Why Vaginal Dryness Occurs: Understanding the Causes to Take Better Action
The vaginal lining naturally produces a lubricating fluid, primarily under the influence of estrogen. When estrogen levels drop, lubrication decreases, and the tissues become thinner and lose elasticity. This is the primary cause of vaginal dryness.
Menopause is the most common cause of this hormonal imbalance, but it is by no means the only one. Stress, anxiety, certain medications (antidepressants, antihistamines), birth control pills, breastfeeding, or overly aggressive intimate hygiene practices can also cause this dryness. Even regular soap, with a pH that is too alkaline, can strip away the hydrolipidic film from the vulva and vagina. Identifying the specific causes helps guide you toward an appropriate treatment. Your doctor can also check whether specific hormonal imbalances are at play.
The most common symptoms include irritation, a burning sensation, itching, pain during sex (what doctors call dyspareunia), and sometimes recurrent vaginal irritation. Many women end up avoiding sexual activity altogether. Dr. Lauren Streicher, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Feinberg, puts it bluntly: “Postmenopausal women should not accept painful sex as their new normal.”
Pain during sex is often the first warning sign. Many women first realize they have vaginal dryness at this very moment, even though the problem has been developing silently for months. If this applies to you, our article on vaginal dryness during sex outlines practical solutions to help you regain comfort in your daily life.
Sea buckthorn omega-7: the go-to natural remedy for mucous membranes
Palmitoleic acid, better known as omega-7, is an essential component of the cell membranes in mucous membranes. This is no small matter: it is precisely what the vaginal mucosa needs to maintain its hydration and suppleness. And sea buckthorn is by far the most concentrated plant source, with a content at least 20 times higher than other fruits that contain it (only four plants in the world contain it). Sea buckthorn also possesses remarkable properties that go far beyond omega-7 alone.
When taken orally, omega-7 nourishes and regenerates the vaginal walls from the inside. This natural approach is particularly beneficial for postmenopausal women, as it works deeply to support tissue health. Omega-7s protect the skin from external aggressors, limit water loss, and maintain the softness and suppleness of the vaginal mucosa. They also help alleviate other menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and improve overall skin comfort.
Allow 4 to 8 weeks of regular use—one pipette per day—for the fatty acids to be absorbed into the cells of the mucous membranes and for natural hydration to be visibly restored.
Palmitoleic acid isn’t just about intimate comfort. This rare fatty acid also plays a role in cardiovascular health, metabolic regulation, and the protection of the digestive tract’s mucous membranes. To better understand the full range of omega-7’s benefits, a comprehensive overview of this still-underappreciated fatty acid is in order.
Liquid oil, capsules, berry juice: not all forms of sea buckthorn are created equal when it comes to omega-7 concentration. Before starting a course of treatment, take the time to choose the best form of sea buckthorn to maximize the benefits for your mucous membranes. The extraction method and the part of the fruit used directly affect the bioavailability of the fatty acids.
La Rayonnante by Maison de l’Argousier is a nutricosmetic formulated with sea buckthorn berry oil sourced from our certified organic plantation. It is enriched with coenzyme Q10, lutein, and vitamin E. The formula is 100% natural, free of additives and solvents, and vegan. For women who check every label (and they’re right to do so), the ingredient list is remarkably short: just 4 ingredients.
Vegetable oils and sitz baths: old-fashioned remedies
Topical application of vegetable oils
Sweet almond oil, coconut oil, borage oil, and sea buckthorn oil contain omega fatty acids that are essential for tissue elasticity. However, sea buckthorn oil is the only one that contains the omega-7 fatty acids recommended for vaginal dryness. When applied topically, these natural products can soothe the vaginal lining and relieve pain associated with dryness.
Be careful, though: these oils are not compatible with condoms (they can damage them). And for long-term use, it’s best to opt for products specifically formulated for the intimate area, as recommended by Céline Hovette, a naturopath specializing in women’s hormonal issues. Water-based lubricants, free of fragrances and harsh preservatives, remain a good option for occasional use.
In addition to plant-based oils, natural water-based lubricants offer an alternative that is safe to use with latex condoms. Formulated without fragrances or harsh preservatives, they provide immediate comfort during intercourse while maintaining the balance of the vaginal flora. Be sure to check the INCI list, even on products labeled “natural.”
Herbal sitz baths: a time-honored remedy
Sitz baths made with calendula, chamomile, mallow, or sage are time-honored remedies for vaginal dryness that have stood the test of time for a good reason: they work. These medicinal plants possess well-documented soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Prepare a concentrated infusion, pour it into a basin of lukewarm (never hot) water, and sit in it for 10 to 15 minutes. Marshmallow and mallow, rich in mucilage, create a particularly soothing protective film. This syrupy liquid can also be used as an ultra-gentle cleanser, far gentler than any soap.
Diet and Vaginal Flora: Relieving Vaginal Dryness from the Inside Out
A balanced diet rich in healthy fats for well-hydrated mucous membranes
We often underestimate the impact of diet on intimate comfort. However, a balanced diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promotes natural lubrication and tissue elasticity. In practical terms, this means eating sardines, mackerel, and herring 2 to 3 times a week! The natural phytoestrogens in soy and legumes can also mimic the action of missing estrogen. And don’t forget the simplest tip: drink enough water throughout the day.
Probiotics and plain yogurt: restoring the balance of the vaginal flora
The vaginal flora is a delicate ecosystem. When this balance is disrupted, dryness worsens and infections become more common. Probiotics, in the form of plain yogurt, also help restore this balance. Applying a small amount of plain yogurt to the vulvar area is an old home remedy that works thanks to the lactic acid bacteria it contains. Céline Hovette specifically recommends the Lactobacillus crispatus strain, which is effective at supporting hydration and strengthening local immunity. Combined with a course of sea buckthorn omega-7, probiotics form a particularly effective duo.
Vaginal dryness during menopause: Is hormone therapy really necessary?
No. Hormone replacement therapy isn’t the only option. Many postmenopausal women regain satisfactory intimate comfort through a natural approach that combines several gentle treatments: oral and topical omega-7, a balanced diet, and probiotics. Naturopath Myriam Lepetit-Brière confirms this: she often recommends sea buckthorn as a dietary supplement for women in perimenopause, “a time when the mucous membranes become drier and more sensitive.”
That said, there are certain situations that absolutely require medical advice. If vaginal dryness persists despite a month of natural remedies, or if it is accompanied by bleeding after sex, foul-smelling discharge, or pelvic pain, consult your doctor. An accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment, as vaginal dryness can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying condition.
Intimate hygiene and daily routines: what makes it worse and what works
A few simple steps can significantly relieve the symptoms of vaginal dryness:
- Choose cotton clothing: synthetic underwear can cause irritation and skin maceration.
- Avoid traditional soaps: even “mild” shower gels often have a pH that’s too alkaline. Use plain water or a rich cleansing product with a suitable pH.
- Avoid douching: it disrupts the vaginal flora and makes the pain worse.
- Do Kegel exercises: just a few minutes a day is enough to improve blood flow to the vaginal area and support natural lubrication.
- Read the labels on lubricants: avoid vaginal products containing parabens, silicones, propylene glycol, or synthetic fragrances. Opt for natural lubricants, such as those made with sea buckthorn. La Rayonnante by Maison de l’Argousier, for example, is perfectly suitable for this purpose.
- Incorporate an omega-7 dietary supplement into your daily routine.
The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Sources and references
- Press Release: La Maison de l’Argousier, “A Natural Solution for Intimate Comfort: Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil” (internal data).
- Testimonial from Myriam Lepetit-Brière, naturopath; press release from La Maison de l’Argousier (internal RAG data).
- Céline Hovette, a naturopath specializing in women’s hormonal issues, as quoted in Alternative Santé.
- “Diagnosis, Causes, and Treatment of Dyspareunia in Postmenopausal Women,” Menopause, June 2023.
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