The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
It may be uncomfortable to have candid conversations about the symptoms of menopause, but not nearly as uncomfortable as the symptoms themselves, especially if this completely natural transition is causing severe itching, flaking and dryness in or around your vulva. We came across an extremely popular intimate balm that many reviewers claimed ended their suffering on contact and we asked a gynecologist how such a thing was possible.
First of all, according to New Jersey-based board-certified gynecologist Dr. Peter Balazs, vulvar dryness and itching with menopause shouldn’t be something you ignore, as prolonged dryness can cause an increased risk of recurrent UTIs and potentially light bleeding. He said that vulvar dryness — also called vaginal atrophy — is caused by lower estrogen levels and can result in thinner and less elastic vulvar tissue and a decreased production of natural lubrication.
“Additionally, vaginal pH rises, which disrupts the healthy lactobacilli that normally help protect the area,” said Balazs, who does not specifically endorse the product we’re talking about in this story. But whenI asked why the Medicine Mama V Magic balm — a vulva moisturizer that is pH-balanced, made from natural ingredients and has 4.4 stars across 15,400+ ratings — has such an impassioned following, he explained:
“It’s effective for mild, external vulvar dryness, but is not a substitute for medical treatment. It is formulated with beeswax, propolis and emollients, which help create a protective barrier and prevent water loss from the area,” Balazs said, adding that, in his opinion, topical estrogen creams remain the most effective treatment option for restoring moisture. (He did not recommend a specific one.)
Though Balazs gave no specific information on ingredients like propolis, studies have shown that it promotes wound healing and offers antimicrobial benefits to the skin.
He also said that thicker balms like this are better for providing daily comfort, as opposed to water-based lubricants, which might require more frequent application and are primarily intended for ****** intercourse.
Though the brand claims this balm has many potential uses, from ingrown hair prevention to supporting “intimate freshness,” it seems to have its most ardent fanbase among those who claim to have been debilitated by chronic vaginal dryness, with many calling the formula “truly magic,” “life-changing,” and “a game-changer.”
“I was suffering so much. I’m 56, had a total hysterectomy at 43. [For the] past two years I thought I was getting frequent yeast infections. Twice or more a month ‘ish.’ I would get CRAZY itching and burning,” one Amazon customer wrote. “NOT ONE SINGLE ITCHY EPISODE IN 2 MONTHS PLUS!!!! I’m blown away!”
Balazs recommends applying a pea-sized amount to the external vulvar area only, not inside the vagina. “It can be used once or twice daily as needed. Also, before applying, gently cleanse the area with a fragrance-free cleanser and pat dry,” he said.
You can see other gratitude-filled reviews up ahead before trying out the V Magic balm for yourself.
Promising Amazon reviews:
″Truly MAGIC. Okay so I have been struggling with dryness and itchiness down there postpartum and have tried numerous products that would only mask the symptoms and give temporary relief. I had looked at this product, but was initially turned away due to the price, but after reading the comments decided to give it a try and YALL let me tell you this stuff truly is magic!! it has a consistency similar to coconut oil, pleasant but not overbearing scent. I had instant itch relief when applied. It’s VERY moisturizing and absorbs well. It is very easy to use I would simply apply topically twice a day. My issue was I needed to heal and restore the barrier of my skin and this did just that. It didn’t just mask the symptoms it helps treat them and provide long term relief. If you are questioning if this product is worth the price, the answer is YES! Give it a try, your body will thank you.” — Taylor Ashley
“AMAZING! I was suffering so much. I’m 56, had a total hysterectomy at 43. Past 2 years I thought I was getting frequent yeast infections. Twice or more a month ‘ish.’ I would get CRAZY itching and burning. I bathed in sensitive organic soaps, I tried borax tabs in my blossom (lit me up!). My gynecologist prescribed Diflucan sooooo many times. She tested me for BV...negative. My husband and I haven’t had *** in years (and yes, I’m OK with that). Gyno called my vaginal tissue ‘friable.’ I’m a retired RN of 23 years. No one was helping me. At times, I was itching so bad (warning, maybe TMI), I was taking a good old fashioned ‘vent brush’ and scratching myself til I bled. Kept me up at night. Then, I decided to take control and did some research on women’s groups online. Heard of Medicine Mama’s Vulvar Cream. Skeptical. Saw other creams/ointments/emollient with higher ratings on Amazon, but decided to try this....LIFE CHANGING!!!!!!! I started this regimen: I pee, dab with toilet paper front to back, cleanse with water wipes (so many brands), then apply a tiny amount all over both sides of my inner and out of my vulva. A little goes a long way. I do wear a pantiliner, but I have since menopause anyway due to hormonal change discharge. And guess what? NOT ONE SINGLE ITCHY EPISODE IN 2 MONTHS PLUS!!!! I’m blown away! I dont have to re-apply every time I pee, I just dab the urine away from the area. Sometimes I re-apply, sometimes I don’t. I eventually bought the Medicine Mama lip stick for on the go, because I refuse to suffer that way again. I simply cannot recommend this enough!” — Keira Ranson
“I waited a month to review just to make sure this product works. Ladies this product is a gamechanger.I’m in my 50’s. Was struggling with dryness, cracking and itching in the nether region. I thought I had a yeast infection. I googled my age and symptoms and discovered that these symptoms were yet more wonderful gifts from menopause. Anyway, I thought I’d try to find something that could help lubricate and heal with the use of natural ingredients. This stuff really does work. A little goes a long way. I just rub some on a tissue and rub wherever and everywhere is bothersome down there. No more itching, cracking or irritation!!! Worked immediately. I use it once daily after shower. I also purchased a natural soap for hygiene and a natural lubricant for ***. Let me tell you *** was painful too before I made these changes even with lubricant. So much better!!! You will need to use a pantyliner because it will get into your underwear. I use natural cotton pantyliners every day.” — Housewife
“I had a hysterectomy and was put into surgical menopause 4 yrs ago and was never told that I needed HRT to prevent vaginal atrophy…4 yrs of misery and extreme pain later and I got desperate for anything to get rid of the dryness and pain…I googled and found this product and tried and it and it healed my pain on contact!
I’m still in shock!
I’ve only had this cream for 30 minutes and I’m already in love with it!
Thank you, Medicine Mama!” — A happy camper