By Dr. Michael Krychman
According to recently published surveys and research, the scope of distressing vaginal dryness has become exceptionally staggering. Millions of women, young and old alike, suffer from irritating vaginal dryness and burning! One might assume that dryness in the genito pelvic area is primarily an older or mature woman medical issue; however, there over 300 commonly prescribed medications that may be linked to vaginal dryness. For instance, young women who take combined oral contraceptives, or antihistamines for allergy relief, often suffer from painful and irritating vaginal dryness
With pelvic dryness symptoms women may also experience painful intercourse! Vaginal dehydration, or loss of water, can come from changes within the vaginal biome, or hormonal eco system. Decline in estrogen levels can occur from a variety of causes (menopause, surgical removal of the ovaries, damage of ovarian tissue due to chemotherapy or radiation or even as a result of a medication side effect), may be the contributing hormonal factor for vaginal dryness.
Minimally absorbed local hormones have traditionally been considered the mainstay of treatment for local vaginal issues; however. many women have opted out of these prescription medications for a variety of health concerns. They may fear abnormal vaginal bleeding or cardiovascular complications. Others are concerned about breast health complication, even if the risk is considerably low.
As a result, products with Hyaluronic Acid (HA) have gained in popularity as a safe and effective over-the-counter treatment for vaginal dryness. HA can offer a safe, effective and clinically proven alternative to help relieve, restore, soothe and replenish the vaginal mucosa or lining. HA is a known and recognized naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan found in many bodily locations including in the connective, epithelial, and neural tissues. It can also be found in bodily fluids such as the eyes and joints.
HA has been long recognized and medically known to have medicinal properties. Some people with moderate joint disorders may even take it by mouth. Some health care professionals have even injected it into damaged or sore tissues to help promote healing. In addition, HA in gel form has been known to help nourish and promote healing mouth ulcerations as well.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved HA use during a diversity of surgical procedures including but not limited to cataract surgery, corneal transplantation and for detached retina surgery. HA has also been used effectively in the cosmetic industry as a lip filler/plumper (Juvederm ®). Injecting of HA has been shown to decrease smile and frown lines in both men and women. HA is thought to help reverse the natural aging process of skin.
HA is best known for its moisturizing qualities and some women have been known to use it on their skin to promote healthy tissues. It is felt that HA maybe instrumental during the skin-reparative processes for minor skin injury, burns, scrapes or ulcers.
HA has been extensively studied as a vaginal gel for its soothing and restorative properties to help eliminate vaginal dryness and the symptoms associated with this condition. It is a non-hormonal solution and has been shown in clinical studies to statistically improve vaginal itchiness, dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and vaginal burning. It does not alter or disrupt the delicate vaginal biome which consists of competing microbiologic organisms. The environment remains intact.
In the realm of menopausal health and gynecology, Hyaluronic Acid has been long recognized as an alternative to minimally absorbed local vaginal estrogen products for the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Products with HA have been known to have hydrating and lubricating properties that likely improve vaginal secretions and wall or tissue elasticity. It is a non-hormonal product and has no stimulatory or proliferative effects or endometrial effects.
Elastin (E) is also a non-hormonal extracellular matrix protein found in the connective tissue that is very elastic in nature. It is also an ingredient that is often coupled with HA since it allows many bodily parts to be flexible, stretch and then return to their original shape after motion or movement. Recoiling and tissue support is made possible by elastin. Skin turgor returns to normal after pinching or stretching due to E. Elastin content in tissues may decline with time and henceforth tissues may become less pliable or stretchy with age. Elastin is essential for stetchability, pliability and for tissue to maintain its integrity and supple qualities.
Hyaluronic Acid and Elastin work in perfect synergistic combination with Lubrigyn Cream® and make it an ideal conservative vaginal moisturizing product. The ingredients work in concert with each other, together, to provide an excellent nurturing composition to help soothe and relieve vaginal dryness and irritation.
Each component has its own unique properties and provides special characteristics to help restore and revive the damaged or irritated vaginal lining or mucosa. HA hydrates whereas E provides elasticity and pliability. The combination has an excellent tolerability profile and a high safety profile. Both are non-hormonal and have not been associated with abnormal vaginal spotting or bleeding or other adverse effects.
Sources
Variety of articles, Internet web site, and scientific papers were used for the resources.
