieved!

How long did it take to cure your vaginal atrophy. When I say cure I mean how long was it until you were able to have intercourse without the horrible burning feeling? Thank You

Do you use a syringe to insert the CC of Jojoba Oil? Where do you find one?

I am at the end of menopause and suffer from Vaginal Atrophy. My Dr. suggested a hormone creme but I was wary of the effects. I looked around at some other sites and spoke with the owner of my local Health Food Store who suggested JoJoba Oil. She had been to a Naturopathic Gyno who told her to use the oil as it was the closest to the oil we produce ourselves. I insert a few cc's every two or three days before bed and things seem to be back to normal. I was also told to use a vibrator to work the oil in and move the muscles around a bit.

Evening Primrose capsules help amazingly well with vaginal atrophy. through trial and error, trying over the counter,perscription drugs, and other natural methods, I finally came around to trying Evening primrose capsules and it was the perfect solution for me. Most of the medical and holistic formulas I tried caused an allergic reaction in my vagina. But a simple Evening primrose capsule once at night brought the tissue back to normal. I suggest inserting it at night so it can absorb while you are sleeping. Otherwise you will need to use a thin pad for protection as your body heat melts the capsule. Good luck.

For all that are suffering from vaginal atrophy. Keep in mind that there is a drug in clinical trials right now called Ospemifene. Ospemifene is one of a class of drugs called selective estrogen receptor modulators. In tests ospemifene appears to have an estrogen like effect on the vagina and it is supposed to be absolutely safe to be used for vaginal atrophy. I am just wondering if anyone else has heard of this. I am waiting for this to become available to try. Also wondering if anyone has figured out what can be used in the meantime until I will be able to try the ospemifene.