Menopause can herald a period of physical, emotional, and sexual challenges. Instead of a time of loss, menopause can be a time of rediscovery and reconnection with oneself and one’s partner. Let's unravel the layers of how menopause affects your sex life, offering insights and solutions to enhance your journey.
Menopause is characterized by changes in menstrual patterns, symptoms, and hormonal levels. While estrogen levels play a game of hopscotch, particularly in the perimenopause stage, another player, FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), also enters the fray with its own set of fluctuations.
Blood tests for hormone levels during this time can be like trying to hit a moving target, offering more confusion than clarity. Yet, amidst this seeming chaos, there lies a beacon of hope: the most effective therapy for signs and symptoms of menopause for most women is hormone therapy.
This revelation may come as a surprise given the myriad of misconceptions surrounding estrogen therapy. These misperceptions largely stem from the misinterpretation of the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study. In fact, when we sift through the latest research, we find that menopause hormone therapy, administered under medical supervision, can be a safe haven for many. The narrative around therapy for menopausal symptoms needs to be reframed, focusing on empowerment and well-being.
There are two primary forms of therapy available: systemic and local. Systemic therapy aims to ease the overall symptoms affecting the body. Topical estrogen, with its targeted approach on the vagina and vulva, offers relief from dryness and helps decrease many urinary symptoms like UTIs (urinary tract infections). This local champion carries minimal health risks and is a game-changer in alleviating pain, restoring moisture, and bringing elasticity back to vulvar and vaginal tissues.
Testosterone, prescribed judiciously, can recalibrate hormone levels, mimicking the normal premenopausal state. This approach, alongside estrogen therapy, holds the key to rekindling the flames of desire and sexual satisfaction.
As the fog of menopausal symptoms begins to lift, what emerges is a renewed sense of self. The connection between relief from menopausal symptoms and the rejuvenation of sexual desire and enjoyment is profound. Add some lubricant and invite some sex toys and make your way back to the bedroom (or whatever room you feel inclined to!).
You're no ready for a chance to not merely adapt but to thrive, exploring new dimensions of intimacy either solo or with a partner.
The conversation around menopause and sex need not be shrouded in whispers of discomfort but rather discussed openly, with curiosity and empathy. Let’s replace apprehension with knowledge, empowering ourselves and our partners to navigate this transformative phase with grace and joy.
Join me in Los Angeles on December 12, 2024 to learn more:
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