Let’s chat about something that might not always be at the top of our conversation list but is super important for our well-being: Vaginal atrophy.
I know it’s not the sexiest of topics but hang tight! This isn’t just a dry medical discussion. Think of it as a heart-to-heart talk about how our body changes over time — and why comfort is key as we navigate these shifts in midlife!
Whether you’re experiencing it personally or just curious about what the fuss is all about, understanding vaginal atrophy — both inside and out — can be a game changer!
- Vaginal Atrophy: What Is It and How Does It Feel Like?
- What Causes Vaginal Atrophy in Midlife Women?
- Let’s Get Real — How Do Intimacy Issues Affect Your Life?
- Get That Ooh La La Comfort: 5 Natural Fixes for Vaginal Atrophy!
- HRT & BHRT: Does Hormone Therapy Help Treat Vaginal Atrophy?
- You Don’t Have to Accept It — You Deserve to Feel Amazing!
Vaginal Atrophy: What Is It and How Does It Feel Like?
Vaginal atrophy, also known as atrophic vaginitis, is a condition characterized by thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls. This condition is often caused by a decrease in estrogen levels, particularly after menopause.
Vaginal dryness is the primary symptom, leading to discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse — something called “dyspareunia”.
Other symptoms that may join the Dry Spell Club are:
- Irritation
- Soreness
- Burning sensation
- Itching
- Urinary incontinence
- An increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Want to hear how vaginal atrophy feels for ladies who have experienced it? Here are some — truly, they are relatable:
Sarah, 52: “I started noticing changes a couple of years ago. At first, it was just dryness, which I brushed off as normal. But then, intimacy became uncomfortable, even painful at times. I lost that easy connection I had with my partner. I felt frustrated and unsure. Yes, it took me a while to accept that I needed to address it head-on, but as I talked with my friends, I realized I wasn’t alone.“
Linda, 55: “Vaginal atrophy hit me at a time when I was already dealing with a lot of other changes in my body. I experienced itching and a general sense of discomfort down there. I also had to rethink my approach to intimacy with my partner because it started to feel like a chore rather than pleasure. Lifestyle changes and some topical treatments made a world of difference though.“
Emily, 49: “I had never heard of vaginal atrophy until it started affecting me. I felt a lower desire for intimacy, and the physical discomfort really surprised me. It was odd to discuss, but once I opened up about it, I found out many women around my age were going through the same thing.“
Joan, 57: “Along with the dryness and pain, I experienced urinary incontinence—I couldn’t control the leaks when I laugh or cough! Very inconvenient. And so, I used to avoid social situations where I might worry about those leaky accidents. Good thing I started with local estrogen, which made the dryness a lot better. I also found some relief with pelvic floor exercises.“
⚡ Something’s off… and it’s not just in your head.
Brain fog. Mood swings. Low energy. Weight that won’t budge.
Been there. That’s why I put together this FREE GUIDE: “11 Secrets to Balance Your Hormones“. Want clarity, calm and real support — without overhauling your whole life?
This is for you.
What Causes Vaginal Atrophy in Midlife Women?
Alright, let’s have a little chat about what really causes vaginal atrophy. If you’ve noticed that your va-va-voom isn’t quite what it used to be as you enter the gates of menopause, you’re not alone!
Vaginal atrophy in midlife women is a cocktail of hormonal shifts, diet choices and lifestyle picks. Let’s break down what’s going on with this “downtown” situation:
Hormonal Factors: The Estrogen Rollercoaster
As you roll into menopause, your estrogen levels can take a nosedive. Imagine your hormones on a wild rollercoaster ride — whoosh! This hormonal dip can leave your vaginal walls feeling a bit like a dry sponge.
Estrogen is your body’s best friend when it comes to keeping things moist and elastic down there. So, when levels drop, hello, dryness and irritation! That doesn’t only show up as feminine dryness though — we may also have dry eyes and dry skin. Oh, the Sahara Desert all over!
Diet Factors: What’s on Your Plate?
You are what you eat, right? Well, when it comes to vaginal health, this saying rings especially true!
If your diet is lacking those magical phytoestrogens — think soy, flaxseeds and the rainbow of berries and veggies — you might be giving your intimate areas a reason to protest.
Plus, don’t forget about hydration! Keeping those tissues well-watered is key to avoiding dryness.
Lifestyle Factors: Spice It Up!
Now, let’s talk life choices — because everything is connected!
If you’re lacking sleep, drinking one too many glasses of wine or puffing on cigarettes, your vaginal region might be feeling a bit neglected (since these can all restrict blood flow). We need that flow, ladies!
Stress? It’s the body’s sneaky way of messing with your hormones, too.
But fear not! Regular exercise can be one of our secret weapons against vaginal atrophy. It gets the blood pumping and the good vibes flowing!
And hey, don’t forget the benefits of a little romance. Regular intimate activity helps keep the spark alive! Plus, more intercourse actually increases blood flow to the vagina — keeping the vaginal walls healthy!
How is vaginal atrophy diagnosed?
Well, a doctor can diagnose vaginal atrophy based on your symptoms and a pelvic exam. A vaginal biopsy may also be done in some cases to rule out other conditions.
Enjoy the next section for more tips on reversing vaginal atrophy!
Let’s Get Real — How Do Intimacy Issues Affect Your Life?
Alright, let’s get real for a moment. You might be wondering, “Do we really have to care about vaginal issues and intimacy at this age?”
And I get it. The emotional rollercoaster that comes with midlife can be a real doozy. But honestly, if I were to answer that question, you’ll get a big YES from me — yup, a woman who’s been through all the highs and lows of menopause. Still, I advocate for intimacy!
Do you know why? Because this isn’t just about sex. It’s about embracing that new level of intimacy — a deeper connection with yourself and your partner.
You’re avoiding intimacy and dodging those romantic moments but is it really because you don’t want to connect with your partner? Or is it the thought of it that brings on a wave of frustration? I mean, who needs that extra stress in the middle of all midlife’s craziness, right?
Some days, you might look at your partner and think, “It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just painful.” Has that moment come up more often than you’d like? It’s tough — affecting not just your relationship, but also your confidence.
But hey, no matter how lonely or isolating these issues may feel, trust me, many women share this journey. Plus, there are many options you can try, whether for the physical desire or the emotional connection, to help you both get the desire back!
Get That Ooh La La Comfort: 5 Natural Fixes for Vaginal Atrophy!
You’ve reached the fun part! Go grab a comfy seat, and let’s dive into some natural fixes for that confident feeling down there. These juicy tips will help you revive that Ooh La La comfort you deserve!
1. Eat a healthy diet!
Consume organic as much as possible and go for hormone-balancing foods!
Eat Omega-3 sources like salmon, mackerel and tuna. Nuts and seeds, especially flaxseeds, are also high in healthy fats, which our body needs to create hormones!
Get more plant-based estrogen in your diet by having more legumes, berries and celery. Make phytoestrogenic and adaptogenic herbs part of your life!
Naturopathic doctors recommend Black Cohosh and Magnolia Bark because of their rich phytoestrogen content.
Oh, and don’t forget to have more probiotic-rich foods — such as kimchi, sauerkraut and kombucha. Great for the gut, nutrient absorption and overall midlife health!
2. Supplement!
DHEA supplements can help your body make more estrogen. They also restore your libido, boost energy and ease other menopause symptoms — including stress, mood swings and anxiety. What a treat!
Vitamin A, B vitamins and beta-carotene are also your besties for hormonal balance. They are rich in omega-3 and have antioxidant properties!
For your minerals? Consider taking magnesium and zinc — they both help build estrogen and progesterone!
Personally, I’ve been taking zinc and selenium, and wow, what a difference they’ve made! Zinc, especially, is a game changer; it’s known for giving testosterone a boost, which has definitely upped my sexual desire!
3. When you move, get “her” moving, too!
Regular exercise helps maintain blood flow to our Super V and promotes hormonal balance by stimulating the ovaries and adrenal glands!
Kegel and other pelvic exercises are especially great for menopausal women. They strengthen our vaginal walls, enhance sexual desire and build our lower core!
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist, Michelle Kenway, has a great video about pelvic floor exercises that you can give a try:
4. Minimize toxin exposure!
Good hygiene and comfortable clothing matter. Also, chemicals from underwear and products can dry out the intimate area! So, it’s best to stay away from commercial washing products — such as perfumed fabric powders and softeners.
Here are some more tips and hacks:
- Wash and rinse new underwear well.
- Avoid using feminine hygiene products.
- Be careful when shaving or waxing the intimate area — they can cause irritation and an increased risk of infection.
- When washing, plain water is enough!
- Avoid washing many times a day and wear underwear in natural fiber.
- Get rid of tight-fitting garments.
- Change clothes after working out!
⚡ Something’s off… and it’s not just in your head.
Brain fog. Mood swings. Low energy. Weight that won’t budge.
Been there. That’s why I put together this FREE GUIDE: “11 Secrets to Balance Your Hormones“. Want clarity, calm and real support — without overhauling your whole life?
This is for you.
5. Use natural moisturizers and lubricants!
Gain back the moisture and lubrication with natural oils!
One of the top faves out there is coconut oil, which is rich in healthy fats and nutrients. It also has antibacterial properties!
Emu oil is another — one that’s been used by native Australians for 40,000 years because of its anti-inflammatory, protective and healing wonders.
Other natural oils you can use as natural lubricants are jojoba oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, hemp seed oil, almond oil and vitamin E oil.
HRT & BHRT: Does Hormone Therapy Help Treat Vaginal Atrophy?
Hormone therapy (in the form of creams, gels, patches, rings and more) could be an option. Some doctors recommend low dose, local hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to bring back the natural thickness of the vaginal tissues!
Local estrogen comes in forms like vaginal creams, gels, patches and rings that deliver relief right where you need it. Depending on where you live in the world, many local estrogen products can be bought in at the pharmacy today. Progesterone creams are good options, too! But of course, it would be best to discuss this with your healthcare practitioner.
Many women start to feel a difference in just 3 to 6 weeks — how’s that for a quick turnaround? Just remember, the magic may fade away if you stop using it, so keep that in mind!
Now, if you’re curious about safety, local HRT is on the “nice list” because the hormones used don’t have to pass through your liver or kidneys.
Want to dive deeper? Check out my in-depth article where I break down the latest studies and expert opinions on HRT!
Non-Hormonal Options:
There are some fantastic non-hormonal options you can also consider!
First up, we have hyaluronic acid. This little gem is already known for its incredible moisture-boosting properties in skincare, but it works wonders for your intimate health, too! Available in various forms like gels and suppositories, hyaluronic acid can help retain moisture and keep things feeling comfy down there.
Then there’s the trend of vaginal lasers! Sounds futuristic, right? These treatments can stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate vaginal tissue to ease dryness and discomfort. MonaLisa Touch and FemiLift are, by far, the most well-known in the world of vaginal rejuvenation.
You Don’t Have to Accept It — You Deserve to Feel Amazing!
In midlife, with all the sorts of symptoms we go through, it’s easy to believe that we just have to live with them. But let me take this moment to give you a different narrative (for a change):
Your body is totally capable of feeling fantastic again — you just need the right support!
Take a moment to really check in with yourself. Think about what brings you joy or what makes you feel good! We are not just talking about sex or intimacy here; we’re talking about your overall desire to live each day vibrantly!
Whether it’s trying out new self-care routines, making time for some uplifting activities or exploring new healthy recipes, every step counts. There are endless possibilities waiting for you!
You hold the power to your own happiness and health. It’s time to embrace what makes you feel alive and amazing — let’s bring those vibrant feelings to life!
Interested to know about other symptoms? Go to our symptoms page!
Want to understand menopause a bit more? Start on our homepage!
Do you have the symptoms of vaginal atrophy? What did you do about the condition? Tips are appreciated – share in the comment box below ?
References:
dovepress.com/current-treatment-options-for-postmenopausal-vaginal-atrophy-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IJWH
clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03547089
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4071759/
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2800285/
nwhjournal.org/article/S1751-4851(15)30713-3/fulltext
health.clevelandclinic.org/what-can-i-use-instead-of-lube
👉 What to Do Next
Don’t go just yet — especially if you’ve been feeling off and no one’s given you real answers.
Go to the START HERE page.
It’s where things begin to feel clearer. No more second-guessing, no more sorting through conflicting advice. Just calm, honest support for where you are right now.
And if you haven’t yet, download the FREE GUIDE.
It’s quick, clear, and made to help you feel better — without having to turn your whole life upside down.
Gita is the founder of My Menopause Journey. Since 2014, she has been supporting midlife women by sharing hard-earned learnings from her own experience. To advance her knowledge, Gita puts a lot of her time and effort into understanding the broad spectrum of women’s health. She immerses in extensive research about the physical, mental and emotional aspects of menopause. Gita believes in the life-changing power of healthy, holistic living — this is where she anchors her message to all women. Learn more about her marvelous mission in About us - My Menopause Journey.
