Vaginal Atrophy or Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Management in Ayurveda

Abstract

Vaginal atrophy is a common condition in which vaginal epithelium gets thinning and cervical secretions are decreased due to changes in level of estrogen. However, it occurs in most of the postmenopausal women or any age of female who feels decreased estrogen level of stimulation of the tissues of urogenital. Clinical features of vaginal atrophy are mostly similar to other conditions of genitourinary. So, today we will read about vaginal atrophy in brief.

Introduction

It is now considered as a new term genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), in which urogenital atrophy, atrophic vaginitis or vulvo-vaginal atrophy are also included. Studies show that 15% of female patients before menopause experience clinical features of vaginal atrophy, whereas 45% to 57% experience symptoms after menopause. Vaginal atrophy is a common condition in females in which inflammation, drying and thinning of the vaginal epithelium takes place due to decreased level of estrogen in the body. It occurs mostly after menopause.

Cause and pathophysiology

In this disease the main reason is decreased estrogen level in the body because estrogen is responsible for maintaining the normal anatomical and functional system of the urogenital. There are receptors in urethra, bladder trigone, vulva and vagina which respond to stimulation of estrogen to carry on the normal flow of blood, tissue elasticity, tissue thickness, tissue rugate and maintain the surfaces of epithelium moist. These healthy tissues contain glycogen, which convert the normal flora of lactobacilli to lactic acid. This produces an acidic environment with pH 3.5 to 5.0, so that lactobacilli protects the urinary tract and vagina from infections. When the level of estrogen decreases, this process is hamper, and epithelial tissue of vagina becomes atrophic with decreased secretions and decreased acidic environment and this leads to increased risk of urinary and vaginal tract infections

Causes of decreased estrogen level

• After the menopause
• Perimenopause period
• During lactation period
• Decreased ovarian function
• Oophorectomy
• Taking of birth control pills
• After chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Side effects of hormonal treatment

Symptoms

• Burning sensation in vagina
• Dryness of vagina
• Itching in genital area
• Discharge from vagina
• Burning micturition
• Burning leucorrhoea
• Urine urgency
• Urinary incontinence
• Recurrent infection of urinary tract
• Frequent urination
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Vaginal lubrication decreased during sexual intercourse
• Tightening and shortening of vaginal canal

Diagnose

• Pelvic exam
• Urine test
• Acid balance test

Ayurvedic overview

In Ayurveda, we can correlate the vaginal atrophy with imbalances of tridosha (vata, pitta and kapha) due to the presence of all three doshas vitiated symptoms. There is categorized the age in three stages- Balyavastha (childhood), Madhyamavastha (adulthood) and Vridhavastha (old age). In childhood there is kapha predominance, so the bore is more unctuous, soft, and delicate with relatively less anger and endowed with good fortune. In adulthood there is pitta predominance and in old age there is vata predominance- since menopause occurs before beginning of this stage. In females 50 years is the age of menopause that means cessation of menstruation and there are symptoms of diminished rasa dhatu with an increasing age.

Herbs used in vaginal atrophy

Guduchi

It pacifies all the three doshas. It reduces the vaginal dryness. Guduchi oil is applied on herbal tampons and inserted inside vagina which is very effective in reducing dryness.

Turmeric

It is an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic because it inhibits the cytokines and reduces the inflammation. It prevents vaginal infections.

Aloe vera

It is used to wash the vagina to reduce vaginal dryness.

Virgin coconut oil

It is used to moist the vaginal area and decline the dryness.

Triphala

It is used to clean the vaginal area to prevent the vaginal dryness and infection.

Honey

It has antifungal properties which prevent vaginal infection.

Fenugreek

It helps in elevation of estrogen level and increased lubrication. It also prevents the vagina from dryness.

Herbal remedies for vaginal atrophy by planet ayurveda

Planet ayurveda is a manufacturing unit of different kinds of ayurvedic medicines from pure and natural herbs which are very effective in human body diseases. Planet ayurveda has strictly followed all the principles of ayurveda which are described in ancient textbooks of ayurveda. All these medicines are GMP certified and 100 % vegetarian. They are safe to use in the human body and have no side effects. There are no preservatives, additives, chemicals, or yeast. The planet ayurveda provides herbal remedies for vaginal atrophy which are following

Product List

1. Kamdudha ras (moti yukt)
2. Shatavari capsules
3. Yashtimadhu ghan vati
4. Female health support
5. Chandraprabha vati
6. Ashokarisht

1. Kamdudha ras (moti yukt)

It is a classical ayurvedic product contains mukta bhasma (pearl calcium), shankh bhasma (conch shell), praval bhasma (coral calx), giloy satva (tinospora cordifolia), etc. It is bitter and astringent in taste and heavy, unctuous and cold in effect. It pacifies all the three doshas-vata, pitta and kapha. It is antipyretic, anti arthritic, a blood purifier and a bitter tonic. It is useful in dyspepsia, gout, and urinary diseases. It is also an immuno-modulator, an antioxidant, a rejuvenator and a restorative tonic. It is very good medicine for burning hand and feet syndrome. It is indicated in liver malfunctioning, urinary tract ailments and sexual diseases.

DOSE:- 2 Pills twice daily

2. Shatavari capsules

It is a single herbal capsule containing shatavari (asparagus racemosus). It is sweet and bitter in taste and unctuous, heavy and cold in effect. It pacifies vata and pitta. It nourishes body tissues and is also endowed with antacid, diuretic, demulcent, antispasmodic and rejuvenating properties. It is a cooling nervine tonic with galactagogue and aphrodisiac effect. It is used in infertility, frigidity, leucorrhoea, inflammation of urinary bladder and uterine swellings. It maintains the hormonal balance and helps for a trouble free menopause. It allays many of the post hysterectomy problems also. It nourishes and cleanses the female reproductive system.

DOSE:- 1 Capsule twice daily, with plain water, after meals.

3. Yashtimadhu ghan vati

It is a herbal tablet containing mulethi (glycyrrhiza glabra). It is sweet in taste and heavy, unctuous and cold in effect. It pacifies vitiated vata and pitta. It contains glucose, calcium, potassium, starch and vitamin B complex. It improves the voice, promotes body weight, always fatigue and excessive thirst and is beneficial for the reproductive system of females. It liquefies the mucus and helps in its smooth excitation. It gives immediate relief from pain and burning of the epigastrium. It is useful in non-specific urethritis, leucorrhoea and burning micturition.

DOSE:- 2 Tablets twice daily

4. Female health support

It is a polyherbal capsule containing ashoka (Saraca indica), lodhra (symplocos racemosa) and shatavari (asparagus racemosus). It is astringent and bitter in taste and dry and light in effect. It is used mostly in gynecological problems. It is effective in uterine bleeding and menstrual disturbances without producing any side effects. Its effect on the ovarian tissue may produce an estrogen like activity that enhances the repair of the endometrium and stops bleeding. It provides immense relief from painful menses, the premenstrual syndrome and non-specific white discharge. It nourishes and cleanses the female reproductive system. It maintains the hormonal balance and helps for a trouble free menopause. It allays many of the post hysterectomy problems also. It is very useful in vitalizing male reproductive system. It helps to increase the sperm count. It is used in acidity, hypertension, migraine, inflammation of urinary bladder and problems arising due from malnutrition and general debility.

DOSE:- 1 Capsule twice daily with plain water after meals

5. Chandraprabha vati

It is a herbal tablet made from shilajit (asphaltum), guggul (commiphora mukul), haridra (curcuma longa), guduchi (tinospora cordifolia) etc. It is bitter and astringent in taste and unctuous, heavy and hot in effect. It pacifies all the three doshas. It contains fatty acids, volatile oils and glucosides. It is a choice of medicine in a number of other problems like the malfunctioning of the liver, urinary tract ailments, obesity, cellulitis, cough, dyspnea, gout, diabetes, and sexual diseases. It is an antioxidant and herbal rasayan that helps in expel excess toxins and body fat or waste products from the body. It is helpful in reducing pain, swelling and tenderness. It is digestive, carminative, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-allergic and antioxidant medicine.

DOSE:- 2 tablet twice daily with lukewarm water

6. Ashokarisht

It is a classical ayurvedic formulation containing ashoka (saraca indica), dhataki puspa (woodfordia fruticosa), haritaki (terminalia chebula) etc. It is astringent and bitter in taste and light and dry in effect. It contains tannin, catechol, an essential oil, organic calcium, and iron compounds. It stimulates the uterus, making helpful contractions more frequent and prolonged. It has a stimulating effect on the endometrium and ovarian tissues and is useful in a variety of gynecological problems such as uterine bleeding associated with fibroids and the treatment of leucorrhoea. It is a relief from painful menses, premenstrual syndrome and non-specific white discharge.

DOSE:- 2 Tsp twice daily with an equal amount of water

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

Conclusion

Vaginal atrophy is the condition in which vagina’s wall becomes thinning, drying and decreased secretions due to decline in estrogen level. In Ayurveda, we correlate this disease with an imbalance of tridosha that is vata, pitta and kapha. We can manage this condition with various kinds of herbs like jojoba, virgin coconut oil, aloe vera, honey, turmeric,fenugreek, shatavari, ashoka, etc which are very effective in inflammatory conditions. Herbal medicines like female health support, kamdudha ras moti yukt, chandraprabha vati, ashokarista etc are wonderful in such disease and provide strength to the body and fight against causative agents.