Seabuckthorn oil, fish oil, and hyaluronic acid are among the several natural remedies and supplements that may increase vaginal lubrication. But if your symptoms persist, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor.
Vaginal dryness can affect people at any age. However, it’s especially prevalent during menopause and is often caused by decreased estrogen levels.
Several supplements have been shown to help prevent vaginal dryness and enhance lubrication.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that doubles as a disease-fighting antioxidant. Some research suggests that it could also increasee lubrication and reduce vaginal dryness.
According to a 2023 study in 72 postmenopausal women, using a vitamin E vaginal cream for 8 weeks helped significantly improve symptoms of vaginal atrophy, which is a condition characterized by the thinning and dryness of the vaginal walls.
The researchers compared the cream to vaginal estrogen and found that it may be a suitable alternative to vaginal estrogen for those who don’t or can’t use this hormone therapy.
Another study from 2019 suggests that suppositories containing vitamin E and vitamin D
Despite these promising results, more research is needed to evaluate how vitamin E taken as an oral supplement rather than a suppository may affect vaginal lubrication.
Also known as the sunshine vitamin, your
Although vitamin D is most well known for its role in bone health, studies show it may also help increase vaginal lubrication.
A 2019 review of six studies concluded that both oral vitamin D supplements and suppositories may decrease dryness and improve vaginal health during menopause.
The Journal of Menopausal Medicine also published a research review in 2020 that included vitamin D as a potential pharmacological treatment for vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women.
A more recent 2023 review on the genitourinary symptoms associated with menopause also supports that vitamin D may help improve vaginal atrophy, but the current evidence is limited.
The leaves, seeds, and berries of the sea buckthorn plant can be made into sea buckthorn oil. It’s rich in the fatty acid linolic acid, which may help promote skin, eye, and vaginal health.
A 2024 clinical study of 40 women over the age of 45 looked at the effects of taking an Omegia softgel daily for 12 weeks. One Omegia softgel contains 500 milligrams (mg) of sea buckthorn oil.
Half of the participants were in the experimental group, and the other half were in the control group. At the end of the study, the experimental group noted improved vaginal:
However, more research is needed to study the mechanisms that lead to the observed effects. The Omegia manufacturer also funded this study, which may have influenced the results.
Hyaluronic acid (HLA) is a molecule your body produces, known for its role in skin health and aging. It’s most commonly used in skin care products but is also available as an oral supplement.
A 2020 research review of 13 past studies on using HLA gels for postmenopause vaginal atrophy indicates HLA may be an effective alternative to nonhormonal treatments for symptoms of vaginal atrophy and dyspareunia (painful sex).
The review, however, suggests that it doesn’t significantly improve vaginal atrophy, vaginal pH, dyspareunia, and cell maturation compared to estrogen therapies. This means that HLA’s benefits are similar to those of estrogen therapy.
A 2-month study from 2019 in 28 young women found that a supplement containing a combination of HLA and other ingredients may improve vaginal dryness.
However, more research is needed to determine how oral supplementation with hyaluronic acid alone may affect vaginal lubrication.
Fish oil is often used to
Some research suggests that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may increase vaginal lubrication.
A 2022 double-blind randomized controlled trial involved 124 pregnant people who supplemented with 300 mg of omega-3 daily for 8 weeks.
Researchers found that after supplementing, those in the experimental group rated their sexual function higher than the control group.
Sexual function scores were broken down into the following features:
- sexual desire
- arousal
- lubrication
- pain
- satisfaction
Other research suggests that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids
Still, further studies are needed to determine how fish oil may affect vaginal lubrication specifically.
DHEA is a steroid hormone involved in estrogen production.
A 2022 review states that it may be used to decrease vaginal dryness if other lubricants aren’t as effective. However, long-term studies on its safety are lacking.
Because DHEA production naturally declines as you get older, it’s sometimes used as a supplement, vaginally or orally, to help balance hormone levels and alleviate symptoms associated with menopause.
A 2021 review cites older research that suggests regular vaginal distribution of DHEA may improve symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women.
It may also help improve painful intercourse and increase libido (sex drive).
While research on the effectiveness of oral DHEA supplements is still minimal, a 2021 review found that it may enhance sexual function in postmenopausal women with typical kidney function. But additional studies are warranted.
Vaginal dryness can affect those with a vagina at any age, but it’s especially common during menopause.
Studies suggest that supplements like vitamin E, vitamin D, sea buckthorn oil, hyaluronic acid, fish oil, and DHEA may help increase vaginal lubrication and have other sexual health benefits.
That said, be sure to talk with your doctor before adding any supplements to your routine, especially if you have any other underlying conditions or are taking other medications.
