Hyaluronic Acid and Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness is a very common condition, mainly associated with older women after menopause, although it can happen at earlier ages, usually as a result of hormonal changes or some other unusual situation such as specific medical treatments.
The function of the vaginal mucosa is to protect and lubricate the area. This mucous membrane differs from that of any other part of the body and has its own pH, which may change with age or hormonal changes due to pregnancy, for example, or situations of stress, and may lead to vaginal dryness.
Why does vaginal dryness happen?
In the fertile period, the vagina is more elastic and has more moisture than in menopause and post-menopause due to a decrease in oestrogen hormones, causing a decrease in mucus and therefore less lubrication and hydration in the area.
In addition, during this period, vaginal dryness can be caused by a number of different factors, including the use of oral contraceptives, synthetic underwear, stress or cancer treatments such as radiotherapy.
Itching and discomfort due to vaginal dryness
This dehydration in the private area can appear as pain during sex, itching and discomfort. Therefore, moisturizing the area is important to keep the vaginal mucosa healthy.
To relieve the symptoms related to vaginal dryness, a possible remedy is the application of moisturizing products specifically formulated for this private area.
Hydrating properties of Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is present in our body in a natural way and has an important role in the hydration and elasticity of the tissues, so it is present throughout the body, although in larger quantities in the skin and mucous membranes.
Nearly 50% of the quantities of Hyaluronic Acid are found in our skin, which allows its normal maintenance and moisturizing. As we get older, this amount decreases and our body produces less hyaluronic acid, as well as other key substances for the skin such as collagen. This leads to the skin becoming less elastic, losing moisture and wrinkles may appear.
It acts as a skin barrier
Besides, it has properties that help the structure of the skin barrier and cell regeneration. These properties can also be useful in the vaginal area, both for hydration and for the care of the normal microflora of the vagina.
Hyaluronic acid helps in the formation of an extra-cellular water film that moisturizes the skin, keeping water levels balanced. This helps the elasticity of the skin and facilitates the process of tissue regeneration.
The role of Hyaluronic Acid in vaginal dryness
Many studies have discussed the relief of vaginal dryness using hyaluronic acid. In 2011, Ekin and other authors compared the use of hyaluronic acid vaginal tablets or vaginal ovuli with oestradiol tablets in postmenopausal women suffering from vaginal dryness. The study concluded that hyaluronic acid tablets were as efficient as oestradiol, which was considered to be very useful in moisturizing and helping the structure of the vaginal mucosa.
Another study was carried out by Chen and other authors in 2013, where they compared the use of hyaluronic acid gel with an estriol cream in women who had signs related to vaginal dryness. The study also measured the vaginal microecosystem and pH. The authors confirmed the benefit of hyaluronic acid in providing efficient relief from the symptoms of vaginal dryness in post-menopausal women. In addition, hyaluronic acid helps keep vaginal microflora and pH normal.
