When Vaginal Dryness Hits You In Menopause

During my younger years, the perception of menopause was often cast in a negative light. Phrases like "menopausal old hag" coloured images of women during this natural time of life as unattractive, even irritable. However, in my role as a psychologist, I came to understand that the human body operates as an entity. This led me to develop a unique bond with energy work and homeopathy as tools to uplift my wellbeing.

When menopause came knocking, I was aware that it's a part of life - but at 47, I was caught off guard because I still felt so youthful. My periods became irregular, then completely ceased by 49, but while it was sudden, I chose not to catastrophize. After all, I was in a good state of health and relished the idea of no more worry about menstruation and the risks of pregnancy. 

When Vaginal Dryness Hits You In Menopause 

Fast forward to my mid-fifties, new symptoms unveiled themselves. This time in the form of vaginal dryness, patchy skin, and a significant dip in libido. In my early fifties, my ovulation ceased but I remained sexually active, enjoying a healthy appetite. It felt invigorating. Then menopause ensued, and my sexuality took a dive from high gear to a complete halt.

Vaginal dryness is a common symptom experienced by women during menopause due to a decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen is a hormone that helps maintain the health of vaginal tissues by ensuring they stay lubricated and elastic. As menopause approaches, the body's production of estrogen declines, leading to thinning and drying of the vaginal walls, a condition known as vaginal atrophy.

Emotionally, vaginal dryness can have a significant impact. It often leads to discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, which can cause anxiety and stress, and potentially lead to a decrease in sexual desire or intimacy. This can strain relationships and lead to feelings of inadequacy or loss of femininity, which in turn can result in depression or lowered self-esteem.

And then there is the physical discomfort associated with vaginal dryness, which can affect a woman's daily life, causing distress and frustration. It can lead to a constant feeling of discomfort, impacting sleep, exercise, and other regular activities. This can create a sense of loss of control over one's body, further contributing to emotional distress.

The effort to reignite my lost drive fell flat, and gradually, my interest waned. But I found peace in accepting this change. It wasn't easy, especially for my partner who had to learn to adapt, and even for me to fully grasp what was happening. I was lucky enough to evade depression, partly due to the practice of meditation.