Nonprescription Remedies
Many products are available without a prescription to help with specific menopause-related complaints. Your pharmacist can give you more information about these products.

Vaginal remedies. Minor vaginal lubrication problems can be solved by using one of many products used to coat the vagina before penetration - lubricants such as Astroglide, K-Y Jelly, Lubrin, and Moist Again. Replens and K-Y Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer have the extra advantage of a low pH that helps to keep the vagina acidic and less inviting for infection. These are not lubricants, but moisturizers, acting directly on the tissue to make it less dry.

Only products designed for this purpose should be used. Ingredients such as alcohol and perfume, contained in hand creams, can irritate vaginal tissue. Oil-based products, such as Vaseline petroleum jelly and baby oil, can cause irritation and, since they tend to cling to vaginal tissue, can provide a habitat for infection. What's more, they will damage condoms and diaphragms. One exception to this rule is vitamin E oil, reported to provide lubrication as well as to relieve itching and irritation.

It is important to note that none of these nonprescription products treat the cause of the problem. Vaginal tissue can best be restored only with prescription estrogen preparations.

Vinegar douches or cultures of lactobacilli or yogurt are not effective and are not recommended. Women with vaginal dryness should also be aware that antihistamines can have a drying effect on the vagina. It is also advisable to avoid too much soap and bath oils.

Vitamins. Help may be available from:

• Vitamin E. Some women find vitamin E (in daily doses of 400 IU, or even more) is helpful in reducing hot flashes. For easiest digestion, take this supplement along with a meal containing fats. It may take two to six weeks before the optimum effects are felt. Some studies also indicate that vitamin E (at doses of 100 to 600 IU daily) may lower the risk of heart attacks.
• Vitamin B. The B-complex vitamins are sometimes used to help relieve dry skin and dry hair. Eating more whole grains or taking a supplement of up to 50 mg daily may help. Higher doses can have toxic effects. (Note: It's normal for vitamin B supplements to cause the urine to turn bright yellow and have an unusual odor.)
• Folate (folic acid). New studies show that folate (1-2 mg daily) seems to play a role in preventing heart disease.
  

Special thanks for the information on this page which was provided by the North American Menopause Society.