Herbal Treatment for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

Abstract

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a new term formerly called vulvovaginal atrophy, atrophic vaginitis or genitourinary atrophy. GSM is a chronic, developmental, vulvovaginal, sexual and lower urinary tract infection. Many of these symptoms can be attributed to a lack of oestrogen, which causes menopause. It is a chronic progressive condition that occurs mainly in postmenopausal women and it is seen in many premenopausal females as well. Low oestrogen can cause hormonal and anatomical changes in the genitourinary system; genital dryness, dyspareunia and decreased lubrication are the most common and bothersome symptoms. These can have a significant impact on the quality of life (QOL) of affected women, especially those who are sexually active. In this, we will discuss causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and about Ayurvedic herbs.

Introduction

Vaginal atrophy is a condition that occurs with painful, dry, and thinning of the genital area epithelium in women due to the decrease in oestrogen in the body. The GSM (vaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis) usually affects people during the transition period into adulthood. These can have a significant impact on the quality of life (QOL) of affected women.

Causes of Decreased Oestrogen Level

• Postmenopausal
• Perimenopause
• Breastfeeding
• Decreased Ovarian Function
• Ovariectomy
• Using contra
• Post Medical Treatment or Chemotherapy
• Radiation Therapy
• Hormone Therapy Side Effects

Symptoms

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

Risk Factors

Pregnant women and AFABs (women who have been allowed to give birth) often develop genital atrophy as their bodies generally produce less oestrogen. However, other factors can reduce oestrogen levels and cause genital atrophy. These include

• Birth control pills
• Immune disorders
• Smoking cigarettes
• Breastfeeding
• Decreased ovarian functioning due to chemotherapy
• Medications that contain antiestrogen properties
• Removal of ovaries (Oophorectomy)

Diagnosis

• Pelvic exam- A shortened or narrowed vagina, dryness, redness and swelling, loss of stretchiness, whitish discolouration of the vagina, Vulvar skin conditions, vulvar lesions and vulvar patch redness
• Vaginal pH (acid test)
• Pap test
• Urine sample
• Vaginal infection test

Ayurvedic Overview

In Ayurveda, we can associate genital atrophy with an imbalance in the tridoshas (vata, pitta and Kapha) because symptoms can occur in all three doshas. Age is divided into three stages: Balyavastha (childhood), Madhyamavastha (adulthood) and Vridhavastha (old age). Kapha are dominant in childhood so their bore is more unctuous, soft and delicate and they are rarely angry hence they are blessed. Pitta is dominant in adult age and vata is dominant in old age because menopause occurs before this stage begins. For women, age 50 is entering menopause, which means that women’s menstrual activity and symptoms decrease as they age.

Herbs used in Vaginal Atrophy

• Guduchi- it reduces vaginal dryness. Applying guduchi oil to the herbal tampon and placing it on the genital area is effective in reducing dryness.
• Aloe Vera- it is used to wash the vagina to reduce dryness
• Turmeric- has an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory action
• Triphala- it is used to clean the vaginal area to prevent infection
• Honey- has antifungal properties
• Fenugreek- helps to increase oestrogen levels and also prevents dryness
• Virgin coconut oil- is used to moist the vaginal area to prevent dryness

Some Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is the manufacturer of various Ayurvedic medicines made from pure herbs beneficial for human ailments. Planet Ayurveda strictly follows all Ayurvedic principles described in ancient Ayurvedic books. All these drugs are GMP-certified and are 100% vegetarian. It is safe for humans to use and has no side effects. Contains no preservatives, additives, chemicals, or yeast. Planet Ayurveda offers herbal remedies for genital atrophy

Products List

1. Kamdudha Ras (Moti Yukt)
2. Shatavari Capsule
3. Yashtimadhu Ghan Vati
4. Female Health Support
5. Chandraprabha Vati
6. Ashokarisht

Product Description

1. Kamdudha Ras (Moti Yukt)

It consists of Mukta Bhasma (pearl calcium), Shankh Bhasma (conch shell), Praval Bhasma (coral calx), Giloy Satva (Tinospora cordifolia), etc. Mukta bhasam is sweet, has cold potency and is easily digested. It is a virya vardhak, Pitta and Kapha nashak, and pushtikar. Shankh bhasma pacifies all three doshas. Praval bhasma, commonly known as Moonga and is used in the prevention of calcium and oestrogen-deficient bone loss and is also beneficial in bleeding disorders. Giloy Stava removes toxins from the body.

Dosage: 2 pills twice daily.

2. Shatavari Capsule

It is a single herbal capsule that contains Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus). It maintains the hormonal balance, and nourishes and cleanses the female reproductive system. It is used in infertility, inflammation of the urinary bladder and uterine swellings. It enhances sexual sensation and increases vaginal lubrication.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily.

3. Yashtimadhu Ghan Vati

It is a single herb medicine that contains Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra). It helps in the pacification of Vata and Pitta doshas. It contains glucose, calcium, and Vitamin B complex. It gives immediate pain relief and a burning sensation in the epigastrium. It is also helpful in urethritis and burning micturition.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily.

4. Female Health Support

It is a polyherbal capsule that includes Ashoka (Saraca indica), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus). It is mostly used for gynaecological problems. It is effective in uterine bleeding and menstruation, it has no side effects. Its effect on the soft tissue of the ovary can produce oestrogen-like substances, improve endometrial healing and stop bleeding. It provides excellent relief for menses, premenstrual syndrome and non-specific white discharge. Ashoka is beneficial for strengthening the uterine muscles. Lodhra is used in the management of excessive vaginal discharge. Shatavari increases the blood flow to the female genital area.

Dosage: 1 twice daily

5. Chandraprabha Vati

It is a polyherbal medicine. It contains Shilajit (Asphaltum), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), etc. It pacifies all three principal doshas. It is an analgesic, antibacterial medicine. Shilajit improves fertility in females. Guggul is used to cure vaginal dryness and also has antibacterial action. Haridra is used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases and has anti-inflammatory action. Guduchi is used to control vaginal dryness.

Dosage: 2 twice daily

6. Ashokarisht

It is an Ayurvedic formulation that contains Ashoka (Saraca asoca), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) etc. It is beneficial for painful menses, premenstrual syndrome. The taste is bitter, the effect is soft and dry. It contains tannins, catechols, essential oils, organic calcium and iron compounds. It stimulates the uterus, making effective contractions more frequent and permanent. It has a stimulating effect on the endometrium and ovarian tissue and is used in various gynaecological problems such as uterine bleeding due to fibroids and leukorrhea.

Dosage: 2 tsp twice daily”

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

Conclusion

GSM is a result of low oestrogen levels during pregnancy and affects most postmenopausal women. Due to different hormonal and anatomical changes, GSM presents with various symptoms such as genital dryness, dyspareunia and dysuria, which can seriously affect the quality of life of affected women. Recently, different treatments have emerged to treat this difficult and life-changing problem. Herbal medicines like female health support, kamdudha Ras (moti yukt), ChandraPrabha vati, Ashokarista etc are wonderful in such diseases and provide strength to the body and fight against causative agents.