- Menopause Unfiltered – The Stages, Symptoms, and What to Expect
- Stop Suffering in Silence: Essential Solutions for Menopause Vaginal Dryness and Atrophy
- Menopause and the Mental Shift: Navigating Brain Fog, Anxiety, and the Emotional Rollercoaster
- Foods, Herbs, and Teas to Support Menopause Naturally: A Guide to Easing Symptoms with Nature’s Remedies
What Every Woman Deserves to Know
Menopause is a full-body transformation that hits like a wave, often with no warning or roadmap. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or even isolated by the changes menopause brings, I want you to know—I get it. I’m right here, going through it with you.
I personally deal with most, if not all, of these symptoms. I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer at age 39. Chemotherapy caused medically induced menopause, and my doctors weren’t sure I’d come out of it. After a year, my menstrual cycle returned, but I was still experiencing menopausal symptoms. My oncologist informed me that, due to my BRCA1+ status and the hereditary breast and ovarian cancer aspect of my initial diagnosis, having my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed would greatly decrease my risks of developing ovarian cancer. So, in 2018, I experienced medically induced menopause full throttle with the removal of my ovaries and fallopian tubes. My doctors have no idea when it will stop!
I’ve been dancing with menopause a long time. I know what you are going through because I am going through it too. I’m sharing all of this so that you know I’m right here in this experience with you, unapologetically addressing the elephant in the room!
Let’s dive in and break down these changes, sharing every part of it: the real, the raw, the painful, and the beautifully human. Let’s find strength, dignity, and even a little humor in every change, every symptom, and every moment of rediscovery. This journey is about embracing each shift, finding resilience, and owning this chapter of our lives.
Understanding Vaginal Dryness and Atrophy: More Than Just “Dryness”
One of the most unspoken symptoms of menopause is vaginal dryness and atrophy, a condition that’s far more than a minor inconvenience. Vaginal dryness can make everyday life uncomfortable and intimacy feel impossible, and it often leaves women feeling isolated and frustrated. But what is it, exactly? Why does it happen? And how can we regain control?
What’s Happening: The Science Behind the Symptoms
When estrogen levels drop, the body loses one of its biggest natural supporters of vaginal health. Estrogen helps keep vaginal tissue plump, hydrated, and elastic. With less estrogen, these tissues become thinner, drier, and less resilient, leading to a condition known as vaginal atrophy or genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). This condition affects the vagina as well as surrounding structures like the vulva and urethra.
Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness and Atrophy
Understanding the full spectrum of symptoms can help distinguish these changes from infections or other conditions. Here are the common—and sometimes surprising—signs to watch for:
- Persistent Dryness and Discomfort
The most common sign, vaginal dryness feels like a constant lack of moisture, often creating a sense of friction or irritation, even during simple activities like walking or sitting. - Burning or Itching Sensation
This isn’t just skin-deep. The dryness often causes a burning or itching sensation in the vaginal area, which many women initially mistake for an infection. - Pain During Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
The thinning and dryness of vaginal tissue can make intimacy painful. Some women describe it as a tearing or stinging feeling. This isn’t just about discomfort; it’s a real barrier to intimacy, impacting relationships and self-esteem. - Frequent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Without estrogen, the vaginal pH becomes less acidic, making it easier for harmful bacteria to grow. This often leads to an increased risk of UTIs. - Vaginal Discharge Changes
Menopausal hormonal shifts can lead to a reduction in vaginal discharge or cause it to change consistency, sometimes feeling thicker or more frequent than before. If discharge has an unusual odor or color, it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider to rule out infection. - Changes in Appearance and Sensitivity
Vaginal atrophy can cause the labia and surrounding skin to shrink or change in appearance, and the area may become more sensitive to friction. For some women, the clitoral hood may retract, causing increased sensitivity or discomfort.
Changes in Vulvar Appearance: What to Know and Look Out For
Menopause brings about a complex set of changes in the vaginal and vulvar area—changes that don’t affect every woman but can be unsettling when they do. Some women might not experience any physical changes in the vulva or clitoris, while others may notice shifts in appearance or sensation that feel concerning. Let’s break down these possible changes, both common and rare, to help you identify, manage, and talk openly with your doctor if they arise.
1. Thinning and Loss of Volume in the Labia
- Labia Minora and Majora: As estrogen levels drop, the labia minora and majora can lose volume and elasticity, appearing thinner or “deflated.” This can lead to an exposed vaginal opening and increased friction, which may feel uncomfortable or irritating.
- Color and Texture: Hormonal shifts may lead to changes in color or texture, causing the skin to become lighter, darker, or even “papery” in feel. These changes aren’t harmful but may feel different or noticeable.
2. Clitoral Changes and Clitoral Hood Retraction
- Clitoral Hood: Reduced estrogen may cause the clitoral hood to retract, exposing the clitoris and potentially increasing sensitivity. This retraction can make the clitoris feel more prone to friction or discomfort, even during non-intimate activities.
- Clitoral Fusion: In rare cases, the clitoral hood may fuse with the clitoris due to long-term dryness and atrophy, reducing sensitivity. While uncommon, this condition underscores the importance of consistent lubrication and self-care.
What to Watch For: Recognizing Symptoms and Advocating for Your Health
- Awareness of New Sensations: Sensitivity or irritation can feel concerning, so pay attention to any changes in how you feel.
- Communicate with Your Doctor: Don’t hesitate to discuss symptoms that impact your comfort or quality of life. Clear communication is crucial.
- Ask About Treatment Options: From estrogen therapy to pelvic floor support, your doctor can help explore what will make a difference for you.
What You Can Do: Solutions, Remedies, and Support
- Moisturizers and Lubricants: Everyday Essentials
- Moisturizers: These products help maintain hydration and resilience, improving comfort over time.
- Lubricants for Intimacy: Water-based and silicone lubricants make intimacy more comfortable, reducing friction and enhancing pleasure.
- Localized Estrogen Therapy
Localized estrogen treatments, like creams or tablets, are applied directly to vaginal tissue to restore moisture and elasticity, reducing discomfort both daily and during intimacy. - Pelvic Floor Therapy: Strengthening from Within
- Exercises: Working with a therapist can strengthen pelvic muscles, supporting tissue health.
- Tools: Biofeedback devices or dilators can help with flexibility and blood flow.
- Yoga for Circulation and Support
- Bridge Pose and Happy Baby Pose: These yoga poses support circulation and flexibility in the pelvic area, strengthening muscles and improving comfort.
Natural Remedies: Foods, Herbs, and Teas to Support Vaginal Health
- Phytoestrogen-Rich Foods
Foods like flaxseeds and tofu provide plant estrogens that may support tissue health. - Hydrating Fruits and Vegetables
Keeping hydrated is essential, so add hydrating foods like cucumbers and watermelon to your diet. - Red Clover Tea
Phytoestrogen-rich tea to help balance hormones and ease dryness. - Probiotics
Probiotics help maintain vaginal pH and support good bacteria balance. - Slippery Elm and Coconut Oil
- Slippery Elm: Supports mucous membranes, providing relief.
- Coconut Oil: A natural moisturizer that soothes and hydrates.
Advanced Options: The O-Shot and Laser Therapy
- The O-Shot
The O-Shot uses PRP to regenerate tissue and increase sensation. - Laser Therapy
Non-hormonal laser treatments improve collagen production, supporting elasticity and resilience.
From Me to You: Reclaiming Comfort, Sensuality, and Self-Esteem
I know this journey isn’t easy. Vaginal atrophy and dryness can feel isolating, frustrating, and even disheartening. But you’re not alone, and there are ways to manage these changes with strength, dignity, and compassion. You deserve to feel good in your body, to experience pleasure, and to have the confidence to speak up about what you’re going through.
These changes don’t define your femininity or your worth. They’re simply part of a new season in life, one that can be managed with the right care, the right conversations, and the right support. Don’t let this silence you or make you feel less than; instead, use it as an opportunity to connect with yourself on a deeper level, to redefine what sensuality and intimacy mean to you now, and to reclaim every part of your journey.
This chapter of life may bring challenges, but it also brings opportunities for self-care, connection, and renewed self-worth. Embrace each change with dignity, support, and a sense of empowerment. You’re worth it, and you’re not alone.
