Menopause And Intimate Health

Intimate Health in Menopausal Women

Key highlights or summary

  • Staying hydrated and using a vaginal moisturizer helps manage dryness.
  • Physical activity and a balanced diet can improve circulation and support hormonal health.
  • Opt for fragrance-free, pH-balanced hygiene products.
  • Consider vaginal estrogen therapy. Consult a healthcare provider to determine if hormone therapy can help alleviate symptoms.

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  2. Miller E.A., Beasley D.E., Dunn R.R., Archie E.A. Lactobacilli Dominance and Vaginal pH: Why Is the Human Vaginal Microbiome Unique? Front. Microbiol. 2016;7:1936. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01936.  
  3. Hummelen R., Macklaim J.M., Bisanz J.E., Hammond J.A., McMillan A., Vongsa R., Koenig D., Gloor G.B., Reid G. Vaginal microbiome and epithelial gene array in post-menopausal women with moderate to severe dryness. PLoS ONE. 2011;6:e26602. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026602.  
  4. Brotman R.M., Shardell M.D., Gajer P., Fadrosh D., Chang K., Silver M.I., Viscidi R.P., Burke A.E., Ravel J., Gravitt P.E. Association between the vaginal microbiota, menopause status, and signs of vulvovaginal atrophy. Menopause. 2014;21:450. doi: 10.1097/GME.0b013e3182a4690b.
  5. Edwards D., Panay N. Treating vulvovaginal atrophy/genitourinary syndrome of menopause: How important is vaginal lubricant and moisturizer composition? Review. Climacteric. 2016;19:151–161. doi: 10.3109/13697137.2015.1124259.

Frequently asked questions

Get the information you need.

Menopause is associated with hormonal changes, such as a decrease in estrogen. Decreased estrogen can lead to changes in vaginal tissue, including dryness and reduced elasticity.

Vaginal dryness is very common during menopause. Drinking water, using vaginal moisturizers, and consuming omega-3s can help manage this dryness.

Absolutely! Regular exercise boosts circulation, which benefits vaginal tissue health and pelvic muscle strength.

Hormone therapy tends to supplement the body with external estrogen, when the hormone level decreases during menopause. Vaginal estrogen therapy is a safe option for many women. Speak with your doctor to determine if it is right for you.

Yes, staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet with omega-3s and phytoestrogens supports tissue health. Therefore, it is important to have a healthy and balanced diet during menopause.

Some women find over-the-counter lubricants useful for vaginal dryness. They can help temporarily but would not provide the lasting benefits of a vaginal moisturizer or estrogen therapy.

You may experience change in vaginal odor during menopause. Opt for pH-balanced hygiene products, breathable fabrics, and maintain good hydration.

Avoid products with fragrances, dyes, or harsh chemicals, as they can disrupt your natural pH and cause irritation.