Vaginal dryness can be a common problem for pre-menopausal women with low levels of oestrogen, such as breastfeeding mothers, those who have had a hysterectomy and those who have received chemotherapy. Here are a few possible solutions:

* Herbs: Dong quai, chickweed tincture, black cohosh and slippery elm are good. Motherwort and agnus castus, are thought to regulate hormones and help restore thickness and elasticity to the vagina. Comfrey ointment can be used as a lubricant for love making. Aloe gel put directly on the vagina can help soothe dryness and irritation.
* Acidophilus capsules inserted vaginally help prevent yeast infections and create lubrication. Insert one or two about 4-6 hours before love making.
* Foods high in vitamin E may also help reduce dryness or take a 400iu supplement daily. Some women feel that inserting a capsule of vitamin E directly into the vagina every night for a few weeks helps.
* Avoid perfumed soaps.
* Petroleum-based products such as Vaseline
* Take a good menopause health supplement.

Follow a hormone-balancing diet. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Eat complex carbohydrates e.g. brown rice, oats, wholemeal bread. Buy organic where possible. Take phytoestrogens each day (tofu, miso, soya milk, clover sprouts, flaxseed/linseed oil and soya flour). Eat oily foods, including fish, nuts, seeds and oils. Reduce intake of saturated fat from dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, additives, preservatives and sugar. Drink enough fluids and increase your water intake. Increase your intake of fibre.

NOTE: if you are on hormone therapy or taking chemotherapy always consult a herbalist. Do not come off or change any medication without consulting your healthcare practitioner.