Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Menopause Symptoms

Apple cider vinegar is helpful as a home staple. It can be used in cooking and cleaning, and some people use it as a home remedy for medical issues. According to "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar" by Earl Mindell, M.D., apple cider vinegar can even offer benefits to women going through menopause.

Menopause and Its Symptoms

According to MayoClinic.com, most women have reached menopause by the age of 51. This is marked by the cessation of menstrual periods for one year. Other symptoms of oncoming menopause include vaginal dryness, weight gain, sagging breasts, hot flashes and mood swings.

Itching

Itching is a symptom that often accompanies vaginal dryness, which happens in many women going through menopause. This can be treated with apple cider vinegar, according to Robert O. Young, author of "The pH Miracle." Because vinegar has an alkalizing effect on the body, it can relieve inflammation in the vagina when used as a douche. The vinegar should always be diluted in water, however, to prevent skin irritation.

Yeast Infections

Along with vaginal dryness comes an increased risk of yeast infections. According to Earl Mindell, M.D. and author of "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar," applying apple cider vinegar to the vagina by means of douching can restore the pH balance and kill the fungus that causes the infection.

Acne

The hormone fluctuations that occur during menopause can cause acne to flare up, and apple cider vinegar may help reduce your breakouts. According to Cal Orey, author of "The Healing Powers of Vinegar," vinegar has the same pH as healthy skin, and when applied topically to acne, it may reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria that causes the blemishes to form.